7 Best Places to Sell Old Coins in the UK (2025 Guide)
Posted by: Ian • 13 Sep 2025
Have you uncovered a jar of old coins, returned from holiday with leftover foreign currency, or inherited a collection of obsolete money? You might be sitting on a small fortune. But figuring out where to turn that jumble of metal into actual cash can feel overwhelming. Many people believe the process is complicated, time-consuming, or simply not worth the hassle, especially when dealing with unsorted foreign coins and notes.
This guide cuts through the confusion, revealing the best places to sell old coins in the UK, whether you have rare collectables or bags of mixed leftover holiday money. Our goal is to make the process straightforward and profitable for you. We will provide a detailed breakdown of top-tier platforms, auction houses, and specialist dealers, complete with direct links and key details for each.
We'll show you how to find a fast, easy, and hassle-free service that is 100% guaranteed, with no need to sort your currency beforehand. This guide highlights options trusted by major UK brands, including well-known charities, supermarkets, airports, and even police forces, ensuring complete credibility. Read on to discover practical tips and real-world advice on how to exchange foreign coins, convert foreign coins and banknotes, and even donate foreign coins to charity effortlessly.
1. We Buy All Currency
Best For: Fast, easy, and hassle-free exchange of mixed foreign, obsolete, and leftover currency.
We Buy All Currency establishes itself as a premier destination for anyone looking to sell old coins and notes, offering a uniquely streamlined and transparent service. It stands out by accepting a vast range of currency that most other services reject, including obsolete, pre-euro, pre-decimal, and withdrawn coins and banknotes from around the globe. This makes it an exceptional choice, transforming what is often considered worthless pocket change into real, spendable cash.
The platform’s strength lies in its simplicity and trustworthiness. Trusted by major UK brands, including well-known charities, supermarkets, airports, and even police forces, its credibility is well-established. The process is designed to be entirely hassle-free; there is no need to sort your coins or notes. Simply use their intuitive online wizard to get an instant quote based on weight, send your currency, and receive payment. It's a fast, easy, and 100% guaranteed way to convert foreign coins and notes.
Why It’s a Top Choice for Selling Old Coins
What truly sets We Buy All Currency apart is its commitment to transparency and customer satisfaction. The exchange rates are displayed clearly upfront, ensuring you know exactly what you will receive with no hidden fees or commissions. They pay 100% of the quoted value, a promise backed by a happiness guarantee. If you are not satisfied with the final offer for any reason, they will return your currency free of charge.
Payments are processed quickly, typically within five working days, via your choice of PayPal or direct bank transfer. This combination of speed, clarity, and security makes it one of the best places to sell old coins online, especially for leftover foreign currency.
Standout Features and Benefits
- Extensive Acceptance: The platform accepts virtually all foreign currency, whether it’s leftover holiday money, pre-euro coins like German Deutsche Marks, or old British and Irish currency.
- Charitable Donations: A unique feature allows you to donate the proceeds from your currency directly to one of their partnered UK charities. This provides a simple and effective way to donate foreign coins to charity and support a good cause.
- Transparent Process: The online calculator gives you an immediate, fair quote. What you see is what you get, eliminating the guesswork and uncertainty often associated with currency exchange.
How to Get Started
- Gather Your Currency: Collect all your foreign coins and banknotes. There's no need to sort them by country or denomination.
- Get a Quote: Visit their website and use the weight-based currency wizard to calculate the value.
- Send Your Currency: Follow the simple instructions to post your coins and notes to them.
- Receive Payment: Once received and verified, your payment is issued within five working days.
Expert Tip: For a more accurate initial quote, use a set of kitchen scales to weigh your coins before using the online calculator. This helpful advice ensures the value you see is as close as possible to the final offer.
Pros:
- Fast, easy, and hassle-free service with no need to sort coins.
- Accepts almost all foreign currencies, including obsolete and withdrawn types.
- Completely transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
- 100% guaranteed transaction with a happiness promise and free returns.
- Option to donate proceeds directly to partnered UK charities.
Cons:
- Process relies on postal services, which can introduce delays.
- No in-person exchange option is available.
Visit the website: We Buy All Currency
2. eBay UK
For private sellers looking to reach the largest possible audience in the United Kingdom, eBay UK remains one of the best places to sell old coins. Its sheer scale means your listings for pre-decimal currency, commemorative sets, or even job lots of mixed coinage will get maximum visibility from both casual collectors and serious numismatists. The platform's user-friendly interface, complete with AI-powered tools for writing descriptions and improving photos, makes setting up a sale straightforward, even for absolute beginners.
One of the most significant recent changes is eBay UK's removal of final value fees for private sellers on most items, a policy introduced in October 2024. This makes it a highly cost-effective option for individuals clearing out a collection, as you keep 100% of the sale price, minus any optional listing upgrade fees. This fee-free model provides a major advantage over specialist auction houses or other marketplaces that charge a commission.
Key Features and Selling Process
eBay’s structure empowers sellers with control and transparency. You can set your own prices using the 'Buy It Now' format or let the market decide with a traditional auction-style listing. The platform’s history of sold listings is an invaluable tool for researching how much similar coins have recently sold for, helping you set a realistic and competitive price.
- Massive Buyer Reach: Access millions of potential buyers across the UK and beyond.
- Fee-Free for Private Sellers: No final value or regulatory fees on most sales, maximising your profit.
- Simple Listing Tools: Use AI suggestions and a streamlined workflow to list coins quickly.
- Price Research: Easily check the "sold items" filter to see real-world sale prices for coins like yours.
Pros and Cons of Using eBay UK
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Widest possible audience and high visibility. | Business sellers still face tiered category fees. |
| Zero selling fees for private sellers. | Risk of encountering counterfeit coins requires vigilance. |
| Easy to compare prices using sold listings. | Seller is responsible for all shipping and dispute resolution. |
| Good for common to mid-value coins and sets. | High competition can sometimes suppress prices. |
Practical Tips for Success
To stand out, take clear, high-resolution photos of both the obverse and reverse of your coins, highlighting any key details or flaws. Be honest and detailed in your description, mentioning the coin's condition, date, and mint mark. For more common items like leftover holiday money, understanding what to do with old foreign coins can help you decide whether to sell them individually or as a bulk lot. Using eBay's new 'Simple Delivery' option can also help streamline the postage process.
Website: https://www.ebay.co.uk
3. The Royal Mint Auctions – Consignments
For sellers with historic British coins, consigning them directly to The Royal Mint's dedicated auction platform is one of the most credible and targeted ways to achieve a strong sale price. This service is specifically designed for serious numismatic items, offering unparalleled access to a specialist audience of collectors who trust the Royal Mint brand implicitly. It bridges the gap between selling privately and using a traditional auction house, providing expert valuation and marketing directly from the source of British coinage.
What makes this an excellent place to sell old coins is its combination of low fees and exceptional provenance. Vendor commissions are highly competitive, often around 1%, which is significantly lower than most mainstream auctioneers. The process is straightforward and transparent: you submit your coins for an estimated valuation, and if you agree to the terms, you can send them securely via a Freepost service. This hassle-free, guaranteed process ensures your items are handled by experts from start to finish.
Key Features and Selling Process
The Royal Mint’s consignment service is built on trust and expertise. It focuses exclusively on historic British coins, ensuring that every lot is presented to an engaged and knowledgeable buyer base. The regular auction schedule provides predictable timelines for sellers, and the online bidding software is simple for buyers to use, maximising participation.
- Expert Valuation: Receive an estimated auction valuation from Royal Mint experts before committing.
- Low Vendor Commission: Seller fees are often around 1%, maximising your final return.
- Targeted Audience: Your coins are marketed directly to a database of dedicated British coin collectors.
- Simple Submission: A clear consignment process with a contract and a Freepost service for sending your coins.
Pros and Cons of Using The Royal Mint Auctions
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional credibility and direct market access. | Limited to historic British coins only. |
| Very low seller fees compared to other auction houses. | Not suitable for world coins or modern commemoratives. |
| Predictable timelines due to a regular auction schedule. | Excludes some items like circulating proofs or medals. |
| Hassle-free process with expert handling. | May not be ideal for low-value, common coins. |
Practical Tips for Success
To get started, organise your collection and take clear photographs of the most valuable pieces. When submitting your enquiry form, provide as much detail as possible, including any known history or provenance, as this can add significant value. This platform is best suited for high-grade, rare, or historically significant British coins. For those with leftover modern foreign currency, this is not the right venue; instead, you should look for a service that can help you exchange foreign coins and notes efficiently.
Website: https://www.royalmint.com/collect/auction/consignments/
4. Noonans Mayfair (Dix Noonan Webb)
For individuals with significant collections, valuable single coins, or rare pieces, a specialist auction house like Noonans Mayfair is one of the best places to sell old coins for maximum return. Formerly known as Dix Noonan Webb, Noonans is a leading UK auctioneer with a global reputation, attracting serious numismatists and high-end collectors to its regular sales. This route is ideal for anyone who believes they have something special, as the combination of expert appraisal, professional marketing, and competitive bidding often achieves prices far beyond online marketplaces.
Unlike direct selling platforms, Noonans handles the entire process, from valuation to sale. They provide free, no-obligation appraisals both online and at nationwide valuation days, making it easy to get an expert opinion on your holdings. Their in-house specialists research and catalogue each item, creating detailed descriptions that build buyer confidence and drive higher bids from an international audience.
Key Features and Selling Process
Selling through Noonans is a curated, professional experience designed to secure the best possible outcome for significant items. Once your coins are accepted for auction, their team manages everything, including high-quality photography, targeted marketing, and running the auction itself.
- Expert Valuation: Access free, no-obligation appraisals from leading coin specialists.
- Global Bidder Base: Your coins are presented to an international market of serious collectors via their proprietary bidding platform.
- Specialist Cataloguing: In-house experts research and describe your coins to highlight their history and value.
- Regular Specialist Auctions: Frequent, dedicated coin sales ensure your items are placed in a relevant and well-publicised event.
Pros and Cons of Using Noonans Mayfair
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Maximises value for rare or high-grade coins. | Seller’s commission is negotiated and not publicly fixed. |
| Expert handling and marketing of your items. | Not suitable for common, low-value, or bulk coins. |
| Strong reputation inspires buyer confidence. | The auction process has a longer turnaround time than a direct sale. |
| Detailed catalogues attract serious collectors. | Buyer’s premiums may influence the final hammer price. |
Practical Tips for Success
To begin the process, use the free valuation service on their website by submitting clear photographs and any known information about your coins. For larger collections, it is worth enquiring about their valuation days or a private appointment. Be prepared for the auction timeline, as it can take several months from consignment to payment. Review their past auction archives online to see the types of coins they specialise in and the prices they typically achieve.
Website: https://www.noonans.co.uk
5. Spink & Son
For sellers with rare, high-value, or historically significant items, Spink & Son is one of the best places to sell old coins through a prestigious, traditional auction route. Established in 1666, this historic London auction house offers unparalleled expertise and a global reach, attracting serious collectors and institutional buyers. Consigning with Spink means your coins, medals, or banknotes receive professional cataloguing, photography, and marketing, ensuring they are presented to the most appropriate and motivated audience.
Spink & Son specialises in British, world, and ancient coins, making it the ideal venue for specialised collections that might be undervalued in a general marketplace. They provide a comprehensive service, from initial valuation to final sale, including private treaty sales for those seeking discretion. This level of service provides peace of mind and maximises the potential return on truly exceptional numismatic material.
Key Features and Selling Process
The consignment process is formalised to protect both buyer and seller. Items typically need to be with Spink around three months before a scheduled auction to allow for cataloguing and marketing. Payments are usually processed approximately 35 days after the sale concludes.
- Global Marketing: Your items are promoted through high-quality printed catalogues, their website, a dedicated app, and international salerooms.
- Expert Valuation: Access to world-class numismatic specialists who can accurately assess and value your items.
- Reserve Options: You can set a minimum sale price (reserve) for your items, generally for lots with a low estimate of £500 or more.
- Private Treaty Sales: An option for discreet, off-market sales of particularly valuable items directly to a collector.
Pros and Cons of Using Spink & Son
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong brand and international reach for high-value items. | Long lead time; items must arrive three months before a sale. |
| Professional cataloguing enhances provenance and appeal. | Vendor fees and expenses apply and must be confirmed. |
| Multiple sale venues including private treaty options. | Best suited for high-end material, not common coinage. |
| Access to a network of serious, high-end collectors. | Payment is not immediate, typically made 35 days post-auction. |
Practical Tips for Success
To begin the process, contact Spink with clear images and a detailed description of your collection for an initial assessment. If your coins are of interest, you will be guided through the consignment agreement, which outlines all fees and terms. While Spink focuses on high-value numismatics, those looking to find out where to exchange foreign coins from general travel should explore services better suited for non-collectible currency. For successful consignment, ensure your items are well-documented and you understand the auction timeline.
Website: https://spink.com/auctions/selling
6. Chards Coin & Bullion Dealer
For sellers with gold or silver bullion coins, such as Sovereigns or Britannias, dealing directly with a specialist like Chards Coin & Bullion Dealer offers a fast, transparent, and secure route to sale. As one of the UK's longest-established dealers, Chards provides a reliable service for turning investment-grade coins into cash without the uncertainties of an auction. Their process is built around live metal prices, ensuring you receive an offer that reflects the current market value.
What makes Chards stand out is the clarity of their buying process. You can see their live buyback prices on their website for common bullion items, offering immediate insight into what your coins are worth to them. For more varied collections, you can get a preliminary offer by submitting photos via email, or book an in-person appointment at their Blackpool showroom for a detailed appraisal, making it one of the best places to sell old coins for a quick and professional transaction.
Key Features and Selling Process
Chards streamlines the selling experience, making it particularly efficient for those who prioritise speed and certainty over potentially higher but less predictable auction outcomes. The process is straightforward: you can either post your coins to them via insured delivery or visit in person. Once received, they verify the items and confirm the offer, with payment typically processed the same day.
- Live Buyback Pricing: Instantly see what they are paying for popular bullion coins, linked directly to live spot metal prices.
- Multiple Appraisal Options: Get offers via email using photos, or book a face-to-face appointment for high-value or complex collections.
- Fast Turnaround: Payment is often made on the same day the coins are received and verified, offering excellent liquidity.
- Secure Returns Policy: If you decline their final offer, they will return your items securely, with clear postage rates published upfront.
Pros and Cons of Using Chards
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast, secure transactions compared to auctions. | Offers for bullion are based on spot price, less the dealer's margin. |
| Transparent pricing and a clear grading process. | Rare numismatic coins may achieve higher prices at specialist auctions. |
| Excellent for bullion like Sovereigns and Britannias. | The final offer is dependent on the coin's condition upon inspection. |
| Reputable and long-established dealer. | Primarily focused on precious metal content over collector value for many coins. |
Practical Tips for Success
To ensure a smooth sale, first check the live buyback prices on the Chards website to get a good estimate for any common bullion coins you have. When sending photos for an initial quote, use a plain background and ensure the images are sharp and well-lit to show the coin’s condition accurately. For valuable collections, consider booking an in-person appointment to get a comprehensive appraisal and immediate offer.
Website: https://www.chards.co.uk/sellgoldandsilver
7. Coincraft (London)
For sellers with historic or unusual collections, Coincraft offers a specialist retail experience that prioritises numismatic interest over simple bullion value. As a long-established London coin shop, it is an excellent place to sell old coins with a clear collector focus, including pre-decimal British, world, and ancient coinage. Their approach is straightforward, providing clear guidance on what they buy, which helps sellers quickly determine if their collection is a good fit.
Unlike broad marketplaces, Coincraft is a specialist dealer with a physical presence, lending it significant credibility. Their 'Sell Your Coins' page clearly outlines their buying criteria, saving you time by specifying that they are not looking for modern circulating commemoratives or items valued solely for their metal content. This transparency makes the process hassle-free for those with suitable coins, ensuring you are dealing with experts who understand the true collector market.
Key Features and Selling Process
The process is designed for clarity and efficiency, whether you visit their store near the British Museum or engage online. Coincraft provides a purchase offer rather than a formal valuation, streamlining the path to a sale. Their focus is on acquiring interesting stock for their own inventory, making them an ideal buyer for mixed collections that contain more than just standard bullion.
- Collector-Focused Buying: Specialises in pre-decimal British, world, and ancient coins with numismatic value.
- Clear Submission Guidelines: A dedicated 'Sell Your Coins' page helps you pre-qualify your collection.
- In-Store Expertise: Access to knowledgeable numismatists at a reputable central London location.
- Direct Purchase Offers: A straightforward process aimed at acquisition rather than lengthy valuations.
Pros and Cons of Using Coincraft (London)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Clear upfront guidance reduces unsuitable submissions. | Does not provide formal valuations, only purchase offers. |
| Reputable physical dealer in a prime numismatic location. | Not targeted at bullion-only sellers or modern circulating coins. |
| Good for mixed collections with collector appeal. | The process is geared towards outright sale, not consignment. |
| Trusted and well-established name in the industry. | Sellers are responsible for safely getting coins to the shop. |
Practical Tips for Success
Before contacting Coincraft, carefully review the 'Sell Your Coins' page on their website to ensure your items match their criteria. Take clear photographs and create an inventory of what you have, which will help their experts make a preliminary assessment. For items that don't fit Coincraft's niche, especially leftover holiday money or common currency, you can find helpful advice on how to convert your coins to cash through other specialised services. This ensures every part of your collection finds the right home.
Website: https://coincraft.com/sell-coins
Top 7 Coin Selling Platforms Comparison
| Service | Implementation Complexity 🔄 | Resource Requirements ⚡ | Expected Outcomes 📊 | Ideal Use Cases 💡 | Key Advantages ⭐ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| We Buy All Currency | Low (fast online & postal process) | Low (no sorting needed) | Quick cash with guaranteed rates | Leftover holiday money, mixed/obsolete coins | Fast, easy, hassle-free, 100% guaranteed |
| eBay UK | Low (self-managed listings) | Moderate (time for listings/shipping) | Large audience, competitive bidding | Private sellers, common to mid-value coins | Fee-free selling for private UK sellers, huge buyer reach |
| The Royal Mint Auctions | Moderate (consignment required) | Moderate (shipping, valuation) | Auction sale to numismatic collectors | British historic coins only | Low seller fees, strong credibility for British coins |
| Noonans Mayfair | High (valuations, negotiations) | High (specialist marketing) | Higher returns on significant/rare collections | Serious collectors, rarities | Expert marketing, strong international bidder base |
| Spink & Son | High (long lead time, auction prep) | High (cataloguing, marketing) | Premium sales for specialized/high-end lots | High-value, specialized coins | Global reach, multiple sale venues, professional catalogues |
| Chards Coin & Bullion Dealer | Low (quick offers, direct sales) | Low to Moderate (appraisals) | Fast transactions, transparent spot pricing | Bullion and widely traded coins | Transparent pricing, fast deals, live metal price ties |
| Coincraft (London) | Low (shop/online offers) | Low (collector-focused intake) | Purchase offers based on collector appeal | Mixed collections, collector interest coins | Clear buying criteria, reputable physical dealer |
Ready to Exchange Your Old Coins the Easy Way?
Navigating the world of numismatics can be fascinating, but when it comes to converting your old coins and notes into cash, the journey can feel complex. We’ve explored some of the UK’s most reputable outlets, from specialist auction houses like Noonans Mayfair and Spink & Son to established dealers such as Chards and Coincraft. These are undoubtedly excellent choices for those in possession of rare, high-value, or collectible items that require expert appraisal and a specific collector’s market.
However, for the vast majority of us, the "old coins" we have are not priceless historical artefacts. They are the leftover foreign coins from past holidays, obsolete currency from pre-Euro trips, or a mixed bag of banknotes collected over the years. For this type of currency, the traditional auction route is often impractical, involving lengthy consignment processes, high commission fees, and no guarantee of a sale. The real goal is to find a straightforward, efficient, and profitable way to exchange this forgotten currency.
Choosing Your Best Path: Convenience vs. Collectibility
The most crucial step in your selling journey is to accurately match your collection to the right service. This decision will save you considerable time, effort, and potential disappointment.
- For High-Value, Graded Collectibles: If you have professionally authenticated and graded coins, or you strongly suspect an item is exceptionally rare, specialist auction houses like The Royal Mint Auctions or Noonans are your best bet. Their expertise ensures you reach a dedicated market of serious collectors willing to pay a premium.
- For General Collections & Leftover Foreign Currency: If your collection consists of mixed foreign coins, leftover holiday money, or old pre-Euro banknotes, your priority should be speed, ease, and a fair price. This is where a dedicated currency exchange service truly excels, eliminating the barriers of sorting and appraisal that other platforms require.
The Hassle-Free Solution for Your Currency
The key takeaway is that the "best places to sell old coins" depend entirely on what kind of coins you have. While dealers and auctioneers cater to a niche market, a service designed for everyday currency provides a much-needed, practical solution for everyone else. Instead of spending hours sorting through jumbles of coins and trying to identify each one, you can opt for a process that is 100% guaranteed, fast, and simple.
You deserve a service that respects your time and provides transparent value. Look for a partner trusted by major UK organisations, from well-known charities and supermarkets to airports and even police forces. This level of trust and credibility is your assurance of a secure and professional transaction. Ultimately, turning that dusty jar of coins into usable cash should be an easy and rewarding experience, not a chore.
Ready to convert your leftover foreign coins and notes without the hassle? We Buy All Currency offers a fast, easy, and 100% guaranteed service, trusted by the UK's biggest brands to turn unwanted currency into cash. Visit us today to get your free and instant quote: We Buy All Currency.