Sell your gold coins online for a fair price

It depends on the coin. Bullion dealers, coin shops and online buyers often price common bullion coins against the spot price, less their fee or margin. Older or rarer coins may be worth more when a specialist assesses them individually.

Compare the offer, fees, shipping and insurance, how long the offer stands, and when you’ll be paid. Ask for the amount you’ll receive after deductions, not just the headline figure. If you’re unsure whether a coin is bullion or collectible, check how the buyer will assess it before you send it.

Most offers for bullion coins are below the spot price because buyers deduct a fee or margin. Common one ounce bullion coins usually sell closer to spot than smaller or less familiar coins because buyers can resell them more easily. A collectible coin may be worth more than its gold.

Ask for an itemized offer that shows the gold content, the price used, the time it was taken and each deduction. Unvault does not publish a fixed percentage of spot; the offer depends on the coin and the market price at the time. Its fee is shown before you accept.

A pawn shop may lend against a coin instead of buying it for its gold or collectible value. A coin dealer may be more likely to recognize and price a specific issue. Ask each buyer how they assessed your coins.

Before agreeing, ask what gold content and price they used, what fees apply, and whether any coins were assessed as collectibles. Get the offer in writing with the time noted.

Modern coins such as Eagles, Buffalos, Maple Leafs and Krugerrands are often valued mainly for their gold. Older coins, proofs, commemoratives and coins with few surviving examples may have added collector value.

Condition matters too. Photograph each coin separately, including both sides, the edge, date and mint mark. A photo can help with an initial estimate, but it may not show the coin’s grade clearly enough for a final assessment.

No. Cleaning can leave fine scratches that are visible under magnification and may lower the coin’s grade. Send the coin as it is. If it has already been cleaned, tell the buyer before the inspection.

Yes. A buyer can check a coin’s weight, dimensions, fineness, edge and design against the mint’s specifications. Certificates and packaging can help with verification and may matter for modern proof or commemorative sets, but they are not always required.

Photograph both sides and the edge. Include the packaging or certificate if you have it. If a modern set is missing its original packaging, that may affect the offer.

A buyer can check the weight, dimensions, design and edge against the mint’s specifications. They may also use a magnet, a conductivity meter, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) or ultrasonic testing. These checks can help identify fakes without scratching or filing the coin.

Ask which tests the buyer uses and whether you can see the results. A surface test alone may miss a plated core, so ask whether the buyer also checks the coin’s density or interior.

Use a carrier and insurance policy that specifically covers coins and precious metals. Keep coins in their capsules or holders, pack them so they cannot move, and photograph each coin and the sealed parcel. Keep the tracking details and receipts until you have been paid.

Unvault provides a free prepaid, insured FedEx label and tamper-evident packaging. It films the inspection, provides an itemized offer, and returns declined items with insured shipping at no charge. Payment goes out one business day after you accept. Return shipping insurance is limited to the items’ authenticated value, so make sure the declared value and verified value match. A large shipment may need to be split.