Gold Coin Dealer: Buy and Sell Rare, Certified and Bullion Gold Coins

Gold coin dealer lineup of U.S. gold coins: 1909 Indian quarter eagle, 1908 Indian half eagle, 1899 Liberty double eagle, 1908 Saint-Gaudens double eagle, 2013 proof American Gold Eagle and 1902 Liberty eagle

A gold coin dealer is a specialist who buys and sells gold coins, from rare U.S. gold such as Saint-Gaudens and Liberty Head double eagles to modern bullion coins like American Gold Eagles. Unlike a general buyer who pays only for the gold’s weight, a knowledgeable gold coin dealer knows when a coin’s date, mint mark, grade or certification makes it worth far more than its melt value.

American Rarities has been a gold coin dealer since 1990. In more than 30 years we have purchased over $400 million in coins and collectibles. We are ANA Life Members, hold an A+ rating with the BBB, are a PCGS and NGC authorized dealer and an ANACS submission center, and have a 4.7-star Google rating. This guide explains the difference between rare and bullion gold, what certified gold coins are, how to choose a gold coin dealer, and how to sell your gold coins to us.

How to Choose a Gold Coin Dealer

Gold coins are valuable and easy to counterfeit, so it pays to check a dealer before you sell. Look for:

Track record: how long the dealer has been buying and selling gold coins. American Rarities was founded in 1990 and has more than three decades of experience with rare coins and bullion.
Reputation and memberships: a life membership in the American Numismatic Association and an A+ BBB rating show a dealer stands behind its offers.
Grading credentials: a PCGS and NGC authorized dealer can submit your coins for certification. We also offer free in-house grading without encapsulation.
Authentication tools: we test gold with XRF metal analysis and digital microscopy, so genuine coins get full value and fakes are caught. See our guide to counterfeit and altered coins.
Clear, written offers: a reputable dealer explains how a coin was valued and lets you decide with no pressure. Our appraisals are free and carry no obligation to sell.

For more on vetting a buyer, read how to find the best rare coin dealer. If you prefer to meet in person, we also offer home visits for larger collections, and our nationwide buying network can provide in-person appraisals and offers to purchase.

Rare (Numismatic) Gold vs. Bullion Gold

A gold coin dealer looks at two kinds of value. Bullion value is the worth of the gold itself, which moves with the spot price of gold. Modern coins such as the American Gold Eagle usually trade close to this value.

Numismatic value is what collectors will pay above melt for scarcity, history and condition. Classic U.S. gold struck before 1933, such as the Saint-Gaudens and Liberty Head double eagles, Indian Head eagles and half eagles, and early gold dollars and quarter eagles, can be worth well over their gold content in high grades or rare dates. Selling a rare coin as scrap gold is one of the most costly mistakes a seller can make, which is why an expert appraisal matters.

We buy both. For bars, rounds and common bullion coins, see how we buy gold and silver bullion. We also buy world gold and world rare coins.

Certified Gold Coins (PCGS and NGC)

A certified gold coin has been authenticated and graded by a third-party grading service, then sealed in a tamper-evident plastic holder, often called a slab. The label shows the coin’s date, denomination and a grade on the 1 to 70 Sheldon grading scale, such as MS64 for a choice uncirculated coin. Wikipedia’s coin grading article explains how grades are assigned.

Certification makes a gold coin easier to sell because buyers can trust its authenticity and grade. As a PCGS and NGC authorized dealer, American Rarities buys certified gold coins in every grade, and if your coins are raw (not certified) we can tell you whether grading is worth it and submit them to PCGS or NGC for you.

How to Sell Your Gold Coins to Our Gold Coin Dealers

Selling gold coins to American Rarities is simple:

Send photos and a list. Email staff@americanrarities.com, text 720-600-4740, or upload pictures with the free appraisal form below.
Get a written offer. One of our gold coin dealers will review your coins and send a free appraisal and offer, usually within 24 hours, though larger collections may take longer. If so, we’ll let you know. Our appraisals are IRS-approved and carry no obligation to sell. For larger collections we can visit your home or business.
Ship safely. If you accept, we send fully insured mail-in instructions with no deductible. We offer free or discounted shipping on selected collections.
Get paid immediately. Once your coins arrive and are verified, we pay right away by company check, wire or ACH.

We buy entire collections without cherry-picking. For exceptional rarities we can also help you sell at auction through our auction partnerships and preferential auction fees.

Explore Our Expertise & Resources

Want a local buyer? See our gold coin and bullion buyers near me.
Selling both gold and silver? Learn about our gold and silver dealers.
Selling bullion? Read about selling gold and silver bullion.
Is your gold coin real? Our guide to counterfeit coins shows the warning signs.
Why do our buyers pay more? Read why collectors choose American Rarities.
Not sure what you have? Start with a free online coin appraisal.

Always Paying More For Your Gold Coins

Hands in white shirt sleeves holding cash between a $3 Indian Princess, a gold dollar, an Indian Head eagle, a Gold Buffalo, an 1808 Capped Bust quarter eagle and an 1879 $4 Stella, showing a gold coin dealer paying for gold coins

Gold Coin Dealer: Quick Answers

What does a gold coin dealer do?

A gold coin dealer buys and sells gold coins, from rare U.S. gold to modern bullion, and values each coin for both its gold content and its collector value. A specialist knows when a coin’s date, mint mark, grade or certification makes it worth far more than melt, and can spot counterfeits, which are common among gold coins.

Are my gold coins worth more than melt value?

Many are. Common bullion coins sell near spot, but U.S. gold made before 1933, scarce dates, branch-mint coins such as Carson City and Dahlonega, and high grades can bring a premium. Even common-date Saint-Gaudens and Liberty Head double eagles usually sell for somewhat more than their gold content because collectors want them.

What is the difference between rare gold and bullion gold?

Bullion gold, such as American Gold Eagles, Buffalos and gold bars, is valued by its weight, purity and the spot price. Rare gold, mostly U.S. coins made before 1933, is valued by its date, mint mark, condition and rarity as well, which can put it far above melt. Some coins fall in between, such as common-date pre-1933 gold that trades at a modest premium.

How do I choose a gold coin dealer?

Look for verifiable credentials, such as PCGS and NGC authorized dealer status, ANA membership and a strong BBB rating, plus a long track record and real reviews. A good dealer tests gold coins for authenticity, explains how an offer was reached and pays promptly. Get written, itemized offers so you can compare dealers fairly.

Do you buy certified PCGS and NGC gold coins?

Yes. As a PCGS and NGC authorized dealer, we buy certified gold coins in every grade, as well as raw gold coins, which we test with XRF analysis and digital microscopy. For certified coins, a photo of the holder label with its certification number lets us confirm the coin and grade quickly.