Where to Sell Rare Coins For a Great Price

19th February 2021 – Daniel Ives
Canada Maple Leaf one ounce gold coin

Whether you’ve inherited a collection, found an old coin in the loft, or simply want to understand the value of what you own, knowing where to sell rare coins can make a significant difference in the price you’re offered. Coins can carry historical, numismatic, and precious metal value, and understanding the right way to sell them ensures you’re not underselling or being misled.

Below, we’ll explore the different types of rare coins, where you can sell them, how to spot a reputable buyer, and what to consider to ensure you’re getting a fair price.


Types of Rare Coins

Whether you’re looking to sell rare coins or simply determine if your collection has any worth, it helps to first identify what type of coin you’re dealing with. Rare coins come in many forms, each with its own appeal to collectors or buyers:

  • Historical Coins: These include coins from ancient civilisations or early British coinage, such as Roman coins or hammered Tudor coins. Their value often lies in age, rarity, and condition.
  • Commemorative Coins: Issued to mark specific events or anniversaries, they’re often made in limited numbers and can become desirable over time.
  • Error Coins: Coins with minting errors are highly collectable due to their uniqueness.
  • Gold and Silver Coins: Popular among both collectors and investors, precious metal content gives these coins an intrinsic value, regardless of age or rarity.
  • Foreign Currency: Depending on their origin, age, and rarity, coins from outside the UK may also be of interest to specialists.

Different Ways to Sell

If you’re wondering where can I sell my coins, you have several options:

  • Auction Houses: These can be suitable for very high-value or unique items, but bear in mind you’ll pay seller fees and won’t always be guaranteed a sale.
  • Coin Dealers: Many dealers specialise in rare and antique coins. While some may offer fair prices, it is good to do your research beforehand.
  • Online Marketplaces: Sites like eBay or specialist coin-selling platforms can work well for experienced sellers. However, they come with risks, including non-payment, fraud, or under-pricing items due to a lack of expert guidance.
  • Private Buyers: Private buying services, like ours, provide in-person valuations and some offer immediate payment. It is a simple way to sell your antique coins without extra fees or commissions being deducted from your offer. 
  • Coin Shows and Fairs: These can be great for networking with knowledgeable buyers, but require time and travel, usually making them best for people with more of an interest in coins.

Things to Look Out for in a Reputable Buyer

When choosing where to sell old coins, the credibility of the buyer plays a critical role in ensuring a secure and fair transaction. A reputable buyer will always offer a clear and honest explanation of how your coins are valued. They should be able to assess not only the intrinsic metal content but also the historical and collectable significance of the item.

Transparency is key; there should be no hidden costs or unexpected deductions from the price you’re offered. A trustworthy service will never charge for valuations and should provide a no-obligation quote without any pressure to sell. Another hallmark of a reliable buyer is their willingness to offer immediate payment. This reflects both confidence in their own valuation and a commitment to customer service. 

Experience matters too. Established old coin buyers with years in the trade will bring a depth of knowledge that ensures your coins are fairly assessed.

How to Know If It’s a Good Price

Knowing whether you’re being offered a fair price for your rare coins can be difficult, especially if you’re not familiar with the current market. One of the best ways to build confidence in the value is by comparing a few different offers. This doesn’t just help you gauge the going rate; it can also highlight whether a particular buyer is significantly undervaluing your item.

It’s important to recognise that retail prices you see online aren’t always a good indicator of what you’ll receive. These are often marked up and do not reflect actual trade values. What matters more is the true market value, which takes into account condition, rarity, provenance, and demand among collectors.

A knowledgeable buyer will explain how these elements influence your coin’s worth and should reference current market trends when making an offer. If you have gold or silver coins, the spot price of the metal may also come into play, though it shouldn’t be the only factor. Selling to a buyer who is well-connected, experienced, and transparent in their valuation process is the best way to ensure you’re receiving a competitive and honest price.

Selling Your Old Coins to Burlingtons Ltd.

Selling your old coins to us offers a straightforward, secure, and rewarding experience. Our private buying service eliminates the stress of auctions and the uncertainty of online marketplaces. With over 20 years of expertise, we provide honest, professional valuations in the comfort of your own home – always free and with no obligation. There are no hidden fees, and we offer immediate payment for accepted offers. Whether you’re selling a single coin or an entire collection, our personalised approach ensures you receive fair market value with complete discretion and ease.

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FAQs

Can I come to you for our valuation?

No. We work strictly by appointment only from our London-based offices. We must arrange all contact in advance and we operate throughout the UK.