Top tips to find a trusted coin dealer

Finding a coin dealer is relatively easy, the hobby's popularity means there are many traders offering to purchase your collection or sell coins. But there are a number of steps you should take when finding a dealer that you will be comfortable dealing with.

Coin dealers near me…

The internet has changed the hobby in many ways, and it is now possible to buy and sell coins from the comfort of your home. But for larger transactions, collection appraisals, and to ensure the coin you are buying is exactly what you expect, it is always worth meeting a coin dealer.

You can locate many dealers using the Find a Dealer directory right here on the website. Another option is to attend a coin fair near you, where you can speak to an expert, see the coins they have for sale, or take a coin along for appraisal. 

Check if they belong to a trade association

Most coin dealers are enthusiastic, passionate and eager to help collectors or those wishing to sell a collection, but as with any industry, it is best to be sure you are dealing with a reputable, honest person before parting with any money.

One of the best ways to ensure the dealer will give you a good service is to check their affiliation with a trade association. Members of trade associations will have agreed to follow a set of rules, known as a Code of Conduct, which ensures they conduct their business appropriately, legally and fairly.

• Great Britain: the British Numismatic Trade Association has been running for decades and has a long list of members
• USA: the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG) was founded in 1955, and has the motto 'Knowledge, Integrity, Responsibility', all the essential hallmarks of a reputable coin dealer.
• Europe: the website of the Federation of European Coin Dealers Associations (FENAP) has details of many national trade associations.
• International: the International Association of Professional Numismatists (IAPN) has well over 100 members.

Be cautious and trust your instinct

You're not going sell coins you think are worth thousands to the first person you find – or at least you shouldn't! – so it's always a good idea to try to get to know the dealer first, especially if you are considering a high value transaction.

• Speak to any collector colleagues or friends and ask for their experiences with the coin dealer
• Do a little research. Are they on eBay and what is their feedback rating? How have they been reviewed?
• Try a small transaction first and see if you are happy with the trader's service
• If you're unhappy with a certain aspect of the dealer's business, then stop and reconsider

Talk to the dealer

Of course, most dealers are friendly and keen to have your business, so they won't mind chatting to you and giving you reassurances that they are very happy to help you with your coin collecting. 

You are well within your rights to ask questions, and if the dealer doesn't want to answer them, then perhaps it's time to try someone else. here are a few questions you can ask when enquiring about buying or selling coins… 

• How long have you been working in the a coin trade?
• How long have you been a running your own coin business?
• What do you specialise in? What do you know about the type of coins I am looking for?
• Are you a member of a trade association or guild?

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