Looking to Turn Your Old Dollar Bills and Rare Coins Into Cash? Here Are Your Best Options

So you’ve discovered a stash of vintage currency or inherited a collection of rare coins. The big question now: where can i sell old dollar bills and coins like yours for the best price? If you’re trying to figure out the optimal platform for your specific situation, understanding the pros and cons of each marketplace will help you maximize returns and minimize headaches.

When Quality Meets Prestige: Heritage Auctions

If you’re sitting on something truly exceptional, Heritage Auctions is where records get broken. As the world’s third-largest auction house and the premier collectibles auctioneer, Heritage facilitated sales totaling $1.76 billion in 2023 alone. They’ve brokered deals in the millions and redefined how rare collectibles change hands.

The advantage? Completely free evaluations and consultations with experts, no strings attached. Submit your coins and paper money for review at zero cost. If your items fit their market, they’ll provide an auction evaluation and make an offer. If not, they’ll honestly point you toward a better outlet — even if it’s a competitor.

The catch: Heritage curates only the finest specimens. Unless your collection represents something truly special, you might get rejected. This exclusivity means higher selling prices for premium pieces, but it’s not for casual or mid-tier collectors.

Maximum Exposure on a Budget: eBay

The polar opposite of Heritage’s selectivity, eBay opens doors to over 134 million potential buyers. List literally anything — coins, bills, bullion, currency from any era — and you’ll find thousands of competitors doing the same.

This democratization of selling has a price. You handle everything yourself: photography, listing descriptions, market research, and pricing strategy. eBay’s seller fees compound quickly. With so much competition, prices often get depressed by sheer volume.

However, you can launch your auction or fixed-price listing in hours, not weeks. For sellers comfortable with DIY effort and patience, eBay offers unmatched reach at minimal upfront cost.

The Balanced Approach: Stack’s Bowers Galleries

Stack’s Bowers combines Heritage’s prestige with more accessibility. This auction house conducts both live and online auctions, accepts consignments, and purchases items outright. Free appraisals are available online, in-person at their New York and Philadelphia locations, or via expert home visits for large collections.

A major differentiator: Stack’s Bowers absorbs costs for photography, cataloging, storage, insurance, and marketing — charges that other houses pass to sellers. If they accept your items, they’ll display them where thousands of active bidders compete. Payment arrives within 45 days after the sale, minus their commission.

This middle-ground option appeals to serious collectors wanting professional handling without Heritage’s ultra-exclusive barriers.

Fast, Reliable, and Streamlined: APMEX

The American Precious Metals Exchange operates as one of the largest online marketplaces for coins and currency in the U.S. As one of just 10 authorized purchasers of bullion coins from the U.S. Mint, APMEX has moved over $1 billion from the retail market, establishing itself as a trusted buyer.

The process is refreshingly simple: request a quote online or by phone, and APMEX guarantees payment within one business day of receiving your items. They’re known for fair pricing, efficient operations, and genuine expertise.

The tradeoff is that you ship items before payment clears — a trust issue that APMEX’s solid reputation mitigates. For sellers prioritizing speed and simplicity over absolute premium pricing, this platform delivers.

The Personal Touch: Your Local Coin Dealer

Don’t overlook what’s in your backyard. Neighborhood coin dealers often match or beat top online prices because they want to build lasting relationships with local collectors. You get paid immediately, in person, with no shipping risks or delayed settlements.

Beyond instant gratification, local dealers provide face-to-face appraisals, answer questions in real time, and become ongoing resources for future collecting. Unlike online transactions, your sale remains completely private. Many hobbyists report that relationship-based pricing from trusted local dealers outperforms anonymous online marketplaces.

The Bottom Line: Matching Your Collection to the Right Buyer

The best place to sell rare coins and paper money depends on your priorities. Have investment-grade pieces? Heritage or Stack’s Bowers maximize prices. Need cash fast? Your local dealer or APMEX eliminate wait times. Want maximum reach on a budget? eBay works if you invest the effort. Each platform serves different seller profiles — choose based on whether you value speed, price optimization, convenience, or privacy.