Selling coins online has never been easier thanks to a variety of platforms catering to collectors, investors, and casual sellers. Whether you have rare coins, bullion, or a full collection, knowing where to sell can help you get the best price and a smooth transaction. This guide covers the top 12 places to sell coins online, their features, and how to maximize your returns.
Top 12 Places to Sell Coins Online
Below are the most reputable platforms for selling coins online, each with unique advantages and specialties.
1. eBay
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Overview: eBay is a popular global marketplace with millions of active buyers.
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Pros: Wide audience, flexible pricing, and auction or buy-it-now options.
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Cons: Fees can be high, and competition is intense.
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Best For: Sellers looking for maximum exposure and control over pricing.
2. GreatCollections
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Overview: Specializes in certified coins, from affordable to high-value collectibles.
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Pros: Official auctioneer for the American Numismatic Association, trusted and transparent.
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Cons: Focuses mainly on certified coins.
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Best For: Sellers with certified or graded coins.
3. Coin World
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Overview: A respected resource for coin collectors with a marketplace for buying and selling.
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Pros: Easy to list, good visibility for rare coins.
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Cons: Smaller marketplace compared to eBay.
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Best For: Collectors who want to reach a knowledgeable audience.
4. APMEX (American Precious Metals Exchange)
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Overview: Major precious metals dealer with a strong reputation.
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Pros: Fast payments, secure transactions, and large buyer network.
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Cons: Primarily focused on gold and silver coins.
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Best For: Sellers of gold, silver, or bullion coins.
5. Heritage Auctions
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Overview: One of the largest and most trusted auction houses for collectibles.
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Pros: High-end buyers, professional grading, and strong marketing.
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Cons: High-value coins preferred.
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Best For: Sellers with rare or high-value coins.
6. Stack’s Bowers Galleries
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Overview: Well-known auction house specializing in rare coins and currency.
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Pros: Expert appraisals, global reach, and strong reputation.
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Cons: Focus on premium collectibles.
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Best For: Rare and collectible coins.
7. David Lawrence Rare Coins
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Overview: Boutique auction firm with a focus on certified coins.
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Pros: No hidden fees, quick payments, and free marketing.
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Cons: Smaller audience compared to larger auction houses.
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Best For: Sellers who want a personal touch.
8. USA Coin Book
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Overview: Online marketplace for coin sellers and collectors.
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Pros: Low fees, free listings, and easy to use.
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Cons: Not as large as eBay.
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Best For: Sellers who want to avoid high fees.
9. Goldberg Coins
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Overview: Boutique auction house specializing in high-value collections.
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Pros: Personalized service, expert grading, and cash advances.
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Cons: Focus on high-end coins.
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Best For: Sellers with valuable or rare collections.
10. Coinfully
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Overview: Online coin buying service with free appraisals.
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Pros: No-pressure sales, fast payouts, and transparent process.
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Cons: Not an auction platform.
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Best For: Sellers who want a quick and easy sale.
11. Reddit (r/coins, r/coinsales, r/PMSforsale)
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Overview: Community-driven platforms for buying and selling coins.
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Pros: Low or no fees, direct buyer-seller interaction.
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Cons: Requires trust and caution.
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Best For: Experienced sellers comfortable with peer-to-peer transactions.
12. Freewebstore
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Overview: Create your own online store to sell coins.
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Pros: No setup fees, customizable, and full control over inventory.
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Cons: Requires marketing effort.
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Best For: Sellers who want to build their own brand.
How to Choose the Best Platform
Consider Your Coin’s Value
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High-value coins: Auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers.
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Certified coins: GreatCollections or David Lawrence Rare Coins.
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Bullion or precious metals: APMEX or Coinfully.
Evaluate Fees and Payouts
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Auction houses: May charge commissions but offer higher prices for rare coins.
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Marketplaces: eBay and USA Coin Book have listing and final value fees.
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Direct buyers: Coinfully and APMEX offer fast payouts but may not maximize value for rare collectibles.
Assess Your Comfort with Technology
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Easy-to-use platforms: eBay, Coin World, USA Coin Book.
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Customizable stores: Freewebstore for sellers wanting full control.
Tips for Selling Coins Online
Get Your Coins Appraised
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Professional grading: Increases buyer confidence and value.
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Free appraisals: Available from Coinfully, Coin World, and David Lawrence Rare Coins.
Take High-Quality Photos
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Show details: Clear, well-lit images from multiple angles.
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Highlight authenticity: Include certification or grading labels.
Write Detailed Descriptions
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Include key details: Year, mint, condition, and any unique features.
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Be honest about flaws: Builds trust with buyers.
Set a Fair Price
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Research recent sales: Use platforms like eBay or USA Coin Book to compare prices.
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Consider auction vs. fixed price: Auctions can drive up prices for rare coins, while fixed prices offer certainty.
Ship Securely
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Use insured shipping: Protect your coins during transit.
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Provide tracking: Keeps both buyer and seller informed.
Comparison Table: Top Coin Selling Platforms
Platform | Best For | Fees | Payout Speed | Appraisal Offered |
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eBay | All types | Listing + FVF | Fast | No |
GreatCollections | Certified coins | Commission | After auction | Yes |
Coin World | Rare coins | Listing | After sale | Yes |
APMEX | Bullion, precious | None | Fast | Yes |
Heritage Auctions | High-value coins | Commission | After auction | Yes |
Stack’s Bowers | Rare coins | Commission | After auction | Yes |
David Lawrence | Certified coins | None | Fast | Yes |
USA Coin Book | All types | Low FVF | After sale | No |
Goldberg Coins | High-end collections | Commission | Fast | Yes |
Coinfully | Bullion, rare coins | None | Fast | Yes |
Peer-to-peer | None | Varies | No | |
Freewebstore | Custom stores | None | After sale | No |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I know if my coin is valuable?
Get a free appraisal from a reputable platform like Coinfully, Coin World, or David Lawrence Rare Coins to understand its market value.
2. What’s the safest way to sell coins online?
Use trusted platforms with secure payment and shipping options, and always insure your shipments.
3. Can I sell coins without paying fees?
Yes, platforms like Freewebstore and Reddit allow you to sell coins with no or minimal fees.
Selling coins online offers flexibility, access to global buyers, and the potential for higher returns than local shops. By choosing the right platform, getting your coins appraised, and following best practices for listing and shipping, you can maximize your profits and enjoy a smooth selling experience. Whether you’re a casual seller or a serious collector, these top 12 platforms provide everything you need to sell coins online with confidence.