2026-01-14
What Happens If You Need to Sell Coins Quickly?
In an emergency, speed costs money. Here is exactly how much you will lose if you have to liquidate within 24 hours.
We always talk about holding forever. But sometimes, life happens. You lose your job. The car breaks down. You need cash today.
The Price of Speed
If you can wait 30 days to sell, you can find a private buyer and get full market price. If you need cash in 1 hour, you have to sell to a Dealer or Pawn Shop.
The "Wholesale Haircut" Dealers cannot pay you Retail Price. They have to pay Wholesale.
- Generic Silver: Spot Price (or Spot - $1.00).
- Silver Eagles: Spot + $2.00 (even if they sell them for Spot + $10.00).
- Jewelry: 70% of Melt Value (the worst deal).
How to Minimize the Pain
If you must sell fast:
- Call First: Call 3 local shops. Ask: "What are you paying for Silver Eagles today?" Go to the highest bidder.
- Sell the "Liquids": Sell your Eagles/Maples first. Keep your weird obscure collectibles (because dealers will lowball those the hardest).
- Don't Clean Them: Never clean a coin to make it look "newer" before selling. You will destroy 50% of the value instantly.
Emergency Liquidity Plan
Download our 'Liquidation Checklist.' It lists the phone numbers you should call and the questions you should ask to get the best price.