What determines the value of a coin found with a metal detector?

Value mainly depends on the period and origin (for example Dutch provinces or cities), the metal, the state of preservation, and the coin’s rarity or specific variety. Even a corroded find can be important if it is a scarce type, such as a Silver Rider, ducaton, or stuiver.

Should I clean or polish a detector find?

No. Do not polish, brush aggressively, or use chemical cleaning (for example lemon juice). Cleaning can permanently damage patina, surface texture, and fine details. Store the coin in an acid-free envelope or a coin capsule instead.

Should I record the find spot with PAN, and why?

Registering with PAN (Portable Antiquities of the Netherlands) is voluntary and supports research into settlement patterns, trade, and coin circulation. It also helps create a transparent provenance, which can be useful for identification and valuation. Registration does not change your ownership.

What is the safest way to sell found coins through Schulman?

Schulman generally offers two routes: direct sale (often suitable for gold and silver coins and more common provincial issues) or sale via international auction (for rarer finds or pieces with strong historical context and wider collector demand). You can share photos or visit for a no-obligation valuation and advice on the most suitable route.

Coins Found with a Metal Detector: How to Determine Their Value and Sell Them Safely

Those who go out with a metal detector may uncover remarkable coins. From medieval denarii to provincial issues from Holland, Utrecht, or West Friesland, each find tells a story. An increasing number of detectorists want to know what their coin is worth and what the best way is to sell metal-detected coins safely and responsibly.

Schulman b.v. has guided collectors and finders for more than 145 years and offers both direct purchase and international auction options. In this guide, you will learn how to properly assess, document, register, and offer your find.

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What Determines the Value of Found Coins?

Period and Origin

Coins from clearly identifiable periods often carry additional historical significance. Examples include:

medieval city issues from places such as Kampen or Deventer
provincial coins from Holland, Zeeland, or West Friesland
emergency coinage from the Eighty Years’ War
Roman bronze and silver coins

Metal Type

Silver and gold have intrinsic value, but for numismatic finds, historical context and rarity are usually more important than the metal price alone.

State of Preservation

Metal-detected coins vary widely in condition. Even a corroded or worn coin may still be valuable if it is rare or represents an important or unusual type.

Rarity and Variants

Specific dates, dies, or provincial variants, such as a Silver Rider, Ducaton, or Stuiver, can make a find particularly attractive to collectors.

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What Should You Do Immediately After Finding a Coin?

Do Not Clean the Coin

Never clean a coin.
Do not polish, brush, or chemically clean it using substances such as lemon juice. These actions can irreversibly damage patina, surface details, and design elements.

Store the coin in an acid-free envelope or a coin capsule.

Record the Find Location

Note the exact location where the coin was found. This information is important for historical interpretation and for proper documentation with PAN.

Store the Coin Safely

Avoid friction and keep the coin dry and cool.

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Registering the Find with PAN

Metal-detected finds provide valuable information for historical and archaeological research. In the Netherlands, finds can be voluntarily registered with PAN (Portable Antiquities of the Netherlands).

Why Register with PAN?

Scientific contribution
PAN documentation contributes to knowledge about settlement, trade, circulation, and conflict.
Transparent provenance
Well-documented coins are easier to assess during valuation.
You remain the owner
Registration does not affect ownership.

How to Register a Find with PAN

Take clear photographs of the obverse, reverse, and edge.
Record coordinates or a detailed description of the find location.
Submit the find via the PAN website.
After review, you will receive an official registration.

PAN Registration or Valuation First?

For exceptional finds: have the coin assessed by a specialist first, then register it.
For regular detector finds: registration can usually be done immediately.

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How Can You Sell Found Coins?

Schulman b.v. offers two routes: direct sale or sale via an international auction, in line with our procedures on Schulman.nl.

Direct Sale

Suitable for:

silver or gold coins
commonly encountered provincial issues

Advantages:

fast and discreet handling
compensation based on current market value

Sale via Auction

For rare coins, exceptional finds, or pieces with a strong historical narrative, auction is often the best route. Coins are published in printed catalogues and on international platforms, reaching a global audience, as seen in auctions such as 378 and 379.

Advantages:

maximum international exposure
potential for a higher result
professional descriptions by specialists

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Valuation of Metal-Detected Coins

Schulman offers expert valuations without obligation.

How It Works

Submission
You send photographs or visit our office.
Inspection
We determine type, rarity, condition, and market interest.
Sales advice
You receive clear guidance on the most suitable route: direct sale or auction.

Coins Found with a Metal Detector: How to Determine Their Value and Sell Them Safely?