Thinking about selling your precious metals to Coinfully? You’re not alone. Thousands of coin collectors and investors search for Coinfully reviews each month, looking for reassurance before shipping valuable coins to an online buyer. Let’s examine what real customers say about their experiences, both positive and negative, to help you make an informed decision.
Who Is Coinfully?
Coinfully operates as an online precious metals buyer specializing in gold and silver coins, bullion, and numismatic collections. Founded in 2014, the company positions itself as a modern alternative to traditional coin shops, offering mail-in services with free shipping kits and insurance coverage.
The company maintains offices in New York and claims to serve customers nationwide through its digital platform. Their business model relies on customers requesting a free kit, shipping their items, and receiving payment after evaluation.
How Coinfully Works
The process starts when you request a free shipping kit from their website. Here’s the typical timeline:
Step 1: Fill out their online form with basic information about your collection.
Step 2: Receive a FedEx shipping kit within 3-5 business days, including packaging materials and a prepaid shipping label.
Step 3: Pack your coins according to their instructions and drop the package at any FedEx location.
Step 4: Wait for evaluation, which Coinfully states takes 24-48 hours after receipt.
Step 5: Receive an offer via email or phone. You can accept, negotiate, or request your items back.
Step 6: If accepted, payment arrives via check, wire transfer, or ACH within 24 hours.
The entire process typically takes 7-10 business days from initial contact to payment, assuming no complications arise.
What Coinfully Customer Reviews Reveal
Better Business Bureau Ratings
Coinfully maintains an A+ rating with the BBB, though this rating reflects BBB’s assessment of business practices rather than customer satisfaction alone. The company has responded to most complaints filed through the platform.
Common positive themes in BBB reviews include professional communication and competitive pricing for certain coin types. Customers particularly appreciate the detailed evaluation reports provided.
Negative feedback often centers on lower-than-expected offers and communication delays during busy periods. Some customers report feeling pressured to accept offers quickly.
Trustpilot Feedback
On Trustpilot, Coinfully scores 4.2 out of 5 stars based on several hundred reviews. Satisfied customers frequently mention smooth transactions and knowledgeable staff who explain grading decisions.
Critical reviews highlight concerns about offers coming in below initial estimates. Some reviewers mention difficulty reaching customer service during the evaluation phase. Others express frustration with the return process when declining offers.
Google Reviews Analysis
Google Reviews show mixed experiences, with an average rating around 3.8 stars. Positive reviewers praise quick payment processing once offers are accepted. Many appreciate the free, insured shipping.
Less favorable reviews cite instances where final offers fell 20-30% below preliminary quotes. Several customers report longer evaluation times than advertised, particularly during peak selling seasons.
Pros of Selling to Coinfully
Free shipping and insurance: The company covers all shipping costs and provides insurance up to $100,000, reducing some financial risk during transit.
Established business history: Operating since 2014 gives them more track record than newer online buyers.
Multiple payment options: Choose between check, wire transfer, or ACH based on your preference.
Detailed evaluations: Customers receive itemized breakdowns explaining the value of each piece.
No obligation to sell: You can request your items back if you decline their offer, though you may wait additional days for return shipping.
Cons to Consider
Shipping delays: Weather, holidays, and carrier issues can extend the already lengthy process.
Price uncertainty: Initial estimates often differ from final offers after physical evaluation.
Limited personal interaction: Everything happens remotely, making negotiation and communication more challenging.
Market timing risks: Precious metal prices fluctuate daily, and locked offers may expire while you decide.
Return shipping concerns: While rare, some customers report anxiety about getting items back safely when declining offers.
The Hidden Risks of Shipping Precious Metals
Package Theft and Internal Loss
The precious metals industry faces an uncomfortable truth: packages containing coins and bullion present tempting targets throughout the shipping chain. While companies provide insurance, several risks persist:
Employee theft remains a documented problem. Federal prosecutors regularly charge postal and shipping employees with stealing valuable packages. In 2023 alone, multiple cases involved workers targeting packages from known precious metals dealers. Insurance claims can take months to resolve while you fight to prove your items’ value.
Package interception schemes exist. Criminals monitor precious metals forums and social media, looking for people mentioning shipments. They then attempt to redirect packages or steal them from doorsteps and mail rooms.
“Lost” package investigations drag on. When packages disappear, you enter a bureaucratic maze. File claims with the shipper, the buyer, your insurance, and potentially law enforcement. Meanwhile, your coins are gone and payment remains frozen.
Documentation Nightmares
Shipping valuable coins creates extensive paperwork requirements:
Proof of value becomes your burden. Without recent appraisals or purchase receipts, insurance companies may lowball claim settlements. Many collectors lack proper documentation for inherited pieces.
Photography requirements catch sellers off-guard. Smart sellers photograph every coin before shipping, but many forget this crucial step. Without evidence, disputing switched or “missing” items becomes nearly impossible.
Signature confirmation fails. Packages get signed for by unknown individuals at apartment complexes, businesses, and even private homes. Proving non-delivery when someone signed becomes extremely difficult.
Evaluation Disputes Without Recourse
Once your coins arrive at online buyers, you lose all control:
Grading disagreements turn costly. The MS-64 coin you shipped might get evaluated as MS-62, slashing its value. Without independent verification, you’re stuck accepting their assessment or paying for return shipping and trying elsewhere.
Missing items create he-said-she-said situations. Some customers report shipping 10 coins but receiving offers for only 9. Proving you packed that tenth coin becomes nearly impossible.
Damage claims during handling. Your carefully packaged coins might allegedly arrive with scratches or damage, reducing their value. Proving pre-existing condition versus shipping damage leads nowhere productive.
Insurance Limitations Nobody Mentions
While Coinfully advertises insurance coverage, fine print reveals gaps:
Coverage caps may not reflect true value. Standard $100,000 coverage sounds substantial until you’re shipping rare key dates or gold collections worth more.
Collectible value versus melt value disputes. Insurance companies often pay only melt value for numismatic pieces, ignoring the significant collector premiums you’ve lost.
Deductibles and exclusions apply. Read the fine print carefully. Some situations void coverage entirely, leaving you completely unprotected.
Coinfully vs. Local Coin Buyers: Key Differences
When comparing Coinfully to local buyers like US Gold & Coin, several factors stand out:
Speed of transaction: Local buyers complete transactions same-day. Walk in with coins, walk out with cash. Online buyers require 7-10+ days minimum.
Price transparency: Face-to-face dealers show you live market prices and explain valuations in person. Online evaluations happen behind closed doors.
Negotiation dynamics: In-person negotiations allow for immediate back-and-forth discussion. Email negotiations lack personal connection and immediacy.
Security considerations: Local sales eliminate ALL shipping risks entirely. No packages getting lost, stolen by employees, damaged, or delayed. Your coins never leave your sight until cash is in hand.
Privacy protection: Cash transactions at local shops leave minimal paper trail. Online transactions create extensive digital records trackable by multiple parties.
Relationship building: Local dealers become trusted partners for future transactions. Online relationships remain transactional and distant.
Why Many Sellers Choose Local Buyers Instead
The shift toward local buyers reflects several priorities modern sellers value:
Immediate payment ranks as the top reason. When you need quick cash for bills, investments, or emergencies, waiting over a week feels impractical. Local buyers like US Gold & Coin pay on the spot.
Complete security provides invaluable peace of mind. Your coins stay in your possession until the moment cash enters your hands. No tracking numbers to obsess over, no insurance claims to file, no employees with sticky fingers.
Trust through transparency matters more than ever. Watching your coins get tested and weighed builds confidence. You see exactly how dealers reach their offers.
Personal service makes a difference. Local dealers answer questions immediately, explain market conditions, and often become long-term resources for collectors.
Market timing control keeps you in charge. Lock in prices when metals peak rather than hoping prices hold during lengthy shipping and evaluation periods.
Zero documentation hassles streamlines everything. No photography sessions, no shipping forms, no insurance paperwork, no claim battles. Just straightforward business.
Ready to Sell Your Coins Today?
Skip the shipping delays, security risks, and uncertainty. US Gold & Coin offers immediate cash payment for your precious metals, with transparent pricing you can verify on the spot. Our experienced evaluators explain every aspect of your coins’ value face-to-face.
Why risk shipping when you can get paid safely today?
Bring your collection to any US Gold & Coin location for:
- Same-day cash payment with zero shipping risks
- Your coins never leave your sight until you’re paid
- No insurance claims, package theft, or employee theft concerns
- Transparent, competitive pricing based on live market rates
- Expert evaluation while you watch
- Friendly, pressure-free service from local professionals you can trust
Call us now or visit your nearest location. Our team stands ready to make you a fair cash offer immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Coinfully a legitimate company?
Yes, Coinfully operates as a legitimate precious metals buyer with proper licensing and an established business history since 2014. They maintain an A+ BBB rating and have processed thousands of transactions. Research shows mixed customer experiences, with satisfaction levels varying based on coin types and market conditions.
How long does Coinfully take to pay?
According to their stated process and customer reviews, expect 7-10 business days from shipping to payment under normal circumstances. This includes 2-3 days for kit arrival, 2-3 days for shipping, 1-2 days for evaluation, and 1-2 days for payment processing. Delays, disputes, or return requests can extend this timeline considerably.
Does Coinfully pay fair prices for coins?
Customer reviews suggest Coinfully’s pricing varies significantly by coin type and market conditions. Some sellers report competitive offers, particularly for common bullion. Others mention offers 20-30% below local dealer quotes. Getting multiple offers helps ensure fair value.
What are the real risks of shipping coins to any online buyer?
Shipping precious metals carries multiple risks beyond simple loss. Employee theft at shipping facilities is regularly prosecuted but likely underreported. Packages can be intercepted, misdirected, or stolen from doorsteps. Insurance claims require extensive documentation and may pay only melt value for collectible coins. Evaluation disputes become your word against theirs, with your coins held hostage during disagreements. Many sellers discover these risks only after problems arise.
What happens if I reject Coinfully’s offer?
If you decline their offer, Coinfully ships your items back at no charge. The return process typically takes 3-5 additional business days. Some customers report smooth returns, while others mention delays or communication issues during this phase. Your coins face the same shipping risks on the return journey.
Is it safer to sell coins locally or online?
Local sales eliminate all shipping risks, provide immediate payment, and offer face-to-face accountability. Your coins never leave your possession until payment is complete. Online sales require trusting multiple parties (shipper, employees, buyer), waiting extended periods, and accepting remote evaluations. Security experts consistently recommend local transactions for high-value items when possible. The convenience of online selling rarely justifies the added risks for valuable collections.
This article is for informational purposes only. We encourage you to do your own research before choosing where to sell your coins.
James Whitfield is a seasoned numismatist with more than two decades of hands-on experience evaluating rare coins, gold bullion, and collectible currency. He has guided private collectors, families, and investors through the process of selling and appraising coins, with a special focus on U.S. gold issues, early American silver, and international bullion markets.
James is a member of the American Numismatic Association and has contributed educational articles to coin collector forums and trade blogs. At US Gold & Coin, James shares insights on industry trends, coin values, and best practices for selling coins securely and profitably.