The short version
- Typical range: £5 – £200
- Biggest single factor: condition — see the table below
- Category: Art & Collectibles
- Cost to sell on WishThrift: nothing, at any price
What a used coins is worth by condition
Condition does more to the price than anything else. These figures are worked from the top of the range for coinss, so treat them as a starting point and adjust for the specifics of yours.
| Condition | Typical price | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| New with Tags | £200 | Unused, tags or seals intact |
| Like New | £170 | Barely used, no visible wear |
| Good | £130 | Light signs of use, complete and working |
| Fair | £90 | Heavily used, or a described fault or missing part |
| For Parts | £50 | Not working or incomplete, sold as seen |
These are the five grades WishThrift listings use, and sellers set the grade themselves — see what each condition grade means. Figures are shown in pounds as a reference point. On WishThrift prices display in your own currency, and sellers set their own asking price.
What raises the value of a coins
- Scarce dates, mint marks and low-mintage issues
- Original, uncleaned surfaces
- Professionally graded and slabbed coins
- Precious metal content on bullion issues
What lowers it
- Cleaning, which permanently damages surfaces and value
- Wear that drops the coin into a lower grade
- Common dates held in large numbers
- Edge knocks and scratches
How to work out what yours is worth
- Identify the date, mint mark and denomination precisely
- Weigh it if precious metal content is relevant
- Compare against sold results for the same date and grade
Once you have those three answers you can place your own coins on the table above with reasonable confidence. If it sits between two rows, price it toward the lower one — items priced honestly sell faster than items priced hopefully.
Ready to sell it? Listing on WishThrift is free, there is no commission, and you keep the full amount you agree with the buyer — see how selling works or create a free account.
Frequently asked questions
Should I clean old coins before selling?
Never. Cleaning leaves microscopic scratches that collectors spot immediately, and it can destroy most of a coin’s value.
What makes a coin valuable?
Rarity and grade, not age. A common ancient coin can be worth less than a scarce modern one.
Is professional grading worth it?
Only for coins likely to grade well and already worth a reasonable sum, since grading costs money and takes time.
More value guides: art & collectibles guides · all value guides · browse live art & collectibles listings.