Find Coin Shops & Dealers

Finding a reputable coin dealer is easy if you follow a few simple steps. First, search online for coin dealers who specialize in the types of rare coins you want to buy or sell. You can find the full list of NGC Authorized Coin Dealers in our Coin Dealer Locator. Second, contact them directly to inquire about their years in business, their specific areas of expertise, and their ethics. Membership in the American Numismatic Association (ANA) and/or Professional Numismatics Guild (PNG) requires ethical practices and provides recourse for disputes. Ideally, visit the coin dealer in person to verify that their coin shop is legit, with actual assets in stock. Third, ask your peers to gauge the coin dealer’s reputation. Keep in mind that reputable coin dealers offer free appraisals, usually at your home or business, along with a cash offer.

Coin dealers buy coins for a range of prices based on many factors — primarily whether you’re selling coins for coin collecting or for their melt value. If you’re selling your rare coins as collectibles, a coin dealer will consider their grade and market value when determining how much they’ll pay you. Most coin dealers pay wholesale prices, which may be less than published price guides. If you’re selling coins for their melt value, the spot price is a good gauge, although actual value will be slightly less depending on market conditions, the number of coins you’re selling, and the dealer’s supply level. Visit the NGC Price Guide to explore coin values and prices or the NGC Coin Melt Values page to find silver melt values and gold melt values.

Coin dealers are always looking for rare gold coins, silver coins, half dollars, and other pieces they can sell in their coin shop to coin collectors, coin buyers, and investors. A trusted coin dealer is one who knows the coin market and keeps an eye out for special features that help when selling coins. Visit the NGC Coin Dealer Locator to find coin dealers and their coin specialties.

Coin dealers sometimes provide basic appraisals for free. They may charge a fee for a detailed appraisal. Getting your coins graded helps a coin dealer determine a rare coin’s true values and also improves your chances of selling the coins at a higher price. Coin grading services require coin collectors to become paid members before submitting their coins for grading. There is also a grading fee per coin, depending on the type of coin, the total number of coins you’re submitting, and your required turnaround time. Visit the NGC website for the company’s coin grading costs and to learn about the NGC coin grading process.

When it’s time to sell your coins, there are three main ways to do it. First, you can bring your coins to a coin dealer at your local coin shop. This option is ideal for a typical coin collection and common silver coins or gold coins. Second, you can bring your rare coins or your more valuable coins to a coin show where coin dealers set up booths and are eager to buy. Third, you can sell your coins online through eBay, an online coin dealer, or a major auction house. Selling online might take a little more time, but it’s a great option if you want a global audience to see your rare coins. However, the guidance of a local coin dealer can also help in this process. For your more valuable coins it’s recommended that you authenticate, grade, and encapsulate your coins with a grading service before trying to sell them. Learn how to submit your coins to NGC.

The amount of money a coin dealer will pay for a silver coin depends on whether you’re selling it as a collectible or for its melt value. Many collectors are eager to buy silver coins such as half-dollars and silver dollars, which generally retain their value during resale. Prices vary based on coin grade and other factors. If you’re selling your coin to a coin dealer who also works as a bullion dealer who buys and sells precious metals, your payment will depend on the coin’s silver content and the current price of silver. While the spot price of silver is a good gauge, actual value will depend on market conditions, how many silver coins you’re selling, and how many coins the dealer already has. Visit the NGC Price Guide to explore coin values or the NGC Coin Melt Values page to find silver coin melt values.