What To Do With Old Currency: 7 Best Options for 2025

Posted by: Ian • 26 Aug 2025

That collection of old foreign coins, leftover holiday banknotes, and obsolete currency tucked away in a drawer might seem like little more than a travel souvenir. But what if it held real, unlockable value? Many of us return from trips abroad with pockets full of foreign currency or discover pre-euro notes from a grandparent's attic, unsure of what to do next. The good news is, you have several excellent options beyond letting it gather dust.

This guide explores seven practical and rewarding answers to the common question: 'what to do with old currency?' From turning it into cash for your next adventure to supporting a worthy cause, we'll provide the real-world insights you need. We'll show you how to easily convert foreign coins and banknotes, highlighting a fast, easy, hassle-free, and 100% guaranteed service trusted by major UK brands, including charities, supermarkets, airports, and police forces. Discover helpful advice for exchanging foreign coins and notes without the need to sort them first, transforming clutter into a valuable asset.

1. The Hassle-Free Exchange: Convert All Your Currency to Cash

The most direct and financially rewarding answer to the question of what to do with old currency is to convert it into usable cash. While your high-street bank might reject foreign coins or obsolete banknotes, specialised online exchange services exist to make this process incredibly simple and efficient. This method is ideal for anyone with a mixed bag of currency, from leftover holiday money to inherited collections of pre-euro notes.

Unlike traditional exchanges, dedicated platforms are built specifically to handle the complexities of converting foreign coins and notes. Our service streamlines the entire process, removing common obstacles and guaranteeing you receive value for your holdings. The key benefit is convenience; there is no need to spend hours sorting through different denominations or trying to identify obscure coins. You simply send your entire collection, and we handle the rest.

Why Choose a Specialised Exchange Service?

This approach is perfect when your primary goal is to unlock the monetary value of your currency without any fuss. It's particularly useful for:

Mixed Collections: Cashing in a jar filled with various coins from different countries and holidays.
Obsolete Currency: Converting old notes and coins like Spanish Pesetas, German Deutschmarks, or old British £1 coins.
Charitable Fundraising: Charities and businesses can easily donate foreign coins to charity, converting them into vital funds for their causes.

Key Insight: Our service is fast, easy, and completely hassle-free. We use advanced technology to process mixed coins by weight, saving you the tedious task of sorting. This makes it the simplest way to exchange leftover foreign currency.

How to Get Started

Converting your currency is a straightforward process. To ensure a smooth and secure transaction, follow these practical steps:

Find a Reputable Service: Look for a trusted provider with transparent pricing and a satisfaction guarantee. As a service trusted by major brands like charities, airports, and police forces, our credibility is assured.
Package Securely: Place your coins and banknotes in a durable bag or container and package them in a sturdy envelope or box to prevent damage during transit.
Send and Get Paid: Follow our simple instructions to post your currency. Once received and processed, you'll receive a swift payment directly into your account.

By choosing a specialised service, you are opting for a fast, easy, and 100% guaranteed way to exchange foreign coins and notes and turn forgotten change into real money.

2. Bank Exchange for Legal Tender

For those holding onto currency that is still considered legal tender, the most official answer to what to do with old currency is to exchange it directly through a bank. Many central and commercial banks offer services to swap old, damaged, or recently withdrawn notes and coins for their current equivalent at face value. This is an excellent option if your currency is still in circulation or part of an official exchange programme.

Institutions like the Bank of England have a "forever" policy, guaranteeing they will always exchange their own withdrawn banknotes. Similarly, central banks across Europe will continue to accept old national currencies like German Deutschmarks or French Francs for a set period, sometimes indefinitely. This method provides a direct, face-value return, making it ideal for those with significant amounts of a single currency.

Why Choose a Bank Exchange?

This approach is best when you have currency that is still recognised by its issuing authority and your main goal is to receive its full face value. It is particularly effective for:

Damaged Legal Tender: Exchanging torn, stained, or worn-out banknotes that are still in circulation.
Recently Withdrawn Series: Swapping out old paper notes for new polymer versions, such as with Australian dollars or British pounds.
Large Single-Currency Holdings: Converting a substantial amount of a specific obsolete currency, like pre-euro notes, directly with the national central bank.

Key Insight: Always check the currency's status before visiting a bank. While central banks offer robust exchange programmes, high-street commercial banks may have stricter rules and might not accept foreign or obsolete money. This process can involve paperwork and is not always hassle-free.

How to Get Started

Exchanging currency through official channels requires a bit of preparation. To ensure a successful transaction, follow these practical steps:

Identify the Issuing Authority: Determine which country's central bank is responsible for the currency. The Bank of England handles pounds, while the Deutsche Bundesbank handles old Deutschmarks.
Check Exchange Policies: Visit the central bank’s website to confirm if your specific notes or coins are still eligible for exchange and check for any deadlines or specific requirements.
Complete the Necessary Paperwork: Many banks require you to fill out a form and provide identification, especially for larger sums. Be prepared to present your passport or driving licence.

By using an official bank, you can be certain you are receiving the full, guaranteed face value for your eligible currency.

3. Educational Donation to Institutions

Beyond its monetary value, another powerful answer to the question of what to do with old currency is to donate it for educational purposes. By giving your collection to schools, museums, or universities, you transform obsolete banknotes and foreign coins into tangible teaching tools. This approach is perfect for individuals who want their currency to have a lasting cultural and educational impact rather than just a financial one.

Institutions like the Smithsonian National Museum of American History or local historical societies often use such donations to enrich their exhibits. The currency serves as a physical link to history, economics, and geography, allowing students and visitors to see and touch a piece of a different time or culture. This method preserves the story behind the money, giving it a new life as an educational asset.

Why Choose an Educational Donation?

This approach is ideal when you want to preserve the historical or cultural significance of your currency collection. It's particularly impactful for:

Historical Collections: Donating complete sets of old notes like French Francs or Italian Lira to a museum for a historical display.
Unique or Rare Items: Giving a rare banknote or coin to a university’s numismatics department for academic study.
Inspiring Future Generations: Providing a local school or children's museum with a mixed bag of world coins for hands-on geography lessons.

Key Insight: Unlike a cash conversion, an educational donation maximises the cultural and historical value of your currency. Your collection can inspire curiosity and learning in countless students, researchers, and museum visitors for years to come.

How to Get Started

Donating your currency for educational purposes requires a little research but is a highly rewarding process. Follow these steps to ensure your collection finds the right home:

Identify Suitable Institutions: Research museums, universities, or local historical societies whose collection focus aligns with your currency. For more information, you can learn about where to donate foreign coins on webuyallcurrency.com.
Contact the Institution: Reach out to the acquisitions or collections department to discuss your potential donation. Provide details and any historical documentation you may have.
Arrange the Donation: Follow the institution's guidelines for packaging and delivery. Be sure to request a written acknowledgement of your donation, which may be useful for tax purposes.

By choosing to donate, you ensure your old currency serves a valuable educational purpose, preserving its story for the future.

4. Craft and Artistic Repurposing

For those with a creative flair, another compelling answer to what to do with old currency is to transform it into unique works of art. This approach gives new life to coins and banknotes that may have little to no monetary value, turning them into decorative pieces, jewellery, and functional objects. It’s an ideal solution for currency that is either too common for collectors or too damaged for exchange, allowing you to preserve its beauty and history in a tangible, personal way.

From intricate coin rings to vibrant banknote collages, the possibilities are endless. This method is popularised by artisans on platforms like Etsy and Pinterest, who showcase how to upcycle leftover foreign currency into something truly special. The key benefit is the creative satisfaction of making something new while celebrating the intricate designs and cultural stories embedded in each piece of money.

Why Choose Craft and Artistic Repurposing?

This hands-on approach is perfect when the sentimental or aesthetic value of your currency outweighs its financial worth. It's particularly rewarding for:

Creating Personalised Gifts: Crafting jewellery from a coin collected on a memorable holiday.
Unique Home Décor: Designing a tabletop with a mosaic of international coins or framing a collage of colourful banknotes.
Artistic Expression: Using obsolete currency as a medium for decoupage, origami, or mixed-media art projects.

Key Insight: Before starting, always research local regulations. While it is generally legal to alter foreign or obsolete UK currency, defacing legal tender currently in circulation can be against the law.

How to Get Started

Embarking on a currency craft project can be a fun and fulfilling experience. To ensure your creations are both beautiful and lasting, follow these practical steps:

Select Your Currency: Begin with coins and banknotes that are either damaged, common, or have low monetary value. This allows you to experiment without risking valuable items.
Gather Your Tools: Depending on your project, you may need tools for drilling, polishing, or cutting, as well as archival-quality glues and sealants to preserve the materials.
Find Inspiration: Look for tutorials and ideas on platforms like YouTube and Instagram. Many artists share step-by-step guides for making everything from coin pendants to banknote flowers.

By repurposing your old currency into art, you are creating one-of-a-kind pieces that tell a story and preserve memories in a visually stunning way.

5. Online Marketplace Sales

For those who suspect their old currency might have value beyond its face amount, selling it on an online marketplace is an excellent way to connect directly with collectors. Digital platforms like eBay, specialised numismatic websites, and collector forums offer a global stage to showcase your items, potentially unlocking a much higher price than a standard exchange would provide. This method is perfect for anyone with rare coins, well-preserved banknotes, or currency with historical significance.

These platforms leverage a worldwide network of enthusiasts and serious collectors, creating a competitive environment where unique or sought-after items can fetch premium prices. Unlike a straightforward currency exchange, this approach treats your old notes and coins as collectibles. The key benefit is the potential for significant profit, turning what might seem like obsolete money into a valuable asset.

Why Choose an Online Marketplace?

This approach is best suited for individuals who have the time to research their holdings and manage the sales process. It is particularly effective for:

Rare or Collectible Items: Selling specific coins or notes that have known value to numismatists (e.g., limited edition prints, items with errors).
High-Condition Currency: Showcasing pristine, uncirculated banknotes that appeal to serious collectors.
Targeted Selling: Reaching niche buyers through specialised forums like CoinTalk or dedicated marketplaces like VCoins.

Key Insight: The value of currency in a collector's market is determined by rarity, condition, and demand. A seemingly worthless old banknote could be a missing piece in someone's collection, making it highly valuable. This option, however, can be time-consuming and offers no guarantee of a quick sale.

How to Get Started

Selling successfully online requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Follow these practical steps to maximise your returns and ensure a secure sale:

Research Thoroughly: Before listing, check completed sales on platforms like eBay to gauge realistic pricing for similar items. This prevents you from undervaluing your currency.
Take High-Quality Photos: Use clear, well-lit images that show both sides of the coin or note, highlighting any unique features or flaws. This builds buyer confidence.
Write Detailed Descriptions: Be honest and accurate about the item's condition, history, and any identifying marks. The more information you provide, the better.
Ship Securely: Always use tracked and insured postage for valuable items to protect both yourself and the buyer from loss or damage during transit.

By investing a little time and effort, you can transform your old currency into a profitable sale, finding the right buyer who truly appreciates its worth. For those looking for a quicker, more direct method of turning coins into cash without the complexities of individual sales, you can find more information about guaranteed coin conversion to cash.

6. Currency Exchange for Travel

A practical and forward-thinking solution for what to do with old currency is to exchange it for money needed for your next trip. This approach is perfect for frequent travellers who accumulate various foreign notes and coins and want to put them to good use rather than leaving them in a drawer. Instead of converting leftover holiday money back to pounds, you can swap it directly for the currency of your next destination.

This method streamlines your travel preparations by repurposing existing assets. Major banks, airport kiosks like Travelex, and online platforms such as XE Money Transfer facilitate these exchanges. While many high-street services focus on banknotes, it’s important to find a provider that can also handle your mixed foreign coins, ensuring nothing goes to waste. This strategic swap helps you avoid multiple conversion fees and locks in funds for your future travels.

Why Choose a Travel-Focused Exchange?

This approach is ideal for organised globetrotters who want to maximise the value of their leftover currency. It’s particularly useful for:

Frequent Flyers: Individuals who travel regularly and can anticipate their future currency needs.
Budget-Conscious Travellers: Swapping currency directly can sometimes offer better value than two separate conversions (foreign to sterling, then sterling to new foreign).
Obsolete Currency: Some specialised services might be able to convert old, pre-euro notes into a current, usable currency for your trip.

Key Insight: Planning your exchanges in advance allows you to monitor currency rates and make your swap when the market is favourable, potentially stretching your travel budget further. However, many exchanges won't accept coins or obsolete notes, which can be a hassle.

How to Get Started

Exchanging currency for your next holiday is simple if you plan ahead. Follow these steps to ensure you get the best value:

Compare Providers: Don't settle for the first option. Use a foreign currency exchange comparison to analyse rates and fees from different services, including banks, online platforms, and travel agencies.
Consolidate Your Currency: Gather all your leftover notes and coins. Exchanging a larger, consolidated amount often results in better rates and lower relative fees.
Check for Hidden Costs: Always ask about commission, service charges, or other hidden fees that could reduce the final amount you receive. A transparent service will outline all costs upfront.

By strategically exchanging your leftover foreign currency, you can efficiently fund your next adventure and ensure no money is left behind.

7. Investment in Precious Metal Content

Another powerful way to find value in old currency is to focus on its intrinsic worth, specifically the precious metals it contains. This approach disregards the face value or even numismatic collectability of a coin and instead treats it as a piece of gold, silver, or platinum. For certain old coins, their metal content is significantly more valuable than their monetary or collector value, making this a smart financial move.

This method of realising value from old currency involves selling coins to precious metal dealers, bullion buyers, or specialised coin shops who pay based on the current market price (spot price) of the metal. The process is straightforward: the buyer verifies the metal content and weight, then makes an offer based on the current global market rate for that commodity. This is an excellent solution for anyone who has inherited old coins and wants to unlock their maximum financial potential.

Why Choose a Precious Metal Dealer?

This strategy is ideal when you have coins known to be made from valuable materials and your main goal is to liquidate them for the highest possible price based on their raw content. It's particularly effective for:

Silver Coins: Cashing in pre-1947 UK silver coins (like shillings and florins), pre-1965 US dimes and quarters, or Canadian silver dollars.
Gold Coins: Selling old gold Sovereigns, Krugerrands, or American Eagles to a bullion specialist.
Mixed Bullion: Liquidating a collection of coins made from sterling silver, gold, or even platinum from various countries.

Key Insight: Before selling, always confirm the coin's numismatic (collector) value. A rare date or mint mark could make a coin far more valuable to a collector than its simple melt value, so a quick appraisal can prevent a costly mistake.

How to Get Started

Selling your coins for their precious metal content requires a bit of research to ensure you get a fair price. Follow these steps for a secure and profitable transaction:

Identify and Verify: Research your coins to confirm their metal composition and purity. Online resources and coin identification apps can help you determine if your coins are silver, gold, or another precious metal.
Get Multiple Quotes: Contact several reputable precious metal dealers, both online and local. Prices can vary, so comparing offers is essential to maximising your return. Look for dealers with transparent pricing based on current spot prices.
Separate Your Metals: If you have a mixed collection, separate the coins by metal type (e.g., all silver coins together, all gold coins together). Dealers often offer better prices for sorted lots.

By focusing on the metal content, you can turn seemingly obsolete currency into a direct investment payout, converting forgotten assets into tangible cash.

7-Way Comparison of Old Currency Options

Item	Implementation Complexity 🔄	Resource Requirements 💡	Expected Outcomes 📊	Ideal Use Cases 💡	Key Advantages ⭐⚡
Collectible and Numismatic Collection	High 🔄🔄🔄 (knowledge, research, preservation)	Moderate to high (grading, storage, insurance)	Potential significant appreciation 📊⭐	Long-term collectors, investors, history enthusiasts	High value growth ⭐, educational, inflation hedge ⚡
Bank Exchange for Legal Tender	Low 🔄	Low (visit bank, documentation if needed)	Guaranteed face value exchange 📊	Exchanging damaged/obsolete currency safely	Secure, no fees, immediate cash ⚡
Educational Donation to Institutions	Medium 🔄🔄	Low to moderate (appraisal, documentation)	No monetary gain but cultural/educational impact 📊	Schools, museums, libraries, cultural preservation	Tax benefits, legacy, cultural impact ⭐
Craft and Artistic Repurposing	Medium 🔄🔄 (artistic skills needed)	Low to moderate (tools, materials, skill)	Unique artistic pieces with sentimental value 📊	Creative reuse of worthless/damaged currency	Personal satisfaction, unique creations ⭐
Online Marketplace Sales	Medium 🔄🔄 (listing, customer service)	Low to moderate (photos, shipping, fees)	Potentially highest market prices 📊⭐	Selling rare, valuable currency globally	Global reach, flexible timing, high returns ⭐
Currency Exchange for Travel	Low 🔄	Low (exchange locations or online access)	Practical currency conversion 📊	Travelers converting foreign currency	Convenience, competitive rates, immediate use ⚡
Investment in Precious Metal Content	Low to medium 🔄	Moderate (precious metal buyer quotes, sorting)	Cash based on metal spot price 📊	Coins with significant precious metal content	Quick sale, guaranteed metal value ⭐

Your Fast, Easy, and Guaranteed Solution for All Old Currency

Navigating the world of old and leftover currency can often feel like a complex puzzle. Throughout this guide, we have explored a diverse range of options, each with its own merits and challenges. From the meticulous dedication required for numismatic collecting and the potential rewards of investing in precious metal content, to the creative joy of artistic repurposing and the goodwill of educational donations, the pathways are varied. You might try selling on online marketplaces, exchanging still-legal tender at banks, or even saving it for future travels. Each of these methods provides a viable answer to the question of what to do with old currency.

However, many of these solutions require significant time, specialised knowledge, or logistical effort. Identifying rare coins, navigating bank policies on obsolete notes, or finding the right buyer online can be cumbersome. This is where a streamlined, professional service offers a distinct and powerful advantage, transforming a drawer full of forgotten money into tangible value without the associated hassle.

The All-in-One Approach: Fast, Secure, and Hassle-Free

The most efficient solution is one that consolidates all your needs into a single, simple process. Instead of sorting through piles of mixed coins or trying to identify which pre-euro banknotes are still valid, you can opt for a service designed to handle everything. This approach eliminates the guesswork and the legwork, making it the perfect way to exchange foreign coins, turn leftover foreign currency into cash, and convert foreign coins and banknotes with minimal effort.

Consider the benefits of a dedicated service:

No Sorting Required: Forget separating different denominations or countries. Our hassle-free process means you can send all your mixed coins and notes in one go.
100% Guaranteed Acceptance: Whether it’s a pocketful of leftover foreign currency from a holiday or a bag of obsolete coins, our fast and easy service accepts it all.
Trusted and Credible: As a service trusted by major UK brands including national charities, supermarkets, airports, and even police forces, you gain peace of mind knowing the process is secure and professional.

This method is built on the principle of convenience. It’s a 100% guaranteed way to convert foreign coins and banknotes into usable funds, whether for yourself or to donate foreign coins to charity. By bypassing the limitations of banks and the complexities of the collector's market, you unlock the value in your currency quickly and effortlessly. Ultimately, the best choice is the one that respects your time and provides a reliable return, turning what was once clutter into a meaningful financial resource.

Ready to turn your old, obsolete, and leftover foreign currency into cash? At We Buy All Currency, we provide a fast, easy, and 100% guaranteed service to exchange foreign coins and notes. Our process is hassle-free with no need to sort coins. Visit our homepage at We Buy All Currency to discover how simple it is to get started today