Coins, Banknotes & Numismatics We Buy
The Old Antiquarian · What We Buy
The Old Antiquarian buys selected coins, banknotes, tokens and numismatic collections from private owners, collectors and families. Whether you have a single coin, an inherited group or a larger collection, clear photographs of both sides, visible dates, inscriptions, mint marks and condition are the best place to begin.
Last Updated: September 2026
Quick Answer
The value of a coin, banknote or token cannot be determined from age alone. Important factors may include country or issuing authority, denomination, date, mint mark, variety, rarity, metal, authenticity, condition, historical context, provenance and current collector demand. For collections, organisation, completeness and original documentation can also be relevant.
At a Glance
| Category | Examples | Important Clues |
|---|---|---|
| Coins | Ancient, medieval, modern, commemorative and circulation coins | Date, mint mark, denomination, ruler or issuer, metal, variety and condition |
| Banknotes | Historic paper money, obsolete notes, commemorative and collectible banknotes | Issuer, denomination, date, series, signatures, serial number and condition |
| Tokens | Trade tokens, transport tokens, jetons, medals and related pieces | Issuer, inscription, purpose, place, material, rarity and condition |
| Numismatic Collections | Coin collections, banknote collections, inherited groups and mixed numismatic material | Organisation, range, rarity, provenance, completeness and condition |
Coins, banknotes and tokens form part of the wider range of
antiques and collections we buy
,
including art, porcelain, jewellery, silver, watches, books, militaria and inherited collections.
Coins
We consider selected ancient, medieval and modern coins, as well as commemorative issues, historic circulation coinage and specialist numismatic material.
A coin’s age is only one factor. Identification may depend on the issuing authority, ruler, denomination, date, mint mark, metal, weight, design type, variety and condition.
For some coins, small differences in dies, inscriptions, mint marks or dates can distinguish a common issue from a scarcer variety. For this reason, clear photographs of both sides are essential.
Do not clean a coin before sending photographs. Original surfaces, toning, patina and traces of circulation can all be important when examining condition and authenticity.
Banknotes
We also consider selected historic and collectible banknotes, including obsolete paper money, older national issues, commemorative notes and specialised banknote collections.
Important details can include the issuing bank or authority, denomination, date, series, signatures, serial number, watermark, printing characteristics and condition.
With paper money, condition can be particularly important. Folds, tears, stains, pinholes, trimming, writing, repairs and heavy handling may all affect collector interest.
Collector’s Note:
Photograph the full front and reverse of a banknote. Do not iron, press, wash or tape old paper money in an attempt to improve its appearance.
Tokens, Jetons & Related Numismatic Objects
Not every numismatic object is a coin. We also consider selected trade tokens, transport tokens, jetons, counters, commemorative pieces and related historical objects.
These objects can be interesting because of their connection with a particular business, institution, city, transport system, event, organisation or historical period.
Inscriptions, symbols, place names, dates and issuer names can be especially useful when identifying tokens and determining their historical context.
Dates, Mint Marks & Identification
Dates and mint marks are among the most familiar clues in numismatics, but they should not be interpreted in isolation.
Depending on the issue, useful information may include mint marks, ruler names, legends, denomination, symbols, edge inscriptions, metal composition, diameter, weight and die characteristics.
Some coins and banknotes also exist in multiple varieties or series that can appear very similar at first glance. Exact identification can therefore require comparison with reliable numismatic references.
Important:
A date alone does not establish rarity or value. Large numbers of coins and banknotes were issued in some years, while specific mint marks, varieties or series may be considerably scarcer than others.
Authenticity & Reproductions
Coins and banknotes are frequently copied, reproduced or altered, which makes authenticity an important part of numismatic assessment.
A convincing appearance is not enough by itself. Depending on the object, authenticity may require consideration of weight, dimensions, metal, edge, strike, surface, printing method, paper, watermark, typography and known production characteristics.
An initial photo review can identify some obvious concerns, but certain pieces require direct physical examination or specialist testing.
Condition & Original Surfaces
Condition can have a major influence on collector interest, but it is important to distinguish natural age and circulation from later damage or alteration.
For coins, excessive cleaning, polishing, scratching, corrosion, edge damage and tooling can be significant. For banknotes, tears, stains, folds, missing corners, writing, tape, repairs and trimming may affect desirability.
Do Not Clean Coins Before Review
Avoid polishing compounds, metal cleaners, acids, abrasives, brushes and other attempts to make an old coin shine. Cleaning can permanently alter original surfaces and may reduce collector interest.
What Can Make Coins or Banknotes Valuable?
There is no single feature that determines numismatic value. Depending on the object, relevant factors may include:
- country, ruler or issuing authority;
- date and mint mark;
- denomination;
- scarcity or rarity;
- variety, type or series;
- metal composition;
- originality and authenticity;
- grade and overall condition;
- original surfaces and natural patina;
- historical importance;
- provenance;
- collector demand;
- relevant recent comparable sales.
Older Does Not Always Mean More Valuable
A very old coin can sometimes be relatively common, while a much later issue may be scarce because of low production, a rare mint mark, a short-lived type or exceptional condition. Numismatic value depends on the specific issue and its collector market, not simply on age.
Numismatic Collections
We consider individual objects as well as coin collections, banknote collections, token collections and mixed numismatic groups.
Collections may contain material assembled around a particular country, ruler, period, denomination, mint, historical event or specialist theme.
If a collection is already organised in albums, trays, envelopes, cabinets or labelled holders, it is generally best to keep that organisation intact until the material has been reviewed.
Keep Labels and Old Envelopes:
Collector notes, old envelopes, inventory numbers, purchase records and provenance labels can provide useful information. Do not discard them simply because they look old or untidy.
Inherited Coin & Banknote Collections
Inherited numismatic collections can be difficult to assess if you are unfamiliar with coins or paper money. There is no need to identify every piece yourself before contacting us.
Begin with photographs showing the collection as a whole, including albums, trays, boxes or storage cabinets. Then photograph representative coins or banknotes, particularly pieces that appear older, unusual or individually labelled.
Keeping the original organisation can be important because previous collector notes may reveal how the collection was assembled.
What Should You Photograph?
| Photograph | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Coin obverse | Shows portrait, symbols, inscriptions and overall condition. |
| Coin reverse | Shows denomination, date, mint clues and reverse design. |
| Edge where relevant | May reveal lettering, milling or other production characteristics. |
| Banknote front & reverse | Shows issuer, denomination, signatures, serial number and condition. |
| Labels & holders | Can preserve collector notes, identification and provenance information. |
| Whole collection | Provides context, scale and information about how the collection is organised. |
What Information Should You Send?
You do not need to catalogue the collection yourself. If available, include:
- approximate number of coins, notes or tokens;
- countries or periods represented, if known;
- clear photographs of both sides of individual pieces;
- dates and mint marks where visible;
- old labels, collector notes or inventories;
- original albums, trays, envelopes or boxes;
- where and when the collection was acquired, if known;
- any reliable family or ownership history.
Identification Is Not the Same as Valuation
Identifying a coin, banknote or token is only the first step. A complete assessment may also require examination of authenticity, variety, rarity, condition and the current collector market. Photographs can provide useful preliminary information, but some numismatic objects require closer physical examination or specialist research.
Do You Have Other Antiques to Sell?
Coins, banknotes and numismatic collections are only part of the objects we consider. Explore the wider range of
antiques and collections we buy
,
including art, porcelain, jewellery, silver, watches, books, militaria and inherited collections.
Have Coins, Banknotes or a Numismatic Collection to Sell?
Send clear photographs of the objects, both sides where possible, visible dates and marks, condition and any information you know about the collection.
Initial Photo Review · No Obligation · 35+ Years of Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you buy old coins?
Yes. We consider selected ancient, medieval and modern coins, including individual pieces and larger collections.
Do you buy old banknotes?
Yes. We consider selected historic and collectible banknotes, including obsolete paper money and specialist collections.
Do you buy tokens?
Yes. Selected trade tokens, transport tokens, jetons and related historical numismatic objects may be of interest.
Do you buy complete coin collections?
Yes. We consider individual coins as well as larger coin, banknote and mixed numismatic collections.
Should I clean old coins before selling them?
No. Avoid polishing or aggressive cleaning. Original surfaces, toning and patina can be important to collectors, and cleaning may permanently alter a coin.
Does an old date mean my coin is valuable?
Not necessarily. Value can depend on the exact issue, mint mark, rarity, variety, authenticity, condition and collector demand rather than age alone.
Are mint marks important?
They can be. For some issues, different mint marks correspond to different production locations and quantities, and certain varieties may be much scarcer than others.
Are serial numbers important on banknotes?
They can provide identification information and, in some cases, particular serial-number patterns may attract specialist collector interest. The note’s issue, series and condition remain important as well.
Should I remove coins from old holders or envelopes?
Usually not before review. Old holders, envelopes and labels may contain identification, provenance or collector information that is worth preserving.
Can you review an inherited numismatic collection?
Yes. Start with photographs of the collection as a whole, followed by representative coins, banknotes, labels and any accompanying documentation.
Can you determine the value from photographs alone?
Photographs can provide useful information for an initial review, but certain coins and banknotes may require physical examination, authentication or additional specialist research before a definitive assessment can be made.
Continue Exploring
Coins, banknotes and tokens are part of a wider world of historical and collectible objects. Explore the full range of
antiques and collections we buy
.
About The Old Antiquarian
The Old Antiquarian brings more than 35 years of experience with antiques, historical objects and collectibles. Our approach combines careful observation, specialist research and respect for the history carried by every object.