Selling coins online has become an easy and efficient way for collectors and sellers to get the most value for their coins. Whether you have a rare collection or individual coins you believe are worth more than their face value, finding the right platform can make all the difference. Below is a detailed comparison of the best places to sell coins online.
Comparison Table of Top Platforms to Sell Coins
| Platform | Overview | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| GreatCollections | Online auction house specializing in certified coins. | – Free listings for certified coins – Professional grading and imaging – Trusted by numismatic experts | – Limited to certified coins – Higher fees on high-value items |
| Coin World | Marketplace for coin collectors with news and trading opportunities. | – Easy to list and sell coins – Smaller marketplace with targeted buyers | – Smaller exposure compared to larger platforms – Seller fees apply |
| APMEX | Popular marketplace for precious metals like gold and silver coins. | – Fast, reliable payments – Trusted platform for precious metal transactions – No commission fees when selling directly | – Focused mainly on precious metals – Limited to gold, silver, and similar items |
| eBay | A large online marketplace for selling a variety of items, including coins. | – Massive exposure to millions of buyers – Control over pricing – No commission fees on certain sales | – High competition from other sellers – Requires strong marketing efforts for visibility |
| Heritage Auctions | Well-established auction platform with a focus on rare and high-value coins. | – Highly trusted and established auction house – Wide audience of collectors – Expert evaluation | – High fees for both buyers and sellers – In-house shipping fees can be expensive |
| Stack’s Bowers | Leading rare coin auctioneer known for high-value transactions. | – Handles high-value coins – Expert marketing and exposure – Offers direct coin sales | – Focused on high-value items, may not be ideal for everyday collectors – High seller fees |
| David Lawrence | Boutique auction firm specializing in rare and certified coins. | – No hidden fees – Fast payments after sales – Multiple selling options | – Smaller audience compared to large auction houses – Limited to certified coins |
| USA Coin Book | A large numismatic website offering low fees for listing coins. | – Zero listing fees – Low final value fee of 2% – User-friendly platform | – Small platform compared to auction houses – Limited exposure to ultra-wealthy buyers |
| Goldberg Coins | Boutique auction house specializing in high-end, rare coins. | – Personalized treatment for high-value coins – Direct offers and appraisals – Lower commission rates | – Focused on high-value items (coins worth $50,000+) – Limited auction schedule |
Detailed Platform Breakdown
| Platform | Type | Ideal For | Fee Structure | Payment Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GreatCollections | Online Auction | Sellers of certified rare coins | Commission-based, free listings | 1-2 weeks after auction |
| Coin World | Marketplace | Quick, easy sales for various coins | Small listing fees and commission | Variable |
| APMEX | Precious Metal Exchange | Sellers of gold and silver coins | No fees for direct sales | Same day to 2 days |
| eBay | Online Marketplace | All coin types | Listing and final value fees | 2-5 days after auction |
| Heritage Auctions | Online Auction | Rare, high-value coin collectors | High seller fees and commission | 2-3 weeks after auction |
| Stack’s Bowers | Online Auction | High-value coin sellers | High fees, marketing included | 3-4 weeks after auction |
| David Lawrence | Online Auction | Certified coin sellers | No seller fees, commission-based | 1-2 weeks after auction |
| USA Coin Book | Marketplace | Low-fee coin listing | 2% commission after sale | 1-2 weeks after sale |
| Goldberg Coins | Boutique Auction | High-value coin sellers | Low commission rates, no intermediaries | 2-3 weeks after sale |
Key Takeaways
- Best for Certified Coins: GreatCollections and David Lawrence are great for certified, high-value coins.
- Best for Precious Metals: APMEX is the go-to for selling gold, silver, and other precious metal coins.
- Best Exposure: eBay offers unmatched visibility but requires additional marketing effort due to high competition.
- Best for High-Value Coins: Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, and Goldberg Coins are ideal for rare, expensive collections.
Regardless of where you decide to sell your coins, always ensure they are properly appraised and graded to maximize their value. Each platform has unique advantages depending on the type and value of your collection, so choose the one that best aligns with your goals.