A Guide to Selling Coins: Where and How to Find Buyers - AUCBURG | AUCBURG
A Guide to Selling Coins: Where and How to Find Buyers
For beginner collectors and those who have accidentally found an old coin, questions often arise about where and how to sell it. Before putting a coin up for sale, it is necessary to at least roughly determine its value, which directly depends on two key factors: condition and rarity.
First Steps: Assessing the Condition and Value of a Coin
For beginner collectors and those who have accidentally found an old coin, questions often arise about where and how to sell it. Before putting a coin up for sale, it is necessary to at least roughly determine its value, which directly depends on two key factors: condition and rarity.
Collectors are primarily attracted to coins in excellent condition. For example, a silver coin of 'proof' quality with a mirror-like surface, which looks as if it just came from the mint, will be highly valued. The value of such specimens, as a rule, only increases over time.
On the other hand, even a very rare and valuable coin can be in poor condition. In this case, its value will be lower, but it can still be of interest. Therefore, understanding the real value of the specimen is the second important point. Antiques, including coins, can be very expensive, or they can have almost no value.
Professional Appraisal and the Risks of Selling in Antique Shops
To find out the exact value of a coin, you can consult a professional appraiser. For a small fee, a specialist will help determine the coin's authenticity and condition, and also advise on where and for how much it is best to sell it. Obtaining this information is an important step, as knowledge is power.
One option is to take the coin to an antique shop. They might offer a free appraisal and buy it on the spot. However, this method is not recommended. Often, such establishments buy items at a reduced price and then sell them for two to three times their market value.
Thus, without an idea of the real price of your coin, you risk selling a valuable antique for a pittance. It is better to get an independent appraisal beforehand to make an informed decision about the sale.
Professional Appraisal and the Risks of Selling in Antique Shops
Popular Online Platforms for Selling and Buying Coins
Platform
Description
Meshok.net
A large and reputable online auction where almost everything is sold. A huge selection of coins and antiques, there is a seller rating system and buyer protection. Registration can be difficult, but the platform is considered reliable.
Violity
A platform with verified sellers and a rating system that guarantees safe transactions. Recommended for buying and selling collectibles at favorable prices.
Auction.ru
A trading platform with functionality similar to Meshok.net. It offers a large selection of lots and is suitable for both selling and buying coins.
Avito
A well-known platform, but it is considered the least suitable for numismatists. Selling lots is paid, there is high competition, and many inadequate offers (e.g., a kopek for a million rubles). Nevertheless, with market knowledge, decent specimens can be found here.
Ebay.com
An international platform with a huge assortment from all over the world. You can find and sell almost everything here, but the main disadvantage is expensive international shipping.
After the coin has been appraised and its value is known, you need to choose a suitable platform for selling it. There are several large and trusted online auctions where you can both sell and buy collectibles.
These platforms provide a wide selection of lots and offer a certain level of security for transactions.
Popular Online Platforms for Selling and Buying Coins
Specialized Auctions and Catalogs
For selling and buying particularly valuable and expensive coins, there are specialized auctions. These platforms are aimed at serious collectors and offer rare specimens whose value can reach millions of rubles.
Wolmar. This auction is known for selling very expensive lots, where coins can go for 10 million rubles or more. However, it has high commissions and expensive shipping.
Conros. A platform similar to Wolmar, but with more affordable prices. It features more Russian coins, making it attractive to collectors in this field.
Auction SPB. The simplest of the three major auctions. You can also find decent lots here, and anyone can list their coins for sale after reviewing the rules.
Besides auctions, a useful tool is the international catalog uCoin. It allows not only to identify coins but also to exchange, sell, or buy them. There is also the resource Albo Numismatico, which mainly specializes in accessories for collectors, such as albums, but you can also find and purchase some coins there.
Specialized Auctions and Catalogs
Trading on Social Media and Market Trends
Another place to sell and buy coins is social media, particularly VKontakte. There are many groups dedicated to numismatics, bonistics, and auctions where you can find lots ranging from 100 to 100,000 rubles. However, you should be especially careful with social media transactions, as there is a high risk of encountering scammers. It is recommended to use escrow services and pay attention to seller rating systems.
In general, numismatists are increasingly making purchases online rather than in physical stores. This is due to several reasons: a huge selection, the convenience of shopping from home, and anonymity. Today, the trade of collectibles is actively moving into the online space.
Thus, if you find an interesting coin, you can request its appraisal in a specialized community and then sell it profitably on one of the many online platforms.