Maybe you've got a tube of silver rounds you're ready to cash in, or a few gold coins that have been sitting in a drawer for years. Either way, selling by mail can feel a little nerve-wracking the first time. Packing up real gold and silver and handing it to the post office is a big step, and you want to know exactly what happens next.
Selling gold and silver to Monument Metals by mail comes down to five steps. You call us for a quote, lock in your price over the phone, then ship your metal fully insured using our shipping instructions for sellers. We verify your items when they arrive and pay you, usually the same day or by the next business day.
Below, we'll walk you through each step of how selling to us works. We'll also cover what different coins, rounds and fractional pieces tend to bring, and how to compare offers so you feel confident about your price. If you're working through a family collection, our guide to inherited gold or silver is a good place to start, too.
Many people know us as a place to buy precious metals, but we also buy back bullion, numismatics (collectible coins valued for rarity and condition, not just metal), rare coins and currency. There are no minimums, so you can sell a single coin or an entire collection. Here's the whole process at a glance:
Start by calling 1-800-974-3121 or emailing support@monumentmetals.com. Let us know what you're selling: the product names, quantities and condition if you know them.
Gold and silver prices move throughout the day. That's why we lock in your price over the phone. Once your price is locked, you're protected from market fluctuations while your package is on its way. You can request a quote by email, but final pricing has to be confirmed by phone. That call is what makes the deal official.
Curious how we arrive at a number? Our post on what affects buyback prices explains the main factors.
No matter how you send your package, two things matter most: pack it securely and insure it for the full amount inside. After years of shipping thousands of packages, we recommend two USPS services. Both let you insure your package as an individual, which UPS and FedEx usually won't do for precious metals. Both also work with USPS Flat Rate boxes, which are free at the post office and can save you a lot compared to paying by weight. Metal gets heavy fast.
For smaller shipments, use Priority Mail with insurance in a Small, Medium or Large Flat Rate box. It includes tracking and typically arrives in 2 to 3 days anywhere in the U.S., which is quicker than Registered Mail.
Registered Mail is the most secure way to ship in the U.S. short of an armored truck. Your package is signed for at every USPS stop along the way and kept under lock and key unless it's moving. Each Registered Mail package can be insured for up to $50,000. The tradeoff is speed: plan on about 7 to 10 days. Insurance rates on Registered Mail also tend to be the lowest, because the package is so well protected.
Prefer a different carrier or service? That's completely fine. Just make sure the package is insured for the full value.
Once you've dropped off your package, email us the tracking number so we can watch for it. When it arrives, our team verifies the contents for type, quantity and authenticity. If anything doesn't match what we discussed, we'll contact you. If everything checks out, your order goes straight to our accounting department for payment.
When your items arrive as described and pass verification, we pay you the same day or by the next business day. Most sellers choose the email check, which is free and arrives in your inbox ready to print and deposit, so there's no waiting on the mail. Here are your options:
| Payment Type | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Email check | Free | Most popular. Sent by email for easy printing and deposit. |
| Bank wire | $10 fee deducted | $2,500 minimum. |
| Physical check | Free | By request only. Up to $100,000, mailed first-class USPS. |
| Trade for product | Varies | Still a buy and sell transaction. Must be discussed before your trade is locked in. |
Buyback prices are tied to the spot price, which is the current market price for raw gold or silver. What you're offered on top of or below spot depends on the product. When you bought, you likely paid a premium, the amount above spot that covers minting, distribution and dealer costs. Our post on what happens to the premium when you sell explains how much of that typically comes back to you.
Widely recognized coins like the American Gold Eagle are easy for dealers to verify and resell. That often helps them fetch stronger buyback prices than generic products.
A 1 oz silver round is made by a private mint rather than a government. Rounds usually cost less to buy, so they tend to sell back closer to spot.
Fractional coins weigh less than an ounce, like a 1/10 oz or 1/4 oz piece. They cost more per ounce to buy, as explained in why smaller gold coins cost more. They may also bring a bit more per ounce when you sell, though usually not the full premium you paid.
Collectible or graded coins are priced differently, since condition and rarity matter as much as metal content. When you call, our team will quote each item individually.
If you're shopping around, compare offers on the same day, because prices move. Then look past the headline number:
We're proud to hold a BBB A+ rating and Inc. 5000 recognition. Our goal is to offer some of the best buyback prices in the industry, with transparent pricing and easy communication from start to finish.
If you live near Frederick, Maryland, or anywhere in the DMV (the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area), you can sell to us locally instead. Our post on selling gold and silver in Frederick walks you through finding the best local offer.
Is there a minimum amount I need to sell? No. We have no minimums, so you can sell one coin or a full collection.
Can I just get a quote by email? Yes, email quotes are available. Your final price is locked in only after you confirm it with us by phone.
Should I ship with UPS or FedEx? In most cases those carriers won't insure precious metals for individuals, which is why we recommend USPS Priority Mail or Registered Mail with insurance. Our seller shipping page has the full details.
How much should I insure my package for? Insure for at least the full value of what's inside, and rounding up is fine. Underinsuring is one of the most common mistakes we see.
How quickly will I be paid? Once your items are received and verified as described, we pay the same day or by the next business day. Split packages, order changes, damaged boxes, very large bars and holidays can add time.
What's the fastest way to get my money? Most sellers pick the free email check, which arrives in your inbox ready to print and deposit. Bank wires are available for $2,500 and up, with a $10 fee.
Why do some coins sell back for more than others? Recognizability, product type and the premium paid at purchase all play a role. Our post on bid price vs. ask price breaks down how buy and sell prices differ.