What to do with foreign coins no longer in circulation?
Exchange or sell discontinued foreign coins at a local coin dealer, online marketplace, or specialized foreign-exchange desk
Coins that aren’t legal tender anymore can still have collector value if they’re rare or from a limited mintage. A reputable coin shop might pay melt value or even a collector premium, while sites like eBay and Etsy connect you directly with buyers. For bulk lots, dealers such as APMEX or Kitco may give instant quotes based on the silver or gold content.
Who takes foreign coins?
Charities, travel-money bureaus, and a handful of credit unions take foreign coins
Groups like UNICEF and The Royal British Legion run donation drives where foreign coins get converted to support global programs. In the U.S., credit unions such as Alliant and SchoolsFirst accept foreign coins from members through their coin counters. At airports, travel-money desks like Travelex or ICE might accept coins at a discounted exchange rate.
Where can I donate foreign coins?
You can donate foreign coins to UNICEF through partner airlines or drop them at participating travel-money bureaus and charity shops
UNICEF’s Change For Good program partners with airlines including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Qantas; passengers can leave foreign coins in collection boxes onboard or at airport kiosks. Locally, Oxfam and Goodwill branches in high-tourism areas often collect foreign coins to fund overseas programs.
What should I do with old foreign coins?
Old foreign coins can be sold to coin dealers, listed on numismatic marketplaces, or donated to museums and charities
If the coin is pre-1946 or has historical significance, consider sending it to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC for valuation. Otherwise, online venues like Heritage Auctions or VAuctions can auction the lot, usually fetching anywhere from $10 to $500 depending on rarity. A quick look at CoinCommunity.com forums will show you what collectors are currently interested in.
Which banks exchange foreign currency for free?
Credit unions often exchange foreign currency for free for members; large banks typically charge a flat fee or markup
| Institution | Free for members? | Fee for non-members | Where to exchange |
|---|
| Navy Federal Credit Union | Yes | N/A | Branch coin counter |
| PenFed Credit Union | Yes | N/A | Branch coin counter |
| Alliant Credit Union | Yes | N/A | Branch coin counter |
| Bank of America | No | $5–$10 fee | Financial center |
| Chase | No | $5–$10 fee | Branch |
| Travelex in airports | No | 3%–8% markup | Kiosk |
If you travel often, opening a free account at a credit union can wipe out conversion fees entirely. Otherwise, Travelex or ICE kiosks inside airports give you the longest hours and instant cash.
Does the post office exchange foreign money?
U.S. Postal Service does not exchange foreign money; UK Post Offices do accept foreign coins for charity
In the United States, USPS only sells money orders—no currency exchange. Over in the United Kingdom, 600 Post Office branches have Travelex-operated counters that convert foreign coins to sterling for charity donations. If you’re in the UK, just look for the “Change For Good” boxes.
How do I exchange coins for cash at the bank?
Bring rolled foreign coins to a credit union branch with a coin-counting machine; they convert to cash instantly for members at no charge
Most credit unions use high-speed coin counters that recognize foreign denominations and hand over U.S. dollars on the spot. Members of Navy Federal or PenFed can walk in with foreign change, get it counted and converted, and walk out with cash. If your bank doesn’t have the equipment, ask whether they partner with a local coin service for members.
How can I convert coins?
Convert foreign coins by rolling and exchanging at a credit union, or convert foreign bills to crypto on exchanges like Coinbase
- Physical route: Roll coins and take them to a credit-union branch that accepts foreign currency; you’ll receive cash or a gift card.
- Digital route: Exchange foreign bills for stablecoins on an exchange such as Coinbase or Kraken by selling USD-pegged tokens and withdrawing to your bank.
Just remember: Coinbase Wallet’s “Convert crypto” feature only works with cryptocurrencies, not physical coins.
Are foreign coins worth anything?
Most modern foreign coins are worth face value, but pre-1946 or rare coins can be worth $20–$10,000+ in collector markets
A 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent can fetch $700+ in uncirculated condition, while a 1982 no-mint-mark dime sells for $1,500 if in perfect condition. Check the PCGS Price Guide or NGC Coin Price Guide to see what collectors are paying right now.
Can you take coins to Bank of America?
Bank of America will accept rolled foreign coins at a financial center if the customer asks, but it is not a standard service
Bring tightly rolled foreign coins to your local BofA branch; staff may convert them to cash at the teller’s discretion. Loose or poorly rolled coins usually get turned away. For guaranteed service, use a credit union with a coin counter.
How do you display foreign coins?
Display foreign coins in frames, shadow boxes, coin vases, or map art to preserve and showcase your collection
- Frame: Arrange coins in a grid inside an acid-free shadow box and hang it on the wall.
- Coin vase: Fill a clear acrylic vase with layered coins to create a cylindrical display.
- Map art: Attach coins from visited countries to a world map using removable adhesive.
- Floating frames: Suspend coins between two acrylic sheets for a museum-style look.
Does the post office take foreign coins for charity?
UK Post Offices collect foreign coins for charity through the “Change For Good” program; U.S. Post Offices do not
As of 2026, 600 UK branches support the UNICEF Change For Good initiative, placing collection boxes on counters. Holidaymakers drop British Pounds, Euros, and other coins to fund children’s programs. U.S. Post Offices don’t take part in any foreign-coin charity drive.
Do Coinstar machines take foreign coins?
Coinstar kiosks reject foreign coins; they only accept clean U.S. coins in standard denominations
Coinstar kiosks in U.S. supermarkets and Walmart stores are programmed to recognize U.S. pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters. Foreign coins, commemorative pieces, and silver dollars either get rejected or end up in lost-and-found with no refund. Always glance at the on-screen list before you insert anything.
Does Walmart do currency exchange?
Walmart itself does not exchange currency; however, banks located inside Walmart stores (Woodforest, Fort Sill) do for account holders
As of 2026, Walmart’s in-store MoneyCenters focus on check cashing, bill pay, and wire transfers. For foreign exchange, visit a branch of Woodforest National Bank or Fort Sill National Bank inside the store; you must have an account to use the service. Fees and hours vary by location.
Can you deposit foreign currency into your bank account?
Most U.S. banks will not deposit foreign currency; a handful of institutions allow it for a fee or convert it to USD at the branch
Big banks such as Chase and Bank of America treat foreign currency like an unsortable cash item and won’t credit it to your account. A few credit unions and community banks may accept foreign bills for conversion, but you’ll pay a 5%–10% fee and receive USD instead of foreign funds. If you regularly receive foreign currency, consider opening a multi-currency account with Wise or Revolut.
Does Western Union do currency exchange?
Western Union exchanges foreign currency in-person at agent locations and online for delivery or pickup
Western Union partners with Travelex and local bureaus to exchange 70+ currencies; fees range from 2.5% to 7% depending on the amount and delivery method. You can order online and pick up cash at a Walmart, CVS, or Western Union agent, or have it delivered to a bank account. Check availability and rates at westernunion.com before you visit an agent.
Is it legal to exchange currency privately in US?
Yes, private currency exchange is legal in the U.S. as long as you comply with IRS reporting rules for cash transactions over $10,000
Individuals can buy, sell, or trade foreign currency with each other without a license, but businesses must register as money services businesses (MSBs) with FinCEN. If you exchange more than $10,000 in a single transaction, the provider must file a Currency Transaction Report (CTR). Peer-to-peer sales on eBay or Facebook Marketplace fall under the same rules; always ask for a receipt for tax purposes.
Can you exchange foreign currency at an ATM?
ATMs in foreign countries dispense local cash using your debit card; U.S. ATMs do not accept foreign currency for dispensing
When you travel, use a debit card with low foreign-transaction fees at an overseas ATM to pull out euros, pounds, or yen directly. U.S. ATMs can’t ingest foreign coins or bills and will reject them. Some airport kiosks and currency-exchange desks inside malls offer ATM-like dispensing using your card, but the fees are much higher.
Can you exchange coins for cash at Walmart?
Walmart’s Coinstar machines convert U.S. coins to cash or eGift cards; they do not accept foreign coins
Walmart hosts Coinstar kiosks that count U.S. change and issue cash vouchers or retailer gift cards (no fee). Foreign coins get rejected by the machine. For foreign currency exchange, visit a Woodforest National Bank branch inside the same Walmart—but you must be an account holder.
Can you exchange coins for cash at a gas station?
Some gas stations host Coinstar machines that convert U.S. coins to cash or gift cards; foreign coins are rejected
Major chains like Chevron, Shell, and Kroger partner with Coinstar to install coin-counting kiosks. These machines only accept U.S. pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters; foreign or damaged coins are returned. You can walk away with cash vouchers, eGift cards, or even donate to charity with no fee.
Does Wells Fargo exchange coins for cash?
Wells Fargo does not accept foreign coins; it may convert foreign bills to USD at a branch for a fee
Wells Fargo branches don’t provide coin-counting services for foreign currency. If you have foreign paper notes, a teller can convert them to U.S. dollars at the current exchange rate, usually for a 5%–8% fee. Bring valid ID and be ready to pay the fee in cash or have it deducted from the exchange amount.
What happened to Bank of America coins?
Bank of America phased out free coin exchange in 2020; customers must now roll coins and ask tellers for conversion at a branch
BofA used to offer free coin-counting to customers, but the service was discontinued nationwide. Today, customers must bring tightly rolled foreign coins to a financial center; staff may convert them at the teller’s discretion. If you need reliable coin exchange, switch to a credit union with a coin counter.
Which banks are affiliated with Bank of America?
Bank of America operates as a single national bank; it does not have separately branded “affiliated” banks
Bank of America is a single federally chartered bank (BofA, N.A.) with branches across all 50 states. It doesn’t operate as a network of affiliated banks like some credit unions do. If you see “Bank of America” in a Walmart, it’s a regular branch of the same entity. For foreign-exchange services, you must visit a BofA financial center.
How do you make money on Cryptocurrency?
You can make money on cryptocurrency by holding appreciating assets, staking rewards, yield farming, or trading based on market trends
Bitcoin and Ethereum have historically gone up in value, letting long-term holders cash out at a profit. Staking rewards on networks like Solana or Cardano pay 4%–8% annually, while yield farming on DeFi platforms can offer 10%–30% APY—though the risk is higher. Always dig into the platform’s reputation and lock-up periods before you commit any funds.
Do you lose money when you convert Cryptocurrency?
You may lose money when converting cryptocurrency due to trading fees, spreads, and price slippage; fees typically range from 0.1% to 1%
Every conversion comes with a trading fee (Coinbase, for example, charges 0.5% on basic trades). Spreads between buy and sell prices can add another 0.2%–0.8%. During high volatility, slippage can cost an extra 0.1%–2%. If you convert stablecoins to fiat, banks may charge a 2%–5% withdrawal fee. Use limit orders and compare platforms like Kraken, Binance.US, and Coinbase Pro to keep those losses as small as possible.
What kind of foreign coins are worth money?
Pre-1946 silver coins, rare mint errors, and limited-edition commemoratives can be worth $20–$10,000+
Silver coins like 1964 U.S. dimes, 1945–1947 Canadian dimes, and 1965–1967 UK shillings contain 0.1–0.5 troy oz of silver and trade at melt value plus a numismatic premium. Errors such as double-struck cents or off-center strikes sell for hundreds to thousands of dollars. Check the NGC Coin Price Guide or Heritage Auctions for live valuations.
Can I deposit $4000 at ATM?
ATM cash deposit limits vary by bank and account type; $4,000 is typically allowed in one transaction at most major banks
Chase caps daily ATM deposits at $3,000 for basic accounts and $10,000 for premium accounts. Bank of America allows $5,000 per ATM transaction unless you call to raise the limit. If your ATM rejects the deposit, try a branch counter or bump up your limit through mobile banking or a quick chat with a banker.
How do you convert coins to Crypto?
Convert coins to crypto by exchanging foreign bills for stablecoins on an exchange, then swapping to another crypto
- Convert bills to USD: Use a Travelex kiosk or bank exchange to get U.S. dollars from foreign currency.
- Deposit USD to exchange: Transfer USD to Coinbase, Kraken, or Binance.US using ACH or wire.
- Buy stablecoin: Purchase USDT or USDC to avoid volatility while holding.
- Swap for other crypto: Convert stablecoin to Bitcoin, Ethereum, or altcoins at the current exchange rate.
Just remember: Coinstar and other coin machines only spit out cash or gift cards, not crypto.
Are foreign coins silver?
Many pre-1965 foreign coins contain 80–90% silver, including Mexican pesos, Canadian dimes, and UK shillings
Mexican 10-, 20-, and 50-peso coins minted before 1970 are 72% silver. Canadian dimes and quarters from 1967 and earlier are 80% silver. UK shillings from 1946 and earlier contain 50% silver. Verify the silver content with a magnet test and a scale, then calculate melt value using the APMEX silver spot price.
Which coins are worth millions?
World coins worth millions include the 1933 U.S. $20 gold double eagle, 1794 Flowing Hair dollar, and 1913 Liberty Head nickel
A 1933 Saint-Gaudens $20 gold coin sold for $18.9 million in 2021. A 1794 Flowing Hair dollar realized $12 million in 2022. The 1913 Liberty Head nickel, of which only five exist, last sold for $4.5 million. These figures assume perfect condition and solid provenance—most collectors will never come across coins like these.
