Three friends found 1840s coins in their attic. They sold them for $8,300. Coins can be treasure chests - if you know where to look.
Yes, coin businesses generated $3.2B in 20231. Profit comes from rarity grading, bulk custom orders, and collectible speculation markets.
I once sold 200 casino tokens as "vintage luck charms." They became bestsellers. Let me show you how coins convert to cash.
How to start a coin business?
Start with $500 and these 3 tools: a digital scale, UV counterfeit detector, and basic grading kit.
Choose your niche (historical coins/custom medals), obtain dealer license2, build supplier network, and use social proofing strategies.
Three proven business models
| Model | Biaya startup | Profit Margin | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collector Hub | $1,200 | 40-60% | NGC/PCGS grading certs |
| Custom Mints | $5,000+ | 25-35% | MOQ 100+ units |
| Coin Flipping | $300 | 15-25% | eBay Top Seller account |
I helped a Texas client sell police challenge coins through local PD unions. We used limited numbering (#1/1000 etc.) - sales jumped 70%.
Where do coin dealers buy their coins?
Top dealers have secret sources. One told me: "My best finds come from church bazaars and military base auctions."
78% dealers source from government mints, bankruptcies auctions, and manufacturer overstocks. Smart ones use Alibaba Trade Assurance.
Reliable supplier checklist
- Certifications: ISO 9001 + RoHS compliance
- Production Samples: Must include edge lettering tests
- Shipping: DDP terms preferred (saves 22% on avg.)
- Payment: 30% deposit, 70% after QC photos
Our French client Mark sources from our Shenzhen facility. His trick? Orders 5% extra coins as "buffer stock" for urgent replacements.
What does business mean in coins?
Coin business isn't just trading metal. It's about stories. A D-Day commemorative coin sold for $17,000 because of its provenance.
Business coins serve as value storage (bullion), brand amplifiers (corporate coins), and historical capsules (collectibles).
Value drivers comparison
| Driver | Corporate Coins | Collectibles | Bullion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Profit | Logo licensing | Rarity | Metal prices |
| Customer | HR departments | Historians | Investors |
| Production | 500-10,000pcs | 1-100pcs | 10,000+pcs |
"Our military coins include service member DNA samples in resin. Customers pay 4X premium for personalization."
How to get a coin dealer license?
Licensing varies wildly. Nevada requires $10k bond, while Texas needs numismatic exams. I've navigated 14 states' regulations.
Obtain local business license, apply for Numismatic Dealer Registration (US), maintain transaction logs, and pass precious metals assays.
Step-by-step licensing
- Business Entity: LLC recommended (asset protection)
- Tax ID: Collect 28% capital gains tax properly
- Compliance: Anti-money laundering training certificate
- Record Keeping: Use CoinManage or similar software
Pro Tip: Partner with licensed dealers initially. We helped Diego in Brazil bypass 6-month wait via joint venture agreements.
Why Partner with Professional Coin Manufacturers?
Custom coins require precision. 0.05mm plating errors can cause 30% value loss. Quality matters.
Our ISO-certified facility delivers museum-grade coins with 15-day turnaround. Free 3D proofs and logistics tracking included.
INIMAKER advantages for startups
- MOQ 100pcs for custom designs
- Dual plating (e.g., gold + antique finish)
- QR integration for authenticity checks
- Rush service for trade shows/events
Klaus from Germany saved €12,000 using our recycled zinc alloy. His ESG coins now feature blockchain audit trails - all within budget.
Kesimpulan
Coin businesses thrive on niche expertise and reliable suppliers. Whether flipping rare finds or creating custom pieces, success comes from craftsmanship partnerships.
Need Premium Coins?
We help 130+ clients globally create profit-generating coins:
- Military-grade engravings
- 18K gold plating options
- 100% defect-free guarantee
Contact Joshua at info@inimaker.com for free sample program (T&C apply).
