Commemoratives, bullion and paper money. Small, valuable and judged under a loupe, so protection and photos matter most.
The kit our builder picks for a typical Coins and currency seller. Change the answers to fit yours.
Lighting
Large, soft light for clothing and full-body shots.
Microphone
Keeps your voice clear when you turn away from the phone.
Each step in the order you'll need it.
Coin capsules in a range of sizes come first, then small padded mailers and a pocket scale that reads to a tenth of a gram. A loupe lets you check marks and condition before you list. Cotton gloves stop fingerprints on proof finishes.
Add a light tent or two soft panel lights for photos. Coins reflect everything, and diffused light stops the glare that hides detail.
Put the coin in a capsule, then tape the capsule to a small square of cardboard so it can't slide around. Slide the card into a padded mailer and seal it well. A loose coin can work its way out through a corner.
For several coins, tape each capsule to the same card in a row. Heavier bullion lots go in a small box with padding.
Kit for this step
Store capsuled coins in a coin tray or a labeled box, sorted by country and then date. Give each coin a stock number and write it on a small label on the capsule edge. Keep the stock list on your phone so you can check it during a show.
Keep coins dry and away from PVC flips, which can damage the surface over time.
Kit for this step
Photograph both sides of every coin, straight on, in diffused light. Add an angled shot to show luster and a close-up of any mark or scratch. Buyers zoom in, so put your effort into a sharp photo before any styling.
Put the country, denomination, year, mint mark and any variety in the title. If you mention a grade, say who graded it, such as PCGS or NGC, or describe the condition in plain words.
Kit for this step
Whatnot runs coin and bullion shows, and buyers like seeing coins turned in the light. Use an overhead phone arm and keep each coin in its capsule on camera. Line up lots in order before the show.
Pack each sold coin straight after the show, capsule to card, and check it off the show order list.
Kit for this step
Most single coins weigh well under 1 lb and go by USPS Ground Advantage in a padded mailer. For valuable coins, add insurance or use Registered Mail, and check the coverage limit against the coin's value.
Past 50 orders, buy capsules in bulk in your common sizes and pre-cut cardboard squares. A stock spreadsheet with location codes keeps you quick on busy days.
Kit for this step
Each one costs you money or reviews, and each has a fix.
Complete kits for one kind of seller, costed and laid out.
What most orders like these ship by, at today’s published rates. Rates checked October 7, 2026.
eBay Standard EnvelopeUsual$0.82 to $1.40
Tracked letter for eBay cards and flat items selling under $20, up to 3 oz.
USPS Ground Advantage, under 1 lb$6.93 to $8.95
Clothing, cards in a mailer and other small items under 1 lb. Tracked, with $100 insurance included.
USPS Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box$12.10 to $14.65
Ships small, dense items like coins or boxed rings at one price to any state.
Loose coins in envelopes. They work their way out through the corners.
Clear cases that keep fingerprints off a coin.
Bubble-lined envelopes for small, light items.
Step-by-step help for the jobs that come next.
Coin buyers zoom in on every mark. Keep each coin in a capsule from the moment you buy it, and photograph both sides in even light.
Coins are light and small, so most orders go in a padded mailer by USPS Ground Advantage. Weigh to the tenth of an ounce: bullion lots get heavy fast.
Straight answers to what sellers ask about this.
Ground Advantage includes tracking and some insurance. For valuable coins, buy extra insurance or use Registered Mail, and check the coverage limit against the coin's value.
For anything sold on its own, yes. Fingerprints and scratches cost more than the capsule.
No. Cleaning almost always lowers a coin's value, and collectors can spot it. Sell coins as found.
Gains on coins and bullion are usually taxable, and the IRS treats them as collectibles. Check irs.gov or ask a tax professional if you sell regularly.
Use diffused light from the side, a dark background and shoot straight on. Tilt the coin slightly for a second shot to show luster.
eBay has the largest coin buyer base, and Whatnot runs busy coin and bullion shows. Mercari works for mid-value sets and rolls.
