Sell Estate Coins in Canada
Handling an estate with coins and not sure where to start? Upload photos and SellMyCoins.ca — run by Ottawa-based Canadian coin buyer Richard LeBlanc — will identify everything and provide a written purchase estimate. No coin knowledge required. No mailing until you decide to accept.
Written response within 24–48 hours · No obligation to sell · Available across Canada
You Do Not Need to Know Anything About Coins
Most people handling an estate with coins are not coin collectors. They have found an album in a drawer, a jar of old coins in a closet, a box of rolls in the basement, or a collection they know nothing about — and they need to know what to do with it.
The process at SellMyCoins.ca is designed for exactly this situation. You do not need to identify the coins, sort them, research their value, or know anything about grading or condition. All you need to do is take a few photos and send them. We will handle the rest — identifying each coin, assessing its condition, and providing a clear written purchase estimate.
There is no charge for the estimate and no obligation to sell. If the offer is not right for you, you simply decline and keep your coins. If you accept, we email you a prepaid Canada Post shipping label and payment follows by Interac e-Transfer once your coins arrive.
What Estate Coin Collections Typically Contain
Canadian estates often contain more valuable coins than the family realizes. Here are the most common types Richard sees — and what to look for.
Many collectors kept their coins in Whitman folders or blue albums organized by denomination and date. These often contain silver dollars, 50-cent pieces, and other coins accumulated over decades. Albums are easy to photograph page by page — just lay each page flat and take a clear photo.
A common find in estates is a jar, tin, or bag of loose old coins. These often contain a mix of silver coins, old pennies, and foreign coins. Even a jar of mixed coins can contain meaningful silver content — Canadian dimes, quarters, and 50-cent pieces struck before 1968 are all 80% silver.
Some collectors saved coins in paper rolls — often by denomination or year. A roll of pre-1968 Canadian quarters, for example, contains 40 coins with significant silver content. Rolls are easy to photograph: just photograph the end of each roll to show the denomination and any visible date.
Canadian silver dollars (1935–1967) and 50-cent pieces are among the most commonly found valuable coins in estates. All contain 80% silver, and key dates — particularly the 1948 silver dollar — can be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars. These are worth identifying carefully before selling.
Gold coins are less common but do appear in estates — particularly Canadian gold sovereigns, $5 and $10 gold pieces, and Gold Maple Leaf bullion coins. If you find any coins that appear to be gold, photograph them separately and note them in your submission.
Newfoundland issued its own coinage until 1949 and these coins frequently appear in older Canadian estates, often mixed in with regular Canadian coins. They can be easy to overlook — but many are genuinely valuable, particularly 50-cent pieces and silver issues in good condition.
Proof sets, specimen sets, and commemorative coins in original RCM packaging are common in estates. These are straightforward to photograph — just include the packaging in the photo. Condition and completeness of the original packaging affects value.
Many estate collections include British coins, American coins, and coins from other countries accumulated over a lifetime of travel or collecting. You do not need to separate these from the Canadian coins — include everything in your submission and Richard will identify what is worth buying.
How the Process Works — Step by Step
The entire process is designed to be simple for people who are not coin collectors. Here is exactly what happens from start to finish.
Use your smartphone to photograph both sides of each coin in natural light. For albums, photograph each page. For jars or loose coins, spread them out on a flat surface and photograph them in small groups. For rolls, photograph the end of each roll. You do not need special equipment — a clear smartphone photo is all that is needed. The form accepts up to 20 photos per submission; for larger collections, contact Richard directly to arrange a multi-part submission.
Upload your photos through the form on this page. Include a brief description of what you have — for example, "a coin album from my father's estate" or "a jar of old coins found in the basement." This helps Richard provide a more accurate initial response.
Richard reviews your photos and sends a written estimate within 24–48 hours. The estimate identifies each coin, explains its condition, and provides a purchase offer — itemized so you can see exactly what you are being offered for each piece. Nothing is vague or verbal.
There is no deadline and no pressure. You can take as long as you need to review the offer, ask questions, or discuss it with other family members or the estate lawyer. If you decline, your coins stay with you — there is nothing to return and no charge for the assessment.
If you decide to accept the offer, let Richard know by email or reply. He will email you a prepaid Canada Post shipping label. Shipping costs are incorporated into the offer — there is nothing extra to pay. Pack the coins securely and drop the package at any Canada Post location.
Once your coins arrive and Richard has verified the contents match the photos, payment is sent by Interac e-Transfer — typically the same day or next business day. The payment goes directly to your bank account.
Who You Are Dealing With
SellMyCoins.ca is operated by Richard LeBlanc, an Ottawa-based Canadian coin collector and buyer. Richard buys coins directly — there are no middlemen, no call centres, and no automated responses. When you submit photos, Richard personally reviews them and writes the estimate himself.
Richard works with executors, family members, and anyone responsible for handling an estate. He understands that most people in this situation are not coin experts and are dealing with a collection that belonged to someone they cared about. The process is designed to be straightforward, transparent, and respectful of that.
If you have questions before submitting — about the process, what to photograph, or anything else — you can reach Richard directly at [email protected].
What to Expect
You do not need to identify, sort, or research the coins before submitting. Upload photos of what you have and Richard handles the identification.
The photo estimate is completely free. There are no appraisal fees, no consultation charges, and no obligation to sell.
You receive a written offer that lists each coin individually with its assessed value. Nothing is vague or verbal — you can review it at your own pace.
Take as long as you need. If you decline, your coins stay with you. There is nothing to return and no charge for the assessment.
Once you accept an offer, Richard emails you a prepaid Canada Post shipping label. Shipping costs are incorporated into the quote — nothing extra to pay.
Payment is sent by Interac e-Transfer the same day or next business day after your coins arrive and are verified.
Richard buys estate coins from sellers in every province and territory. The entire process is handled remotely — your location does not matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know anything about coins to sell an estate collection?
No. You do not need any coin knowledge. Upload photos of what you have — albums, jars, rolls, loose coins, or anything else — and Richard will identify everything, assess the condition, and provide a written offer. You just need a smartphone and a few minutes.
Do I need to sort or organize the coins before submitting photos?
No. You do not need to sort, organize, or identify anything before submitting. Upload photos of the coins as you find them — loose in a jar, in an album, in rolls, or in a box. Richard will do the identification work.
What types of coins are typically found in Canadian estates?
Canadian estates commonly contain silver dollars (1935–1967), 50-cent pieces, Newfoundland coins, old pennies and nickels, rolls of coins saved over decades, gold coins, and sometimes foreign coins or commemorative sets. Many collections also include coins stored in albums, folders, or original Royal Canadian Mint packaging.
Is the estate coin estimate free?
Yes. The photo estimate is completely free. There are no appraisal fees, no consultation charges, and no obligation to sell. If you decline the offer, your coins stay with you.
How long does the process take?
Richard typically responds with a written estimate within 24–48 hours of receiving photos. Once you accept an offer, the prepaid shipping label is emailed promptly and payment is sent by Interac e-Transfer the same day or next business day after your coins arrive.
Can I sell coins from an estate if I am the executor?
Yes. SellMyCoins.ca works with executors, family members, and anyone responsible for handling an estate. The process is the same — upload photos, receive a written offer, and decide whether to proceed.
Get a Free Estate Coin Estimate
Upload photos of the estate coins and receive a written estimate from Richard within 24–48 hours. Free, no obligation, no coin knowledge required.
Get a Free Estate Coin EstimateNo mailing required upfront · No obligation to sell · Canada-wide
This guide explains the value of Canadian coins, including key dates, silver content, and factors that affect collector value. If you believe you may have a valuable coin, you can upload photos for a free estimate.
How Coin Values Are Determined
Four key factors influence what a coin is worth. Understanding these helps you know what to look for.
Rarity
Coins with low mintage numbers or surviving in small quantities are worth more. A coin minted in the millions is common; one minted in the thousands can be scarce.
Condition
Collectors grade coins from Poor (heavily worn) to Mint State (uncirculated). A coin in excellent condition can be worth many times more than the same coin in worn condition.
Silver or Gold Content
Many older Canadian coins contain 80% silver. Even a common silver coin has a base value tied to the current silver price, regardless of collector demand.
Collector Demand
Some coins are actively sought by collectors, which drives prices higher. Key dates, varieties, and coins from popular series attract more buyers.