You find an old jar in the back of your grandfather’s drawer. It’s dusty, heavy, and filled with dozens of worn-out pennies—some shiny, some greenish, a few with dates you’ve never seen before.
At first, it’s just a neat discovery. But then you start wondering: “Could any of these be worth something?” Or “What if I listed a few online, just for fun?”
That’s how a lot of people stumble into the hobby of collecting and selling pennies. Not as professional dealers, but as curious hobbyists with a few cool coins and the urge to explore. If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place.
Whether you’re selling wheat pennies, error coins, or old collectibles from your stash, this guide walks you through where and how to sell coins online—even as a beginner. Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Why selling online is easier for hobbyists than going to shops or markets
- Which types of pennies are worth listing, even if you’re not an expert
- The best platforms for listing your coins
- How to showcase your pennies so they stand out
- Where to find fellow collectors in various communities or groups.
You don’t need a rare collection to get started. Just a little curiosity—and a handful of pennies. Let’s begin 👏
A Digital Treasure Hunt: Why Selling Pennies Online Just Feels Right
When you’re just starting as a hobbyist, selling pennies online is often the most convenient and enjoyable route. Especially compared to selling at pawn shops, flea markets, or garage sales.
Here’s why the online route makes more sense for casual sellers and collectors:
You reach a wider audience
Unlike your local market, the internet gives you access to thousands of fellow collectors and curious buyers. Someone halfway across the country might be looking for the exact penny you want to part with.
No need to leave home
You don’t have to drive around visiting shops or setting up a table at a local event. With just a phone and internet, you can list your coins anytime, right from your desk or couch.
It’s more relaxed, less intimidating
For beginners, walking into a coin shop or dealing with seasoned collectors in person can feel a bit overwhelming. Online selling lets you learn and experiment at your own pace, without pressure.
More control and flexibility
Online platforms let you set your own prices, write your own descriptions, and decide who to sell to. It’s perfect for testing the waters and selling just a few coins here and there.
You can make it part of your digital hobby
Many hobbyists enjoy the process of taking photos, writing listings, or even building a small website or store to showcase their collection. It becomes part of the fun!
🔎 Not All Pennies are Created Equal—Here’s What Buyers Look for
Let’s be honest—not every penny is going to catch a buyer’s eye. But that’s part of the fun!
As a hobbyist, you’re not expected to have ultra-rare finds. Still, some types of pennies tend to get a little more attention than others.
Here are a few kinds of pennies that are worth listing, even in small quantities:
Pre-1982 Copper Pennies
These are made of 95% copper, and many collectors like them because they’re heavier and feel more old-school. Some people even collect them in bulk just for the metal content (though melting them isn’t legal).
Wheat Pennies (1909–1958)
Also known as Wheaties, these have a distinctive design on the back with two wheat stalks. They’re often collected for nostalgia and history, and even common dates can sell for a bit more than face value.
Pennies with Rare Mint Marks or Errors
Some buyers enjoy pennies with unusual mint marks (like S for San Francisco) or minting errors—like off-center strikes, doubled images, or missing elements. You don’t need to be an expert—just keep an eye out for anything that looks a little different.
Uncirculated or Brilliant Coins
Shiny, well-preserved pennies—even if not rare—are nice for display, crafting, or gifts. A small roll of bright, clean coins can catch the attention of casual buyers.
✔️ From Jars to Carts: Where You Can List Your Pennies Online
Whether you’re clearing out a few old coin jars or casually flipping copper cents, these platforms are ideal for hobbyists just starting out.
Each one has its own vibe—some more social, others more structured. Here’s how you can sell pennies on them, along with the pros and cons to help you decide.
1. WooCommerce
For hobbyists who enjoy showcasing their collection and experimenting online, WooCommerce is a standout. It lets you turn a WordPress site into a fully functional penny store, with zero marketplace fees and total creative freedom.
How to Sell Pennies on WooCommerce:
Install the free WooCommerce plugin on your WordPress site. Then, add your pennies as products with photos, pricing, and descriptions. You can customize the look of your shop, create bundles, and even use additional plugins for further personalization.
Pros:
- 100% control over your listings and design
- No platform or selling fees—just your own hosting
- Seamless integration with addons like WowStore (for showcasing) and WowAddons (for filtering, layout, and more)
- Ideal for hobbyists who want to grow slowly and creatively
Cons:
- Requires basic WordPress and WooCommerce setup
- You need to bring your own visitors (no built-in traffic)
2. Shopify
If you want a plug-and-play store without the need to manage a website backend, Shopify is a strong option. It’s simple to use, beautifully designed, and lets you launch quickly—even with just a handful of pennies to sell.
How to Sell Pennies on Shopify:
Create a Shopify account, choose a store template, and add your penny listings as products. You can organize them by type (like wheat pennies or copper rolls), upload pictures, and offer checkout via credit card or PayPal.
Pros:
- Super easy for beginners with no tech hassle
- Modern templates for a professional store look
- Tools for marketing, discounts, and inventory are built in
Cons:
- Offers plans starting around $39/month (or less with annual billing/starter plans) plus transaction fees
- Add-ons and apps can get expensive
- Less customizable than WooCommerce unless you pay extra
3. Facebook Marketplace
Perfect for casual sellers, Facebook Marketplace is free and fast. It’s especially good for bulk penny sales or small lots that appeal to buyers nearby or in collector groups.
How to Sell Pennies on Facebook Marketplace:
Create a new listing with pictures and a short description. Choose your price, location, and shipping (if you offer it). Respond to inquiries directly in Messenger.
Pros:
- Totally free with no listing fees
- Great for local sales or pickup
- Beginner-friendly—no store setup needed
- You can post in niche coin groups for better reach
Cons:
- Mostly local unless shared in groups
- Limited protections for buyers and sellers
- A less serious buyer pool compared to e-commerce platforms
4. Etsy
Etsy may be best known for handmade crafts, but collectors love it too, especially for vintage or themed coin sets. If you enjoy creative presentations or want to pair coins with other crafts, Etsy can be a fun outlet.
How to Sell Pennies on Etsy:
Open a seller account, list your coins under the “Vintage” or “Collectibles” category, and write engaging descriptions. Use high-quality images and consider offering themed bundles or presentation packaging.
Pros:
- Niche audience that appreciates collectible items
- Easy to set up and manage
- Great for creative or giftable penny displays
Cons:
- Charges a 6.5% transaction fee and a $0.20 listing fee per item, plus payment processing fees.
- Highly visual—good photos are a must
- Saturated in some collectible categories
5. Amazon
Amazon isn’t the first place hobbyists think of for penny sales, but it’s possible to list coins under the collectibles category. However, it’s best for high-volume or more formal sellers rather than casual hobbyists.
How to Sell Pennies on Amazon:
You’ll need a seller account (Professional plan for full access). Then, list your items under the correct collectible category with proper condition grading and photos. Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is optional.
Pros:
- Huge built-in audience
- Trust factor from buyers
- Advanced tools for scaling your store
Cons:
- Has a $39.99/month Professional plan option, but crucial additional referral fees per sale apply.
- Strict listing policies for collectibles
- Not ideal for hobby-based or occasional sellers
6. Reddit
Reddit has several coin-collecting communities where hobbyists actively trade, sell, or even give away pennies. While not a traditional eCommerce platform, it’s a great place to build trust and learn from others.
How to Sell Pennies on Reddit:
Join subreddits like r/coins or r/coins4sale, read the posting rules, and share clear images and prices in your listing post. Be honest, polite, and engage with comments to build credibility.
Pros:
- Direct access to active collectors
- Great for getting feedback on your coins
- No platform or listing fees
Cons:
- No built-in payment/shipping system—you’ll need PayPal or Venmo
- Reputation-based—trust matters
- Posts can get buried quickly if not active
Summary: Which One Should You Pick?
If you’re selling pennies as a casual hobby, WooCommerce gives you the most control with the least ongoing cost, perfect for turning your collection into a creative, relaxing side project.
Platforms like Etsy and Reddit are great for niche engagement, while Facebook and Shopify are better for quick listing and testing the waters.
🔔 Give Your Pennies the Spotlight They Deserve (Even as a Hobbyist)
Once your pennies are listed, how you present them can make all the difference. Even as a hobbyist, your WooCommerce store can feel polished and inviting, with just a few smart tweaks and the right tools.
Let’s break down some beginner-friendly tips to make your penny listings stand out without feeling like a professional seller.
Use Clean, Natural Lighting for Photos
High-quality photos don’t require a DSLR. Just using your phone camera in natural daylight, near a window, works great. Avoid harsh flash.
Capture both the front and back of each penny, and try a close-up for interesting details like mint marks or luster.
💡 Pro Tip
Use a plain background—white, black, or even wood—for a vintage feel.
Organize Your Listings Like a Collector
Instead of random uploads, organize your pennies into mini collections or themes. For example:
- Wheat Pennies Set
- Shiny Copper Rolls
- Mint Mark Specials
- Oddballs or Error Coins
This makes browsing more enjoyable and helps buyers find what they’re interested in.
Bonus: You can add product tags or categories in WooCommerce to make this easier for visitors to navigate.
Create a Visually Engaging Storefront with WowStore
If you want your penny store to feel more curated and gallery-like (instead of a basic shop grid), WowStore can be a game-changer. It’s a visual builder for WooCommerce that lets you:
- Display coins in a card-style grid with hover effects
- Highlight new or rare items in styled blocks
- Create a homepage layout that feels like a collection showcase
It’s perfect for hobbyists who want to take pride in their store layout without writing any code.
Offer Personalized Options Using WowAddons
Want to let buyers choose a specific coin, request custom bundles, or even add a short message? WowAddons for WooCommerce adds features like:
- Product swatches for different penny types
- Custom input fields (like select quantity from this date range)
- Dropdowns or radio buttons to guide buyer choices
Even if you only sell a few coins at a time, these options make your shop feel thoughtful and flexible.
Include Short, Honest Descriptions
Collectors—especially fellow hobbyists—appreciate transparency. Mention if the penny is circulated, any visible blemishes, and whether it’s part of a set. Don’t overpromise. Instead, let the uniqueness of the coin speak for itself.
Example: “1943 Steel Penny – Good condition, some rusting on the rim. Great for starter sets.”
Use a Wishlist or Favorite Option
If you expect returning visitors, consider adding a wishlist plugin (like YITH WooCommerce Wishlist). This lets buyers save coins they’re interested in—and gives you insight into what’s popular.
Mobile Matters
Most casual browsers will visit your store from their phone. Test your product pages on mobile to make sure everything looks clean and scrolls easily.
Both WowStore and WowAddons are mobile-friendly, which helps maintain that quality feel across devices.
Read More: How to Sell Shoes Online Like a Pro.
Where the Coin People Hang Out: Groups & Forums Worth Joining
While you list your pennies or launch your online shop, it’s a great idea to join some coin-collecting communities.
These forums, Facebook groups, and social pages keep you updated with the latest trends, help you spot what buyers are currently looking for, and even give you a chance to share or learn from fellow hobbyists.
Whether you’re here to sell or just connect with like-minded collectors, these are the places to be.
Reddit Communities (Subreddits)
Reddit is a goldmine for niche interests, and coin collecting is no exception. Here are a few subreddits where penny collectors hang out, buy, sell, or trade:
- r/coins: A general community for coin collectors. Great for feedback, history, and occasional buying/selling.
- r/coincollecting: Focused more on collecting than selling, but trades and offers do pop up regularly.
- r/Silverbugs: Though primarily silver-focused, some members also collect copper and rare pennies.
- r/PMsForSale: A trusted subreddit for buying/selling precious metal coins, including collectible pennies.
💡 Pro Tip
Always read the subreddit’s rules before posting. Many have specific formats or requirements for listing coins for sale.
Facebook Groups for Coin Selling & Collecting
Facebook has a huge community of coin collectors, with active buy/sell groups. Here are a few worth joining:
- The Original USA Coins and Currency: Specifically for American coins, including copper pennies, wheat pennies, and error coins.
- Lincoln Cent Hunters: Dedicated to the Lincoln penny! Ideal if you’re listing multiple date ranges or varieties.
- Coin Roll Hunting: Great for sharing discoveries and selling small lots of interesting pennies found during roll hunts.
These groups often prefer listing with photos and a price. Make sure to read the group guidelines and be transparent in your listings.
Online Coin Forums
- Collectors Universe Forums
Run by PCGS, this community has trusted members and active listings in its Buy, Sell, Trade section. - CoinWeek
A well-known numismatic media brand that sometimes shares fan submissions and collector spotlights.
Popular Social Media Pages for Coin Hobbyists
- @thecoinchannel: Known for fun, beginner-friendly videos on coins, including penny facts and value tips.
- @dirtycoins: A casual but active creator who often covers copper and error pennies. Good for hobbyist inspiration.
FAQs
Can I actually get rich selling pennies online?
Maybe, but don’t expect to get rich on the first attempt as an amateur. Most hobbyists sell pennies for fun, learning, and the thrill of sharing their collection. Some unique or bulk lots may bring in small profits, but the real value is in the experience.
Do I need to clean my pennies before selling them?
Nope! In fact, collectors often prefer coins in their natural state. Cleaning them can actually reduce their appeal or value, so it’s best to leave them as-is.
Is it legal to sell copper pennies online?
Yes, it’s legal to sell copper pennies—but melting them down is prohibited. Many hobbyists collect pre-1982 pennies for their copper content, but sales should be for collection or display, not scrap.
Can I sell pennies from outside the U.S.?
Yes, as long as your e-commerce platform allows international sales. Just note that shipping costs and currency exchange might affect your listing’s appeal. U.S. pennies tend to be more popular with American buyers, though.
Wrapping Up
Selling pennies online as a hobby doesn’t need to be complicated or intimidating. Whether you’re listing a handful of wheat pennies or showcasing copper rolls through your WooCommerce site, the process can be fun, creative, and even a little rewarding.
Start small—pick a platform that feels comfortable, connect with fellow collectors, and don’t worry about having a museum-worthy collection. With a bit of curiosity and consistency, you’ll gradually find your rhythm in the world of online coin trading.
And remember – it’s not just about the sale—it’s about sharing your interest, learning as you go, and enjoying the hobby in your own way.
So go ahead, take that first photo, write that first listing, and let your pennies find new homes one click at a time.
