How to Sell Coins Online, the Safe Way
Selling coins online is simpler than most people expect. You do not need to know what every coin is worth, you do not need to get anything graded, and you never have to ship coins to a stranger on a promise. What you do need is a little preparation, a buyer you can check out before you send anything, and a written offer in hand before your coins leave the house.
This guide walks you through how to sell coins online in seven steps, from sorting what you have to getting paid. Each step links to a more detailed guide if you want to go deeper, whether you have a few old coins, a coin collection, gold coins or an inherited estate.
Before You Contact a Buyer
Step 1: Know What You Have
You do not have to be an expert, but a rough idea of what you have helps you choose the right buyer and spot a low offer. Start by sorting your coins into a few simple groups:
- Gold coins, which are valued for both their gold content and their rarity. See how to sell gold coins.
- Silver dollars such as Morgan and Peace dollars. See how to sell silver dollars.
- 90% silver coins, meaning U.S. dimes, quarters and half dollars dated 1964 and earlier. Read what to avoid when selling 90% silver coins.
- Proof and mint sets in their original government packaging. See how to sell proof and mint sets.
- Certified coins in PCGS, NGC or ANACS holders. Learn how we buy PCGS, NGC and ANACS coins.
- Paper money, from old silver certificates to large-size notes. See how to sell paper currency.
- Everything else: foreign coins, tokens, rolls, folders and albums. Keep them together for now.
Do not throw anything away or set aside coins that look ordinary. Common-looking coins can carry key dates or mint marks, and an experienced buyer will check them for you.
Step 2: Leave Your Coins as They Are
The fastest way to lose value is to try to improve a coin. Never clean, polish or wipe coins, even if they look dark or dirty. Cleaning leaves fine scratches that collectors and grading services spot immediately, and it can cut a coin’s value sharply. It is one of the mistakes to avoid when selling rare coins.
Leave certified coins sealed in their PCGS, NGC or ANACS holders, keep proof and mint sets in their original packaging, and leave rolls, folders and albums intact. Hold loose coins by the edges. Our top 10 tips for selling your coin collection covers more ways to protect value before you sell.
Step 3: Take Photos and Make a Simple List
Online buyers appraise from photos and lists, so a little care here pays off. Use your phone in good daylight, without flash, on a plain background. Photograph both sides of any coin that looks old, gold, silver or unusual, and take group photos of rolls, folders and sets.
Then write a simple list: what each item or group is, how many there are, and any dates or labels you can read. For certified coins, include the certification number printed on the holder. A list and a few photos are often enough for a free online coin appraisal, and for a large coin collection they help us decide whether to meet you in person.
Choosing Where to Sell Coins Online
Step 4: Choose the Right Kind of Online Buyer
There are two main ways to sell coins online. You can list them yourself on a marketplace or auction site, or you can sell directly to an established coin buyer that makes you an offer. Listing yourself can work for a seller who knows coins and has time to manage it, but each coin becomes its own listing, its own shipment and its own buyer.
For most collections, inherited coins and bullion, a direct sale to an experienced buyer is faster, simpler and safer. Our guides to the best place to sell coins online and the best place to sell rare coins compare the options in more detail. If you would rather sell locally, see where to sell coins near me.
| Marketplace or auction site | Direct sale to an established buyer | |
|---|---|---|
| Who does the work | You research, photograph, describe and list every coin | The buyer identifies, grades and values the coins |
| Price | Unknown until the listing ends, and it may sell below value | A written offer before anything ships |
| Fees | Listing, selling and payment fees reduce what you keep | No listing or selling fees |
| Shipping | You ship to each buyer and handle any claims | One insured shipment, or an in-person meeting |
| Payment | Depends on the buyer and the platform | Paid immediately once you accept |
| Whole collections | Common coins often go unsold | The whole collection can be bought at once |
How to Vet an Online Coin Buyer
Before you send coins to anyone you found online, check a few things. A legitimate buyer will pass all of them without hesitation. Our article on how to find the best rare coin dealer goes further.
- A real company name, history and people you can reach
- Independent reviews, such as Google and the BBB
- Industry credentials, such as ANA membership
- Authorized dealer status with PCGS, NGC or ANACS
- A written offer before you ship anything
- Shipping that the buyer insures
- Clear payment terms and timing
- No pressure to decide on the spot
For comparison, American Rarities was founded in 1990. We hold a 4.7-star Google rating and an A+ rating with the BBB, we are ANA Life Members, and we are an authorized PCGS, NGC and ANACS dealer.
Getting an Offer and Sending Your Coins
Step 5: Get a Free Appraisal and a Written Offer
Send your photos and list to the buyer you have chosen. With American Rarities, you can text photos to 720-600-4740, email them to staff@americanrarities.com or use the form below. Appraisals are usually done within 24 hours.
Ask for an itemized written offer, so you can see how each coin or group was valued, including its grade. A good offer is free and comes with no obligation to sell. If you are not sure, take your time and compare. Our free online coin appraisal page explains what we look at, and sell coins online for cash covers how a cash sale works.
Step 6: Ship Fully Insured or Meet in Person
Only ship once you have accepted an offer you are happy with. When you sell to us, mail-in shipments are fully insured at our expense, and we send you shipping instructions first. Pack coins in their holders, double box them with nothing loose, and keep the outside of the box plain. Our guide on how to safely ship a coin collection for an appraisal walks through packing, carriers and insurance.
Do not want to mail your coins? For larger collections, we can meet you in person, including at your bank. See how we buy large coin collections.
Getting Paid
Step 7: Get Paid Immediately
When your coins arrive, we check every item against your list. Once you accept our offer, we pay you immediately by cash, check, ACH or wire, whichever you prefer. If you decide not to sell, we return your items fully insured.
Keep a copy of your list, your written offer and your payment record together. If you are settling an estate, those papers help the executor and the estate’s tax advisor.
Selling a Special Collection
Some situations call for a few extra steps. These guides cover the most common ones:
- A whole collection: how to sell a coin collection and the best place to sell a coin collection.
- Inherited coins: how to sell inherited coins and what to do with old coins found in an estate.
- Downsizing or clearing a home: coins found while downsizing: what to do first.
- Proof and mint sets: how to sell proof and mint sets.
- Paper money: how to sell paper currency.
- Any collection: our top 10 tips for selling your coin collection.
Ready to Sell Your Coins Online?
Whether you have a few coins or a lifetime collection, selling to American Rarities takes four steps.
Send Photos and/or a List
Text or email photos of your coins, or send us a list using the form below.
Free Appraisal and Written Offer
Appraisals are usually done within 24 hours, with no obligation to sell.
Ship Fully Insured
Mail-in shipments are fully insured at our expense. For larger collections, we can meet in person.
Get Paid
Accept our offer and we pay you immediately by cash, check, ACH or wire.
Founded in 1990, American Rarities has purchased over $400 million in rare coins, bullion and collectibles. We hold a 4.7-star Google rating and an A+ rating with the BBB, we are ANA Life Members, and we are an authorized PCGS, NGC and ANACS dealer.
More guides for sellers: how to sell a coin collection, top 10 tips for selling your coin collection, how to safely ship a coin collection, how to sell gold coins, how to sell silver dollars, how to sell inherited coins and mistakes to avoid when selling rare coins.
You can also call 800-622-5680. Calls go to our answering service, so leave a message and we will call you back. Or visit our contact a rare coin buyer page.
How to Sell Coins Online: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest way to sell coins online?
Sell to an established buyer you can verify, get a written offer before you ship anything, and only ship with insurance the buyer pays for. Check the buyer’s company history, Google reviews, BBB rating and industry credentials first.
Do I need to get my coins graded before I sell them online?
No. An experienced buyer can grade and value raw coins from photos and in hand, so you do not need to pay for grading first. If your coins are already in PCGS, NGC or ANACS holders, leave them sealed and include the certification numbers on your list.
How long does an online coin appraisal take?
With American Rarities, appraisals are usually done within 24 hours after we receive your photos or list. The appraisal is free, and there is no obligation to sell.
Is it better to sell coins on a marketplace or to a dealer?
A marketplace or auction site can work for a seller who knows coins and has time to list, ship and handle each sale. For most collections, a direct sale to an established dealer is faster and simpler: you get one written offer, one insured shipment and one payment.
Should I clean my coins before selling them?
No. Cleaning leaves fine scratches that collectors and grading services spot, and it can sharply reduce a coin’s value. Sell coins as they are.
How do I get paid when I sell coins online?
When you accept our offer, we pay you immediately by cash, check, ACH or wire, whichever you prefer. If you decide not to sell, we return your items fully insured.
Is it safe to mail coins to an online buyer?
Yes, when the buyer insures the shipment and you pack it correctly. Mail-in shipments to American Rarities are fully insured at our expense, and we send shipping instructions first. For larger collections, we can meet you in person instead.
Get Your Free Coin Appraisal
Email, Text, or Use This Form To Send Us Your Inventory List or Pictures
Email: staff@americanrarities.com | Text: 720-600-4740
