Coin Auctions: Sell Gold, Silver, and Other Coins for the Maximum
Did you inherit a collection of US coins – or find one unexpectedly? Don’t assume someone else picked out all the valuable coins. There can be real money in coin collections.
Central Mass Auctions can get you the maximum return at auction for your coins. We focus mainly on gold and silver pieces, but other US coins may do well at auction (please read on for more details). We work throughout Central Mass, Greater Boston, New England, and beyond. Contact Central Mass Auctions today, or keep reading to discover more about auctioning your coins. (See our pages on gold coins and silver coins, if applicable to you – or our bullion auctions page if you have bullion.)
How well can you sell coins in an online auction?
Very well. Many of our auctions are held online. For instance, our highly successful October 2020 auction of coins – including many gold and silver pieces – from an Orange, MA estate was a recent example of an online-only auction.
Why the focus on gold and silver US coins?
Unlike many copper and alloy coins, all gold and silver coins have value. Dimes, quarters, half dollars, and silver dollars from 1964 and earlier are 90% silver, and are worth at least the silver value. We carefully evaluate all gold and silver coins and often find that they hold additional, numismatic value – well above the value of the metals. For example, this 1893-CC Morgan silver dollar brought over $3,500 at auction.
It it wise to have your gold and silver coins evaluated by a professional and sold at auction. Collectors and dealers compete for them, and that ensures you will receive fair market value for your coin(s).
What is my coin collection worth?
There are many factors which go into determining the worth of your coins. This includes:
- Collector demand, also known as numismatic value.
- The condition of your coins.
- Whether these coins have been graded and validated. If the coins are stored in a clear case with a numbered label do not remove them. You will instantly devalue your coin.
- The coin’s history might play a role as well.
- The coin’s rarity.
If the coin is made out of gold or silver it has value at least equal to the value of the weight of the silver or gold. You can check current prices here. However, don’t assume a mere penny is worthless. A 1972/72 Lincoln Cent Double Die Obverse graded coin could auction for more than $10,000.
Never assume. Much goes into the valuation of coins. Our appraisers separate valuable coins from those worth only face value. We check each coin individually, because we have found coins worth hundreds of dollars mixed in with other silver coins.
What kinds of coins might be valuable enough to auction?
Almost too many to name, given how many coins have been in circulation in the US – and especially abroad – over the centuries. The condition, mint of origin, and in rare cases “mint error” status also can determine what your coin or collection is worth. Still, here a few examples of US coins that are often worth more than the owner may know:
- Morgan Dollars
- Buffalo Nickels
- Benjamin Franklin Half Dollars
- Walking Liberty Half Dollars
- Washington Quarters issued between 1932-1964
What do auction-worthy coins look like?
It’s possible your appraisal of your coin or collection of coins hasn’t gone beyond, “Well, it looks like it must be worth something.” Soon enough you’ll find out exactly what it is worth, but in the meantime, you might be pleased to see the great variety of coins we’ve brought to auction and sold at auction. Whether the coin is grimy, worn, not in a sleeve, somewhere there is a collector who wants it.
See photos from our October 25, 2018, coin auction, held in Worcester MA: Gallery 1, Gallery 2, Gallery 3, Gallery 4, Gallery 5, Gallery 6
See photos from our August 30, 2018, coin auction, also held in Worcester MA: Gallery 1, Gallery 2, Gallery 3, Gallery 4, Gallery 5, Gallery 6, Gallery 7, Gallery 8, Gallery 9, Gallery 10, Gallery 11, Gallery 12, Gallery 13, Gallery 14, Gallery 15, Gallery 16, Gallery 17, Gallery 18
Should I clean my coins prior to auction?
No. Cleaning your coins destroys their value. Collectors want coins in their natural state. It’s true a bright, shiny coin is more valuable…but only if it’s bright and shiny because it’s rarely been handled and has been protected to maintain that shine throughout its lifespan.
Cleaning also typically scratches the coin, degrading its value all the more.
Don’t think you can fool a serious collector. They will be able to tell.
However, you can and should remove any coins from any PVC sleeves they may be stored in. PVC reacts with coin metals to leave them irreparably damaged. The longer they’re left in the sleeve, the worse the damage. You really are better off having them in a coffee can (though if you really want to protect them you’ll get coin holders or display boxes which have been designed for this specific purpose).
Should I hold a coin-specific auction?
If you have a large collection, asking us to hold a coin-specific auction is a very good idea.
This allows us to appeal to serious collectors and specialists who are willing to pay top dollar. Those collectors often will not travel for an estate sale or estate auction. Because we have held such auctions we know how best to reach these collectors, which will allow you to make top dollar on your sale. We are also a trusted name in the industry, which means you won’t have to work as hard to convince collectors your coins are worth their trouble.
See also: Turning Coins into Dollars at Auction, The Guide to Valuable US Coins, and Gold Coins and Jewelry, or contact us to appraise your collection and prepare it for auction. You don’t want to learn that you gave a $100,000 coffee can full of coins to your 4-year-old nephew!
