What to Do With Coins You Don’t Want
Every coin collector eventually runs into the same problem: a growing pile of coins they don’t want anymore. Whether they came from coin roll hunting, inherited collections, or bulk purchases, unwanted coins can quickly take up space and become overwhelming.
The good news is that unwanted coins still have options — you just need to choose the right one.
Sort Before You Do Anything
Before getting rid of coins, take time to sort them.
Separate coins into:
Face-value spendable coins
Silver or gold coins
Potentially collectible pieces
Damaged or heavily worn coins
A little sorting prevents costly mistakes.
Spend Them (Yes, Really)
Many coins are still worth exactly face value.
If they’re common modern coins:
Use them for everyday purchases
Deposit them at a bank
Run them through a coin-counting machine
This is often the simplest solution.
Sell Silver and Bullion Separately
Never mix silver coins with face-value coins.
Silver coins should be:
Sold to a coin shop
Sold to a bullion dealer
Held as precious metal if desired
Even worn silver coins are worth their metal content.
Trade or Sell to Other Collectors
Coins you don’t want might be exactly what someone else needs.
Options include:
Coin shows
Collector forums
Local coin clubs
Trades can be more efficient than selling.
Donate Coins
Coins can be donated to:
Schools
Youth groups
Educational programs
This is especially meaningful for common coins and starter collections.
Use Coins as Teaching Tools
Unwanted coins make great:
Practice grading pieces
Error-spotting examples
Gifts for new collectors
They still serve a purpose.
Avoid Overpaying to Get Rid of Coins
Be cautious of:
High fees at coin-counting machines
Shipping costs that exceed value
Paying for grading on common coins
Getting rid of coins should never cost more than they’re worth.
When to Just Let Coins Go
Holding onto coins purely because you already own them isn’t a strategy.
If a coin:
Has no collectible value
Has no metal value
Isn’t meaningful to you
It’s okay to let it go.
Final Thoughts
Unwanted coins don’t have to be a burden. With smart sorting and realistic expectations, they can be spent, sold, traded, donated, or repurposed — without regret.
A focused collection is always better than a cluttered one.
To organize collections, track duplicates, and decide what to keep or sell, visit CoinCollectingTools.com.