Sitting on a collection of old coins and wondering about their worth? You're not alone. The UK has a rich numismatic history, and many people discover valuable coins tucked away in attics or passed down through generations. The biggest question is often not 'what are they worth?' but 'where to sell old coins UK for the best price?'. The process can seem daunting, with options ranging from specialist auction houses to convenient online marketplaces.
This guide is designed to demystify that process entirely. We will explore the most reputable and effective avenues available, providing the insights needed to navigate the market with confidence. Whether you possess a single rare sovereign, a jar of pre-decimal silver, or a curated collection, understanding your options is the first step toward unlocking its true value and maximising your return.
This detailed roadmap cuts straight to the chase. For each platform, from Cavalier Coins to eBay UK and specialist auctioneers like Noonans Mayfair, we provide direct links, actionable pros and cons, and clear guidance. Our goal is simple: to help you choose the right venue based on your specific coins, your timeline, and your goals, ensuring you make an informed and profitable decision.
1. Cavalier Coins Ltd
Cavalier Coins Ltd presents itself as a robust and dynamic platform, making it a standout choice for anyone wondering where to sell old coins in the UK. It expertly bridges the gap between traditional coin dealing and modern e-commerce, catering to a diverse audience ranging from seasoned numismatists to charities looking to monetise donations. Its dual-approach model, combining direct sales with high-energy eBay auctions, provides sellers with flexible and strategic avenues to reach a motivated community of buyers.
This platform isn't just a marketplace; it's a meticulously organised ecosystem. Cavalier Coins actively cultivates a vibrant community through its social media presence and dedicated customer service, ensuring sellers' items get the visibility they deserve. For those with large collections or seeking to offload bulk currency, the company offers personalised pricing and direct purchase options, simplifying the process for resellers and non-profits.
Key Strengths and Seller Advantages
What sets Cavalier Coins apart is its strategic blend of accessibility and specialisation. While many dealers focus on either high-end rarities or common bulk coins, Cavalier successfully covers the entire spectrum.
- Dual-Selling Model: You can leverage both fixed-price listings for predictable sales and weekly eBay auctions to create competitive tension around rare or highly sought-after pieces. This allows you to tailor your selling strategy based on the specific coin's value and desirability.
- Targeted Audience Reach: The platform attracts a wide array of buyers, from those looking for affordable vintage UK pennies to serious collectors hunting for thematic sets like half crowns or commemorative Euros. This diverse interest ensures a potential buyer for almost any type of coin.
- Bulk Purchase Programme: A significant advantage for those with substantial collections. Charities, resellers, or individuals who have inherited large quantities of coins can engage directly for a streamlined, discounted sale, avoiding the hassle of listing hundreds of individual items.
- Community Engagement: Cavalier's active social media and responsive customer service create a trusted environment. This engagement builds a loyal following of potential buyers who are actively watching for new listings and auction items.
Expert Tip: To maximise your success on a platform like this, analyse their current listings and auctions. If you have a particularly rare coin, their weekly auction could generate a higher final price due to bidder competition. For more common coins, leveraging their bulk purchase offers might be more efficient.
For those new to the process, Cavalier Coins also provides valuable educational resources. You can explore their detailed guide on how to sell old coins to better understand market practices and prepare your collection for sale. This commitment to educating sellers underscores their position as a comprehensive partner in the numismatic marketplace.
| Feature Analysis | Practical Benefit for Sellers |
|---|---|
| Weekly eBay Auctions | Creates scarcity and urgency, potentially driving up prices for unique items. |
| Bulk Buying Options | Provides an efficient, one-time solution for selling large, lower-value collections. |
| Active Social Media | Increases visibility for your listings among an engaged community of collectors. |
| Diverse Inventory Focus | Ensures a market for a wide range of coins, not just high-grade rarities. |
Potential Considerations
While a formidable option, prospective sellers should note a couple of points. The platform is primarily UK-centric, so those outside the UK might encounter different service levels or shipping complexities. Additionally, while the focus is on quality and value, sellers with exceptionally high-value, professionally graded slabbed coins might seek platforms that exclusively deal in certified numismatics, as explicit information on grading services is not a primary feature.
Website: https://www.cavaliercoins.com
2. eBay UK
For those wondering where to sell old coins UK with maximum exposure, eBay UK is a global marketplace that puts your collection in front of millions of potential buyers. Unlike dealing with a single dealer, eBay allows you to create your own listings and sell directly to other collectors, enthusiasts, and even dealers sourcing inventory. This direct-to-market approach can be particularly effective for common date coins or modern commemoratives that may not attract significant interest from specialist auction houses.
The platform’s key strength lies in its dual listing format. You can set a fixed price using the "Buy It Now" option or create an auction-style listing. The auction format can generate competitive bidding, potentially driving the final price higher than you might achieve elsewhere, especially for popular or rare items that capture the community’s attention.
Getting Started on eBay UK
Selling on eBay requires a hands-on approach. You are responsible for every step, from photographing your coins accurately to writing compelling descriptions, setting prices, and managing shipping.
- Photography is Crucial: High-resolution, well-lit photographs of both the obverse and reverse are non-negotiable. Capture any unique features, mint marks, or flaws clearly, as buyers rely heavily on visual evidence to assess a coin's grade and authenticity.
- Detailed Descriptions: Your title and description should include the coin's denomination, year, monarch, and condition. Use keywords that collectors are likely to search for. Honesty is paramount; always disclose any damage, cleaning, or imperfections.
- Understanding Fees: eBay charges an insertion fee for listing your item (though you often get a monthly allowance of free listings) and a final value fee, which is a percentage of the total sale amount, including postage. These fees will impact your net profit, so it's vital to factor them into your pricing strategy.
Pro Tip: Start with a low auction price, such as £0.99, to attract initial bids and get your listing noticed by more potential buyers. This strategy often creates bidding momentum that can lead to a higher final sale price.
Pros and Cons of Selling on eBay
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Vast Audience: Access to a global pool of collectors. | Significant Fees: Listing and final value fees can be high. |
| Price Potential: Competitive bidding can increase sale prices. | High Effort: Requires you to manage the entire sales process. |
| Flexibility: You control the listing format, duration, and price. | Risk of Issues: Potential for non-paying bidders or disputes. |
Ultimately, eBay UK offers unparalleled reach for sellers. While it demands more effort than selling to a dealer, the potential rewards and control over the sale make it a top choice. For a deeper dive into optimising your listings, you can learn more about mastering the art of selling coins on eBay to maximise your returns.
3. Noonans Mayfair
For sellers with potentially high-value or rare collections, a specialist auction house like Noonans Mayfair is an outstanding answer to the question of where to sell old coins UK. Based in London, Noonans is a world-renowned name in numismatics, conducting prestigious auctions that attract serious collectors, investors, and institutions from across the globe. This route is ideal for consigning entire collections, significant individual coins, or historical medals that deserve expert attention and a targeted, high-end marketplace.
Unlike the direct-to-consumer model of online marketplaces, Noonans provides a fully managed service. Their team of specialists handles everything from professional valuation and authentication to cataloguing, marketing, and managing the auction itself. This professional handling ensures your items are presented in the best possible light to a motivated audience, often leading to sale prices that reflect their true market value.
Getting Started with Noonans Mayfair
The process of selling through a traditional auction house is more formal and requires placing your trust in their expertise. It is a hands-off approach compared to listing items yourself.
- Initial Valuation: The first step is to contact Noonans for a valuation. You can often do this by submitting high-quality photographs and descriptions of your coins through their website. For larger or more significant collections, they may arrange a direct consultation.
- Consignment Agreement: If your items are suitable for auction, you will enter into a consignment agreement. This document outlines the terms, including the seller's commission (a percentage of the final hammer price) and any other charges, such as for photography or insurance.
- The Auction Process: Your coins will be included in a forthcoming, expertly curated catalogue and promoted to Noonans' extensive network. You can then follow the live auction online or in person to see your items sold.
Pro Tip: When submitting items for valuation, provide as much provenance as possible. Information about how and when you acquired the coin, along with any previous ownership history or certification, can significantly enhance its appeal and value to discerning collectors.
Pros and Cons of Selling with Noonans
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Expert Handling: Professional valuation, authentication, and marketing. | Seller's Commission: Fees will be deducted from the final sale price. |
| Access to Top Buyers: Reaches a global network of serious collectors. | Longer Timescale: The process from consignment to payment can take several months. |
| High Sale Potential: Targeted auctions can achieve record prices. | Not for Low-Value Items: Best suited for rare or high-grade coins. |
Ultimately, Noonans Mayfair represents the premier choice for selling important numismatic items where maximising value through expert channels is the primary goal. The trade-off for their expertise and access is a longer sales process and commission fees, but for the right coins, the results can be unparalleled. Explore their upcoming auctions at www.noonans.co.uk to understand the calibre of items they handle.
4. Spink & Son
For sellers with potentially rare, high-value, or historically significant coins, Spink & Son offers a prestigious route to market. Established in 1666, it is one of the world's most renowned auction houses for numismatics, providing unparalleled expertise and access to a global network of serious collectors and institutions. This makes it an ideal choice if you are looking for where to sell old coins UK and suspect your collection contains exceptional pieces.
Spink's key strength lies in its authority and comprehensive service. They handle everything from expert valuation and authentication to professional cataloguing, targeted marketing, and managing the final sale. This white-glove approach is designed to maximise the sale price for consignors who prioritise expertise and results over a quick, hands-on sale.
Getting Started with Spink & Son
Engaging with Spink is a formal process that begins with an initial valuation. Their specialists will assess your coins to determine if they meet the threshold for their auctions or private sales.
- Initial Consultation: The first step is to contact their coin department with details and clear photographs of your items. They offer an online valuation form on their website to streamline this process.
- Consignment Agreement: If your coins are accepted, you will enter into a consignment agreement. This document outlines the commission rates (seller’s premium), any additional charges for photography or insurance, and the estimated auction values.
- The Auction Process: Spink invests heavily in marketing its auction catalogues to a curated list of global buyers. Your coins will be professionally photographed and described to attract the right bidders, ensuring they achieve their full market potential.
Pro Tip: Before approaching Spink, organise your collection and research any notable pieces. Providing a clear inventory with as much information as possible (provenance, purchase history, etc.) will help their experts provide a more accurate initial assessment.
Pros and Cons of Selling with Spink & Son
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| World-Class Reputation: Attracts serious, high-spending collectors. | High Commission Fees: Seller’s premium can be significant. |
| Expert Valuation: Accurate and trusted authentication and grading. | Time-Consuming Process: It can take months from valuation to payment. |
| Global Marketing Reach: Your coins are promoted to a worldwide audience. | Selective Intake: Not suitable for common or lower-value coins. |
Ultimately, Spink & Son is the premier choice for selling top-tier numismatic items where provenance and maximising value are the main goals. The trade-off for this level of service is higher fees and a longer sale cycle, but for the right coins, the results can be exceptional. You can begin the process by exploring their services at Spink & Son.
5. Warwick & Warwick
For sellers with valuable collections or individual rare coins, Warwick & Warwick offers a specialised auction house route. As established specialists in coins, stamps, and collectibles, they provide a more curated and expert-led alternative to general marketplaces. This is an excellent answer to the question of where to sell old coins UK when you believe your items have significant numismatic value that requires a professional assessment and a targeted audience of serious collectors.
The primary advantage of using a specialist auction house like Warwick & Warwick is gaining access to their expertise and established client base. They handle the entire process, from valuation to marketing, which can be a significant relief for those not wanting to manage individual sales. Their regular public auctions attract a global audience of dedicated buyers, creating a competitive environment that can drive prices up for in-demand pieces.
Getting Started with Warwick & Warwick
Engaging with Warwick & Warwick is a straightforward process, beginning with their highly respected valuation service. They handle the heavy lifting, but providing good information is key.
- Free Expert Valuation: The first step is to get your coins valued. You can contact them to arrange a free, no-obligation valuation. This provides a professional opinion on what your collection might achieve at auction.
- Consignment Process: If you decide to proceed, you will consign your coins to them. They will then be lotted, professionally photographed, and included in a detailed auction catalogue.
- Marketing and Auction: Your coins are marketed to their extensive database of collectors worldwide. The transparent auction process ensures you can follow the progress and see the final hammer price.
Pro Tip: When sending your initial enquiry, include clear images and a brief inventory of your most significant coins. This helps their valuers provide a more accurate initial assessment and speeds up the process.
Pros and Cons of Selling with Warwick & Warwick
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Specialised Focus: Access to expert numismatists and serious collectors. | Seller's Commission: A percentage fee is deducted from the hammer price. |
| Transparent Process: Detailed catalogues and a clear, professional auction. | Longer Time Frame: The process from consignment to payment can take several months. |
| Competitive Bidding: Potential for higher prices due to a targeted audience. | Not Ideal for Low-Value Coins: Best suited for collections with significant value. |
Ultimately, Warwick & Warwick is an ideal choice for sellers with high-value or rare items who prefer a hands-off, expert-managed sale. The commission fees are offset by the potential for higher returns and the peace of mind that comes with professional handling. Understanding what makes a coin valuable is key, and you can explore what affects rare British coin values to better assess your collection's potential.
6. The Britannia Coin Company
For sellers seeking a professional and straightforward transaction, The Britannia Coin Company offers a specialised service for buying coins directly from the public. This dealer is an excellent option if you are wondering where to sell old coins UK without the complexities of an auction. They are particularly well-regarded for their expertise in British coins, including historical pieces and finds from metal detecting, making them a go-to for those with specific types of collections.
The company’s main appeal is its streamlined and transparent process. Unlike peer-to-peer marketplaces, you are selling directly to experts who provide a valuation and an immediate offer. This eliminates the uncertainty of auctions and the effort of managing individual listings, offering a quick route to payment for your coins.
Getting Started with The Britannia Coin Company
The process is designed for simplicity and speed. They provide a free valuation service, which is a key first step for any potential seller.
- Initial Contact: Begin by visiting their "Sell Your Coins" page. You can fill out an online form with details about your coins, including clear photographs. This allows their numismatists to conduct a preliminary assessment.
- Expert Valuation: Their specialists will evaluate your coins based on rarity, condition, and current market demand. This service is provided with no obligation to sell, giving you the freedom to consider their offer without commitment.
- Receiving an Offer: If they are interested in purchasing your items, they will make you a clear offer. Upon agreement, they arrange for secure delivery of the coins and provide immediate payment, ensuring a swift conclusion to the sale.
Pro Tip: When photographing your coins for their initial assessment, ensure you capture both the obverse and reverse in good, natural light. For collections of metal detecting finds, group similar coins together but photograph any standout or particularly well-preserved items individually to highlight their value.
Pros and Cons of Selling to The Britannia Coin Company
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quick and Straightforward: The selling process is fast and efficient. | Offers May Be Lower: As a dealer, their offer will be below retail to allow for a profit margin. |
| Specialised Numismatic Knowledge: True experts evaluate your coins. | Limited to Coins: They primarily focus on coins and may not purchase other collectibles. |
| No Fees for Valuations: You receive a free, no-obligation appraisal. | Less Price Control: You accept a fixed offer rather than benefiting from potential auction bidding. |
Ultimately, The Britannia Coin Company provides a trustworthy and hassle-free service for those who prioritise speed and expert handling over achieving the highest possible auction price. It is an ideal choice for sellers with valuable British coins or metal detecting finds who want a professional and direct sale. You can start the process by visiting their sell your coins page.
7. Vintage Cash Cow
For those looking for the most convenient way to sell a mixed collection of valuables, including old coins, Vintage Cash Cow offers a unique, hassle-free service. Rather than focusing solely on numismatics, they buy a wide assortment of vintage items, allowing you to clear out old jewellery, watches, and medals alongside your coin collection in one go. This makes them a strong choice if you're wondering where to sell old coins UK as part of a larger house clearance or inheritance.
The platform’s standout feature is its simplicity. You don't need to photograph, list, or describe individual items. Instead, you send everything in a free, fully insured parcel, and their in-house experts appraise the lot and make a single, no-obligation offer. This streamlined process removes the effort and research required by online marketplaces.
Getting Started with Vintage Cash Cow
The entire process is designed to be managed from your home, making it exceptionally straightforward for sellers who value convenience over achieving the highest possible market price for individual high-value coins.
- Request Your Free Pack: Start by ordering a free "selling pack" from their website. This includes postage-paid bags and insured postage labels to send your items securely.
- Package Your Items: Gather your old coins and any other vintage items you wish to sell. You can send a wide variety, from British pre-decimal currency to foreign coins, medals, and silver items.
- Receive Your Offer: Once your box arrives, their team will assess everything and contact you with a cash offer for the entire bundle. You can then accept the offer for a fast bank transfer or decline it, in which case they return your items free of charge.
Pro Tip: While it's tempting to send everything at once, consider separating any exceptionally rare or high-grade coins. Vintage Cash Cow is ideal for bulk collections of common to mid-range coins, but you may achieve a better price for key-date rarities through a specialist auction.
Pros and Cons of Selling to Vintage Cash Cow
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Utmost Convenience: No-effort process with free, insured shipping. | Potentially Lower Offers: Offers reflect bulk value, not specialist prices. |
| Sell Mixed Items: Ideal for clearing various vintage goods at once. | No Individual Item Breakdown: You receive a single offer for the entire lot. |
| Fast and Secure: Quick payment upon acceptance and no-obligation offers. | Not for Specialist Coins: Less suitable for high-value, graded rarities. |
Ultimately, Vintage Cash Cow excels in convenience and is a perfect answer for anyone selling a broad collection of items without the time or expertise to sell each piece individually. For a better understanding of what they accept, you can explore their guide on selling rare coins online to see if it fits your needs.
Top 7 UK Old Coin Buyers Comparison
| Service | Implementation Complexity 🔄 | Resource Requirements ⚡ | Expected Outcomes 📊 | Ideal Use Cases 💡 | Key Advantages ⭐ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cavalier Coins Ltd | Medium – mix of fixed-price & auction listings | Moderate – inventory & customer service | Good – diverse inventory with competitive pricing | Collectors (novice & expert), bulk buyers, charities | Extensive selection, auctions, bulk discounts |
| eBay UK | Medium – requires active listing management | Moderate – creating & managing listings | Variable – potential for high sale price via bidding | Sellers looking for wide audience and auction format | High sale potential, flexible listings, analytics |
| Noonans Mayfair | High – traditional auction process & consignment | High – expert valuation & auction prep | High – targeted audience can yield premium prices | Sellers focusing on numismatics & premium sales | Expert authentication, professional presentation |
| Spink & Son | High – extensive cataloging & multiple sales channels | High – marketing & expert services | High – reputation for top sale prices | High-value collectibles needing expert handling | Long history, multiple sales channels, authentication |
| Warwick & Warwick | High – regular auctions with detailed catalogs | High – expert valuation & marketing | High – competitive bidding from global audience | Sellers wanting transparent process & expert valuations | Free valuations, transparency, global reach |
| The Britannia Coin Company | Low – direct selling with free valuation | Low – quick payout & expert assessment | Moderate – fast sales, potentially lower than auction | Quick selling of metal detecting/historical coins | Fast process, free valuation, no fees |
| Vintage Cash Cow | Low – home-based selling, free postage | Low – convenience-focused service | Moderate – quick payment but lower offers | Sellers wanting ease from home for vintage items | Convenience, free postage, positive reviews |
Making Your Final Choice: Which Path is Right for You?
You now have a comprehensive map of the UK’s coin-selling landscape. Navigating it successfully comes down to a simple, yet crucial, question: what is your primary goal? The best place for you to sell old coins in the UK is the one that aligns perfectly with your collection's value, your timeline, and your personal selling style.
This guide has walked you through seven distinct avenues, from prestigious auction houses to convenient online buyers. Your final decision should be a strategic one, based on a clear-eyed assessment of your needs. There is no single "best" option for everyone; the ideal choice is entirely dependent on your unique circumstances.
Matching Your Collection to the Right Venue
To help crystallise your decision, consider these key scenarios and which platform fits best:
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For Maximum Value on Rare, High-Grade Coins: If you possess a certified rare coin or a collection of exceptional provenance, the global reach and competitive bidding environment of Noonans Mayfair or Spink & Son are unparalleled. The trade-off is higher commission fees and a longer sale cycle, but for the right items, the final hammer price can be extraordinary.
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For Speed, Simplicity, and Mixed Collections: If your priority is a fast, straightforward sale without the hassle of individual listings or valuations, a service like Vintage Cash Cow is ideal. They simplify the process for mixed collections of various qualities, though the offer will reflect this convenience and bulk-valuation approach. For more focused coin collections, The Britannia Coin Company offers a similar direct-purchase speed but with specialised numismatic knowledge.
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For Control and Reaching a Mass Audience: If you are confident in your knowledge, enjoy the process of selling, and want to manage everything from pricing to shipping, eBay UK remains a dominant force. It offers immense control and a vast potential customer base but requires significant personal effort to photograph, list, and manage each sale effectively.
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For a Balanced, Expert-Guided Approach: For many sellers, the sweet spot lies between the high-stakes auction world and the hands-on effort of eBay. A specialist dealer like Warwick & Warwick or Cavalier Coins Ltd provides a brilliant middle ground. They offer expert valuations and can present multiple selling options, such as direct purchase, consignment, or placing items in their own auctions, giving you flexibility backed by professional guidance.
Ultimately, choosing where to sell old coins in the UK involves balancing three core factors: price, speed, and effort. Be honest about which of these matters most to you. Once you have your answer, revisit the options in this guide to select the partner that will help you achieve a successful and profitable sale.
Ready to get a professional, no-obligation valuation from a team of trusted experts? For a service that combines deep numismatic knowledge with flexible selling options, consider reaching out to Cavalier Coins Ltd. They can help you understand your collection's true worth and guide you toward the best sales route for your specific coins.