Where to Sell Canadian Coins
Compare your options — local dealers, auctions, and online buyers — and find out which is best for your situation.
If you have Canadian coins to sell — whether it's a jar of old silver, an inherited collection, or a few coins you think might be valuable — you have several options. The right choice depends on what you have and how much effort you want to put in.
Local coin dealer: Quick and in-person, but offers are often lower because dealers need to resell at a profit. Best if you want cash on the spot and have a shop nearby.
Online auction (eBay): Can get strong prices for rare coins, but takes time, effort, and fees. Not worth it for common silver coins.
Private sale (Kijiji, Facebook): No fees, but requires knowledge, time, and carries safety and scam risks.
Online coin buyer (photo-first): Upload photos, get a free written estimate, no mailing required until you decide to sell. Best for most people — especially for silver coins, inherited collections, and coins you want identified first.
Skip the Comparison — Sell Directly to Us
If you'd rather skip researching local dealers, auctions, and other online buyers, you can get a free written estimate from SellMyCoins.ca within 24–48 hours — no obligation to sell. If you accept, payment is by Interac e-Transfer and we send a prepaid Canada Post shipping label so mailing costs you nothing. It's the same straightforward process described on our homepage.
Get My Free EstimateBest Option by Situation
- Small group of common silver coinsOnline buyer — quick, no fees, no effort
- A few potentially rare coinsOnline buyer for estimate first; auction if confirmed valuable
- An inherited collectionOnline buyer — they identify everything and give a written offer
- Coins you want identified firstUpload photos to an online buyer — free identification included
- Selling from anywhere in CanadaOnline buyer with prepaid Canada Post label
Common Ways to Sell Canadian Coins
Local coin dealers and shops buy coins in person. You bring your coins to the shop, they inspect them, and make you an offer on the spot.
Advantages
- • Immediate payment (cash or cheque)
- • No shipping required
- • Face-to-face interaction
- • Can ask questions in person
Disadvantages
- • May offer lower prices (need to cover overhead)
- • Limited to shops in your area
- • Can feel intimidating for beginners
- • Difficult to compare multiple offers
Best for: People who want immediate payment and have a local coin shop nearby. Good if you're comfortable negotiating in person.
Online auction sites like eBay allow you to list your coins for sale and let buyers bid on them. You set a starting price and wait for the auction to end.
Advantages
- • Potential for higher prices (competitive bidding)
- • Large audience of potential buyers
- • You control the listing and pricing
- • Good for rare or collectible coins
Disadvantages
- • Time-consuming (photos, listings, shipping)
- • Seller fees (10-15% of sale price)
- • No guarantee your coins will sell
- • Risk of disputes or returns
- • Requires good photos and descriptions
Best for: People with rare or valuable coins who have time to create listings, take photos, and manage the selling process. Not ideal for bulk silver coins.
Selling directly to other collectors through classified ads or social media groups. You arrange to meet the buyer or ship the coins yourself.
Advantages
- • No seller fees
- • You set the price
- • Can negotiate directly with buyers
- • Local sales mean no shipping
Disadvantages
- • Safety concerns (meeting strangers)
- • No buyer protection
- • Time-consuming (responding to inquiries)
- • Risk of scams or counterfeit payment
- • Smaller audience than auctions
Best for: People comfortable with private transactions who want to avoid fees. Always meet in public places and be cautious of scams.
Mail-in coin buyers allow you to send your coins by mail for assessment. They inspect the coins, make an offer, and pay you if you accept. Many services let you upload photos first to get an initial estimate.
Advantages
- • Simple and convenient process
- • No need to leave home
- • Upload photos first for estimate
- • Fast payment (Interac e-Transfer)
- • No obligation to accept offer
- • Transparent pricing
Disadvantages
- • Need to ship coins (use tracked shipping)
- • Wait time for inspection and offer
- • Return shipping costs if you decline offer
- • Requires trust in the buyer
Best for: People who want a simple, hassle-free process without dealing with auctions, fees, or in-person meetings. Ideal for inherited coins or bulk silver coins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to sell Canadian coins online?
Yes — if you use a buyer who gives you a written offer before you mail anything, ships with tracked and insured Canada Post, and pays by Interac e-Transfer. Never ship coins to a buyer who has not confirmed an offer in writing first.
Should I sell coins to a dealer or at auction?
For common silver coins, a dealer or online buyer is usually faster and simpler. For rare coins worth $500 or more, it may be worth getting an auction estimate — but start with a free photo estimate to know what you have before deciding.
How do I know if my coins are rare?
Check the date and denomination. Key dates to look for include the 1921 50-cent piece, 1948 50-cent, 1947 Maple Leaf coins, and pre-Confederation issues. If you are unsure, upload photos for a free assessment — you do not need to know in advance.
Do I need to clean my coins first?
No. Never clean coins before selling — cleaning removes the original surface and can significantly reduce collector value. Send them exactly as they are.
Do I need to mail my coins before getting an offer?
No. With SellMyCoins.ca, you upload photos first and receive a free written estimate. You only mail your coins after you accept an offer — and a prepaid Canada Post label is included.
What is the best way to sell an inherited coin collection in Canada?
Upload photos to an online buyer who specializes in Canadian coins. They will identify what you have, explain which coins are silver and which might be collector pieces, and give you a written offer with no obligation to sell. This is much easier than trying to identify and list everything yourself.
Sell Your Canadian Coins with SellMyCoins.ca
A simple, transparent way to sell Canadian coins from the comfort of your home
SellMyCoins.ca is a Canadian coin buying service where you can upload photos of your coins, receive an estimate, and get paid by Interac e-Transfer if you accept the offer.
How It Works:
Upload Photos: Take clear photos of your coins (front and back) and upload them through the website. No mailing required at this stage.
Receive a Purchase Estimate: We review your photos personally and send a written purchase estimate — usually within 24–48 hours. Each coin is listed individually so you know exactly what you are being offered.
Accept the Offer: Take as much time as you need. There is no time pressure and no obligation to sell. Simply reply to accept when you are ready.
Receive a Prepaid Shipping Label: Once you accept, we email you a prepaid Canada Post label. Shipping costs are incorporated into the purchase estimate — there is nothing extra to pay.
Ship Your Coins: Pack your coins securely and drop the parcel off at any Canada Post location using the prepaid label.
Receive Payment After Verification: Once your coins arrive and are verified, payment is sent by Interac e-Transfer — typically the same day or next business day.
Why Choose SellMyCoins.ca:
- Canadian-owned and operated — buying coins from anywhere in Canada
- Start with photos — no obligation to mail coins until you accept an offer
- Prepaid Canada Post shipping label emailed on accepted offers — nothing extra to pay
- Fast payment by Interac e-Transfer — typically same day or next business day after verification
- No obligation to accept the offer — decline at any time
- Fair pricing based on current silver values and collector demand
Upload photos and receive your written estimate within 24–48 hours
Ready to Find Out What Your Coins Are Worth?
Upload photos for a free written estimate — no mailing required and no obligation to sell. If you decide to accept an offer, Richard emails you a prepaid Canada Post shipping label. Available across Canada.
Get Your Free EstimateA guide to selling Canadian coins — comparing local dealers, auctions, and online buyers so you can choose the best option for your situation.
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.