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If you have lots of loose change lying around, you can convert it into spendable cash. 

While you can search for “coin-counting machines near me” or “Coinstar near me,” there are other places to turn your quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies into cash. Keep reading to learn where and how you can cash in your coins:  

Banks

Coinstar

Credit unions

Big-box retailers

Grocery stores

Retailers with self-checkout stations that accept coins

FAQs about cashing in coins

Banks

When you want to turn in “coins for cash near me,” banks are the most obvious place to do it. Most banks, including Bank of America, will turn coins into cash as long as they’re rolled in designated coin wrappers. Note that partial rolls may not be accepted. 

Before heading to any bank to cash in coins, it’s a smart (and potentially time-saving) idea to call ahead to make sure the bank accepts rolled coins and to see if they charge any fees, especially if you don’t have an account with the bank. 

Personal check cashing “near me:” 19 places to go

What banks have free coin-counting machines?

Although coin-counting machines were once a fixture in many banks, that’s not the case anymore. Banks like Capital One, TD Bank, and PNC Bank pulled the plug years ago on their coin-counting machines, citing reasons such as declining customer demand, inaccuracies, and malfunctions. 

The following list is not exhaustive, but it includes a few banks in the U.S. that still have coin-counting machines. Keep in mind that if you aren’t an account holder at a bank but want to use its coin-counting machine, there’s a good chance you will have to pay a fee:

  • Fidelity Bank: Nearly all Fidelity Bank branches have coin-counting machines in their lobbies. Bank customers can cash in their coins for free, but non-bank members may have to pay a fee (depending on the branch). You can also cash in coins with a bank employee or redeem them for a Visa gift card. However, the Visa gift card option will incur a $2.50 fee. 
  • JBT Bank: Every JBT branch has self-service coin-counting machines that are fee-free for JBT customers. Non-customers might have to pay a fee. 
  • Manasquan Bank: Manasquan customers can cash in their coins for free. However, those who don’t bank there will incur a 15% redemption fee. 
  • Fifth Third Bank: Some Fifth Third branches offer loose coin exchange. Contact a branch to find out if the service is available and if any fees apply. 

Coinstar

Coinstar has thousands of coin-counting kiosks across the globe, including those at U.S. retailers, grocery stores, and some credit unions. If you’re wondering, “Where can I find a Coinstar machine near me?” you can use Coinstar’s kiosk finder. Enter a street address or ZIP code to locate the machines nearby. 

Does Coinstar have a limit?

Coinstar has a limit of $3,000 per coin-counting session. Call Coinstar customer service at 800-928-2274 if you think the coins you’d like to cash in will exceed the limit. Coinstar may be able to provide you with special assistance. 

What percentage does Coinstar take?

Coinstar charges an 11.9% coin-processing fee. So if you cash in $100 worth of coins, you’ll pay a fee of $11.90, leaving you with $88.10. However, fees may vary by Coinstar kiosk location. 

How do I avoid Coinstar fees?

You can avoid Coinstar fees by opting for an eGift card instead of cash. Coinstar offers eGift cards from the following stores and restaurants for the following minimum and maximum amounts:

  • AMC: $10-$100
  • Amazon.com: $5-$1,000
  • Apple: $10-$500
  • Applebee’s: $5-$500
  • Cabela’s: $5-$500
  • Chili’s: $5-$100
  • Domino’s: $5-$100
  • DoorDash: $15-$200
  • GameStop: $5-$500
  • GAP: $10-$500
  • Hotels.com: $10-$500
  • IHOP: $5-$200
  • Lowe’s: $5-$1,000
  • Nike: $5-$500
  • Outback Steakhouse: $5-$500
  • ROBLOX: $5-$500
  • Razer Gold: $10-$500
  • Red Robin: $5-$150
  • Southwest: $25-$500
  • Starbucks: $5-$500
  • Steam: $5-$250
  • Texas Roadhouse: $5-$100
  • The Home Depot: $3-$2,000

Not all Coinstar kiosks offer the full suite of eGift cards to choose from; options will vary depending on kiosk location. 

To find out which kiosks stock the eGift card you’re looking for, visit Coinstar’s eGift Card website, locate the eGift card you want and click “Find a Kiosk.”

Your browser will redirect you to the “Find a Kiosk” webpage and automatically add the name of the gift card you’re seeking to the search filter. All you have to do is enter the street address or ZIP to begin searching. 

Credit unions

If you’re not up for cashing in your coins at a Coinstar kiosk for the almost 12% fee, you’ll be interested in other “coins to cash near me” options.

You might be able to cash in your coins at a credit union with a teller. Some credit unions might also have self-service coin-counting machines that you can use to count your change and exchange it for cash. 

Depending on the credit union’s policies, however, you might have to pay a fee — especially if you aren’t a member. Here’s a list of some credit unions that offer coin-counting machines and their respective fees.

  • ACCESS Federal Credit Union: Free coin-counting services are provided for non-business members at the following branches: Camden, Clinton, Oneida, and Rome. Business members and non-members who want to use the service will incur a small fee. 
  • American Heritage Credit Union: Use of the coin-counting machine is free for all members. Non-members may incur a fee.
  • Hershey Federal Credit Union: The credit union’s Hershey office has a self-service coin-counting machine that’s free for members. Non-members will have to pay a 5% fee. 
  • Mission Federal Credit Union: Most branches have coin-counting machines. Members can cash in up to $200 per month worth of coins or up to $1,000 per year using the teller line or coin machine. Coin counting in excess of the stated limits will incur an 11% fee. 
  • NASA Federal Credit Union: Coin-counting machines are available at NASA Federal Credit Union’s Annapolis, Arlington, Bowie, Collington, Columbia, Falls Church, Greenbelt, Oak Hall, and Rockville branches. Non-members who use the machines will incur a 6% fee. 

Grocery stores

The coin-counting machines you’ll find in grocery stores are often Coinstar kiosks. Here’s a list of some of the grocery stores that are known to have Coinstar machines.

However, you’ll want to use Coinstar’s “Find a Kiosk” page to confirm if a particular grocery store in your area actually has a machine. 

  • Harris Teeter
  • Food Lion 
  • Albertson’s
  • Kroger
  • Safeway
  • WinCo
  • Dillion Food Stores
  • Food Maxx
  • Cub Foods
  • Meijer
  • ShopRite
  • Shop & Stop

Walmart

With 4,735 stores across the United States, Walmart is another location where you can find coin-counting machines — specifically those owned by Coinstar. Visit Coinstar’s “Find a kiosk” webpage to find out if a Walmart near you has a machine. 

QuickTrip

QuickTrip has more than 900 stores in 14 states. According to QuikTrip’s media consultant, Aisha Jefferson-Smith, QuickTrip stores do exchange coins for cash without a fee.

One tip Jefferson-Smith gave was that customers should exercise patience if they bring in their coins to a QuickTrip location. 

Depending on how busy the location is, the attendant may ask the customer to step aside until the attendant can devote the time needed to accurately count the loose coins and exchange them for the cash value. 

Retailers with self-checkout stations that accept coins

Another way you can cash in coins is at self-checkout stations that accept coins. Granted, you won’t receive cash back (unless you overpay), but it’s still a way to get 100% of the value from the coins you have piling up at home. 

Here’s a list of some retailers that have self-checkout stations, but you’ll have to check for yourself which stations accept coins. 

  • Target
  • Walmart
  • Dollar General
  • Kroger
  • Costco
  • Albertson’s

15 coins worth money this year: Do you have any at your house?

FAQs about cashing in coins

Where can I cash in coins for free?

You can cash in coins at some banks and credit unions for free — especially if you have an account. 

If you are OK with being paid in gift cards, you can also cash in coins for free at Coinstar and other coin machines.

What’s the best place to cash in coins?

If you’re interested in getting cash back for your coins, the best place is often a financial institution where you hold an account, such as your bank or credit union. Unlike Coinstar, banks and credit unions often do not charge their customers fees for this service. 

While you’re cashing in on the loose change around your house, it’s a good time to see if you have any gold and silver jewelry lying around that you no longer wear. 

We recommend selling jewelry — including bracelets, gold chains, earrings, and bracelets — to CashforGoldUSA, a top online metals buyer with an A+ Better Business Bureau rating and highest-price guarantee.

They also accept gold and silver in all forms, including gold bullion, gold scrap, dental gold, gold coins, silver coins, silver flatware, sterling silver, and more.

Cash in on your unwanted gold and silver items with CashforGoldUSA.com >>

Does Coinstar have a limit?

Coinstar has a limit of $3,000 per coin-counting session. 

What percentage does Coinstar take?

Coinstar charges an 11.9% coin-processing fee. So if you cash in $100 worth of coins, you’ll pay a fee of $11.90, leaving you with $88.10. However, fees may vary by Coinstar kiosk location.

Where can I cash in coins for free?

You can cash in coins at some banks and credit unions for free — especially if you have an account.

What’s the best place to cash in coins?

If you’re interested in getting cash back for your coins, the best place is often a financial institution where you hold an account, such as your bank or credit union. Unlike Coinstar, banks and credit unions often do not charge their customers fees for this service.

Whether you’re going through a divorce, need to satisfy a court order, or you just want to become a better mom, dad or caregiver, parenting classes can help you build a healthier relationship with your children.

Christina Puterbaugh, a licensed marriage and family therapist in Reston, Va., says it’s important to understand that parenting classes are not for “bad parents.”

“They are often for parents who simply want to make sure they’re doing the best they can for their children,” she says.

Finding the right parenting class — one that fulfills any requirements and fits into your schedule — might seem like a tall order. But there are more flexible and accessible options for parenting classes than ever before.

Keep reading to learn more benefits of taking a parenting class and how to find one that works for you: 

What are parenting classes?

6 benefits of parenting classes

  1. Build a closer bond with your children
  2. Manage conflict
  3. Learn a new parenting style
  4. Communicate more effectively
  5. Craft a new family routine
  6. Become a successful co-parent

When should you start parenting classes?

What do you do in parenting classes?

What should you look for in a parenting class?

What do you learn in parenting classes?

How long do parenting classes last?

Are parenting classes effective?

How much money do parenting classes cost?

Which states require parent education classes in divorce?

Bottom line: Are parenting classes worth it?

What are parenting classes?

A man and a woman inside smiling, the woman holding a document. Read these 7 benefits of parenting classes and where to find them.

Parenting classes are designed to help you provide a healthy physical and emotional environment for your children. 

In some cases, you might be required to take a parenting class by child and youth support services or some other state department. When it comes to divorce and family court, many courts require parenting classes, particularly those that focus on co-parenting after divorce or when parents live separately. 

Even if you aren’t required to take a parenting class, it still can be worthwhile to learn  about child development, and discover effective tools and techniques for raising children to be resilient.

6 benefits of parenting classes

Parenting classes can improve the way you interact with your children. If you’re going through a divorce, they can also help you navigate co-parenting with your former spouse.

Here are 6 benefits of taking parenting classes:

1. Build a closer bond with your children

Parenting classes can help you learn to actively listen to your children’s concerns, tune in to their needs, and maximize the time you spend together, especially if you don’t live with your children full-time. 

“Children don’t come with a handbook, and research is constantly helping us learn how to interact with our children better,” says Dr. Sarah Kendrick, a licensed clinical psychologist with Thriveworks in San Francisco. 

2. Manage conflict

If you struggle to control your anger or don’t know how to respond when your kids act out, parenting classes can help you learn and practice conflict resolution skills. Likewise, if you’re co-parenting with an ex, learning to manage conflict can reduce your stress and show your children what healthy conflict resolution looks like. 

“The children then can, in turn, learn to manage conflict effectively themselves,” Puterbaugh says. 

Parenting classes can help you identify and address unhealthy parenting habits, including these common toxic parenting signs. 

“Learning what things can be harmful to a child’s development allows you to modify your behavior to parent more effectively,” Kendrick says. 

3. Learn a new parenting style

A man talking cheerfully to a child. Check on these 7 benefits of parenting classes and where to find them.

We often base our parenting style on how we were raised — or in opposition to the way we were raised. Learning about different parenting styles can help you fine-tune the way you communicate, discipline, and relate to your children. 

But no matter the parenting style, children benefit from parents being on the same page, Puterbaugh says. 

“Often, children are skilled at splitting, or going to the parent with whom they believe is going to either side with them or give them what they want,” Puterbaugh says. 

She says parenting classes can help parents get on the same page and raise their children with a more consistent, intentional way.

4. Communicate more effectively

A man and a woman talking to child while seated on a sofa. Learn more about these 7 benefits of parenting classes and where to find them.

Research published in Frontiers in Psychology found that efforts to improve the quality of parent-child communication may actually improve a child’s academic success. 

Parenting classes can teach you how to better listen to and communicate effectively to better connect with your child. 

5. Craft a new family routine

A family cleaning the living room. Check on these 7 benefits of parenting classes and where to find them.

Family dynamics are constantly changing — perhaps with a breakup, birth of a child, death of a parent, relocation, or a long-distance work assignment — parenting classes can help you navigate a new normal.

“Anytime you implement new skills, you have the ability to create a family routine that makes space for a new family dynamic,” Kendrick says.

6. Become a successful co-parent

A man helping a child with her homework. Check out these 7 benefits of parenting classes and where to find them.

Parenting classes are required in some states as part of the divorce process, and they can give you the tools you need to successfully co-parent with your kids’ other parent, even if you’re dealing with a narcissist or you prefer to follow a parallel parenting plan. 

You might also want to consider a parenting class before you file for divorce:

Mandatory Parenting Class – highly recommend you take it before filing
byu/TikihutWaterfront inDivorce

When should you start parenting classes?

It can help to start parenting classes at any point in the parenting journey. However, the earlier you start learning the tools and techniques for better parenting, the more likely you are to be an effective parent. 

Additionally, if you know you’re going to be getting divorced, it can help to enroll in a co-parenting class as soon as possible to begin working on the new family dynamic.

Reasons to take a parenting class include:

  • You’re a new parent and feel clueless
  • You’re going through a divorce or breakup
  • You have a very difficult child or violent home
  • You’re required to take court-ordered parenting or co-parenting classes
  • You are seeking a parenting course for autism, teenagers or another special need
  • Anger management is an issue
  • You just want to be a more confident mom or dad

What do you do in parenting classes?

That depends on the type of parenting classes you’re taking and whether you take them online or in person. Court-mandated parenting classes must meet certain criteria set forth by each state, which may include taking a final exam and receiving a certificate of completion.

Parenting classes often provide insight into child development as well as offering tools and techniques for providing a supportive emotional environment. Parenting classes also often focus on ways for you to manage your own emotions and response.

Parenting classes may include lectures, interaction with the teacher and other students, role-playing, watching educational videos, some writing assignments and other ways of learning.

For example, court-approved parenting class provider Online Parenting Programs offers several types of online classes, including those on: 

  • Co-parenting divorce class – Covers family dynamics, changes in family structures and their effect on children, common parenting mistakes, shared parenting tips, advice on co-parenting mediation and crafting a parenting plan
  • High-conflict co-parenting class – Teaches you how to cope with stress/manage emotions, solve co-parenting issues, and avoid extreme behaviors that can negatively impact your child
  • Parenting skills class – Helps parents with child development, sleep issues, nighttime fears, potty training, self-esteem, socialization, child care, discipline, health, raising children with disabilities, and parental resources
  • High-risk parenting skills class – Class tackles topics like abuse/neglect, juvenile justice, relatives caring for children, partner violence, complex family situations and helps children understand the needs of their children as they grow.

What should you look for in a parenting class?

A parenting class should have some online reputation — via BBB, Trustpilot, Google or other site. Also look for credentials from the instructor, such as being a therapist or counselor or social worker. Look for designations like: 

  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) 
  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) 
  • Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) 
  • Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor of Mental Health (LPCC)

If needed, make sure the parenting class will satisfy any court-ordered requirements. 

Here are our top recommendations: 


Court-ordered parenting classes: OnlineParentingPrograms.com
Parenting classes for all families: PositiveParentingSolutions.com
Why we like this website:*Courses for specific needs, including co-parenting, high-conflict, teens and more*Court-order certificates*Accessible and affordable pricing*Financial assistance availableWhy we like this website:*Hundreds of positive user reviews and accolades from media outlets*Practical advice based in discipline research*Video, written and audio tools

What do you learn in parenting classes?

In general, you gain access to knowledge, tools and resources designed to help you create a home environment and family relationships that enhance the wellbeing of children and parents. You can learn how to control your anger and other feelings, discipline techniques, how to better co-parent with your child’s mom or dad and how to create routines and schedules for your family.

How long do parenting classes last?

Parenting classes can last anywhere from two hours to several weeks, depending on the course you choose. Some court-ordered parenting classes can be completed in several hours online, as long as it meets the requirements of the court. Other parenting classes last 6 to 12 weeks, and include coaching and counseling.

Are parenting classes effective?

Research published in the journal Research on Social Work Practice reviewed six studies of parenting classes, ranging from the study of newborns to teenagers, and found that parenting classes have the potential to create a calmer home environment and better outcomes for children, as well as the parents, co-parenting relationships, and overall family and household wellbeing.

A definitive list of 7 co-parenting boundaries you need to know

How much money do parenting classes cost?

Parenting classes range in cost, depending on what you are trying to accomplish. There are free online parenting classes, as well as free in-person parenting classes provided by state agencies and nonprofits. However, you might have to pay anywhere between $25 and more than $200 for parenting classes that offer different tools and resources. 

If you need to find court-approved parenting classes that cost money, there might be some financial assistance available.

FamilyTime app reviews: Is FamilyTime a good app for parental controls?

Which states require parent education classes in divorce?

Some states require families going through divorce or family court to take parenting classes in an effort to reduce conflict and better co-parenting relationships.

These states require all divorcing parents to attend parenting classes:

  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Hawaii
  • Illinois
  • Massachusetts
  • Missouri
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • Oklahoma
  • Tennessee
  • Utah
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin

Idaho, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Virginia require parents filing a contested divorce to attend a parenting class.

Court-monitored communication? Get a co-parenting app

Best co-parenting apps: We review 16 paid and free co-parenting apps

Bottom line: Are parenting classes worth it?

Parenting classes benefit adults and children by providing direction to parents when it comes to creating healthy physical and emotional environments. According to a research review of different parenting programs, parenting classes can help children with behavioral and emotional adjustment, as well as contribute to parental wellbeing.

Plus, even great parents can learn something new — after all, Tiger Woods has a swing coach!

When you do online parenting classes, you have the advantage of completing the work at your own pace and reviewing information you missed the first time. On the other hand, you might not get the same level of in-person support with online parenting classes that you’d get with parenting classes near you.

However, with in-person classes, you might not be able to work around a difficult schedule since you need to be present at a specific time and plan for transportation to the class. Attending in-person classes can also be an embarrassing experience, especially if you run into someone you know.

Regardless, parenting classes can be beneficial for many families open to growing and changing.

What are parenting classes?

Parenting classes are designed to help you provide a healthy physical and emotional environment for your children.

When should you start parenting classes?

It can help to start parenting classes at any point in the parenting journey. However, the earlier you start learning the tools and techniques for better parenting, the more likely you are to be an effective parent.

What do you do in parenting classes?

Parenting classes may include lectures, interaction with the teacher and other students, role-playing, watching educational videos, some writing assignments and other ways of learning.

What do you learn in parenting classes?

In general, you gain access to knowledge, tools and resources designed to help you create a home environment and family relationships that enhance the wellbeing of children and parents. You can learn how to control your anger and other feelings, discipline techniques, how to better co-parent with your child’s mom or dad and how to create routines and schedules for your family.

How long do parenting classes last?

Parenting classes can last anywhere from two hours to several weeks, depending on the course you choose. Some court-ordered parenting classes can be completed in several hours online, as long as it meets the requirements of the court. Other parenting classes last 6 to 12 weeks, and include coaching and counseling.

How much money do parenting classes cost?

Parenting classes range in cost, depending on what you are trying to accomplish. There are free online parenting classes, as well as free in-person parenting classes provided by state agencies and nonprofits. However, you might have to pay anywhere between $25 and more than $200 for parenting classes that offer different tools and resources.

Are parenting classes worth it?

Parenting classes benefit adults and children by providing direction to parents when it comes to creating healthy physical and emotional environments. According to a research review of different parenting programs, parenting classes can help children with behavioral and emotional adjustment, as well as contribute to parental wellbeing.

Encouraging words from Christie (who learned to ride a street motorcycle by herself):

“Identify one on this list that sounds a little scary and hard, and then chip away at it until you’ve conquered it. That is a goal anyone can achieve!”

This is a list I co-created with the wonderful members of our closed Facebook group Millionaire Single Moms:

Travel

“Travel somewhere where you don’t speak the language,” Cheryl says.

Learn all about house swapping and hiring a petsitter.

5 benefits of hiring a housekeeper or house cleaner

Roadtrip

Read my 7 tips for roadtrips for single moms from my many long trips with Helena and Lucas.

Hike

I’ve found myself feeling scared, alone on a trail (bears can smell your period, right?), but also exhilarated by the solidarity with nature, the danger of it (a little and only sometimes).

Camp

Especially if you’re not experienced with it.

Go to the beach

If you want to earn perks like airline miles and points you can redeem for cash or free hotel stays.

Negotiate on and then buy a home (or car)

If you’re ready, owning a house or condo can be a very scary, exciting, empowering and wise adult decision that you may have never thought you could do solo — even if you have a low income. More on low-income home loans, and grants for homes.

Orgasm

Says Cheryl: “Learn how your body works and what makes you have awesome fulfilling orgasms!” Related: Why dating is better as a single mom

Go to a sex-toy shop

Literally go in to a store and shop for a vibrator or other goodies — don’t cheat by shopping online!

Also, learn more about feeling sexy at any size.

Open and own and fund a savings account — in your name alone

Learn more about how and why to save.

Open and fund an investment account

File your taxes

Courtney says: “I’m currently irritated in the process of learning this, and wish I had done it sooner.”

What single moms and dads need to know about taxes

Write a will / estate plan

Whether or not you have kids, pets or a partner, a will and estate plan will be a kind gift to your decedents, even if you don’t care what happens to your things and money after you die.

Buy life insurance

You know you need it, and buying it yourself for those who depend on you — or who you would like to benefit — reminds you how meaningful you are, just as you are.

Live alone in your own home

Not being alone a lot because your partner works a lot / travels extensively / is deployed. No – sign your own lease, put all bills in your own name, buy your own furniture. Lola shared: “My mom always said the one she regretted was never living alone. She went from her parents house to married life then kids. Living alone before I had kids was the best time I’ve ever had 😊.”

Fix a major appliance

Free home repair programs for low-income families

Decorate your home, just as you like it

Whether you are moving on from divorce, or otherwise living alone, decorating your own home is a powerful experience. One timeless option for decor is real-touch, wholesale artificial flowers with ultra-realistic textures. These lifelike florals mimic the beauty of fresh flowers, providing long-lasting elegance without the need for constant care.

Enjoying a nice meal in a restaurant

Says Kelsi: “For some reason, that was a big one for me. But now I love taking myself on movie and dinner dates. I have no problem being alone now but it took some work to get there.”

Go to a movie

Search “movies near me”

google-maps-usa-image

Attend the theater

Free outdoor shows, expensive Broadway productions in your town, indy theater!

Go to a sporting event or a concert

“Start a fire (campfire or in your fireplace),” Jennifer says.

Go to a bar or club alone

“I was so intimidated but it was such an empowering feeling to be able to do it confidently!” says Jasmine.

Go dancing (salsa, swing, ballroom, whatever sounds fun to you)

“People go solo and it’s no big deal, you get to have fun and meet great people!” — Selena

Go on a date with yourself

Plan your perfect evening: dinner at a restaurant, hiking and picninic, or even Netflix and chill?

Intentionally carve out an evening to stay home alone and binge Netflix / Hulu / Amazon Prime, and savor every minute.

Book a European Cruise

See Europe from the water, drifting past historic cities and picturesque villages while you unwind.

Work a power tool (and yes, that kind, too)

Here is a list of a few basic power drill and tool kit that every adult needs:

Change a tire

This quick and dirty video shows you how to change a tire by yourself:

Learn where to get free tires.

Home improvement projects

Wallpaper a bedroom, replace a vanity, fix a kitchen cabinet, conquer the world.

Mow a lawn

Says Gina of the three things to do by yourself, above: “Not because any of these are fun but so you CAN!”

Spend a major holiday solo

Says Cameron: New Year’s Eve! I spent it alone last year, and it was the most wonderful, introspective and empowering experience to be alone on NYE and totally okay with it!”

Throw a dinner party

Just because! My roundup of grocery delivery and meal-planning services.

Buy Yourself a New Dress

You don’t need a special occasion or anyone’s approval to treat yourself to something beautiful. Picking out a dress purely because it makes you feel good is one of the simplest and most joyful acts of self-celebration there is. Runaway The Label is a great place to start, with feminine, effortless styles that feel like they were made for exactly this kind of moment.

Basic car repairs and maintenance

Says Danyle: “Know how to check your oil/put more in if needed, check tire pressure, and know other basic things about cars so you’re not taken advantage of — and then make a man feel like an idiot when they tell you your cars needs some ridiculous thing and you can set them straight…feels so good!”

Learn how to get a free car and where to get free car repairs.

Take out the trash cans to the street

Cynthia says: “I use to hate doing this. But now I feel so strong doing it without a man. Such a simple thing but so powerful for me.”

Spend several days alone — not visiting or speaking with anyone else

Learn more about affordable travel through sits like HomeExchange or TrustedHouseSitters.

My experience taking a solo vacation as a single mom

When, my kids are in Europe with their dad for weeks, I take advantage of the time alone. Everyone kept asking what special things I was going to do with all my free time. I had a long list of friends I hoped to see, work and home projects that had gone unattended to, and for the most part I can say I didn’t make a dent in any of that.

But I did fixate on getting away for a few days. Recently I’ve fantasized about a writer’s weekend. I envisioned myself in a cabin in the woods where I could escape city noise and filth and lavish in the gruesome loneliness that creative people know fuels great art.

But then that fantasy started to feel like garden-variety loneliness. After all, I spend much of my life writing, alone, and feeling lonely. Doing the same in a prettier location is no vacation!

Enter my recent lover. We started planning a weekend at an inn upstate New York. At the last minute he sprung a fever and took to hibernation, and I considered canceling the getaway all together. But I just could not squander the precious kid-free time away. So at 4 p.m. Friday I booked an AirBnB property – a funky cabin in the woods upstate New York – tossed my hiking boots, swim suit and a going-out dress (you never know) in my overnight bag. Grabbed some croissants at my corner bakery and fruit at the weird Pakistani bodega that sells more or less nothing you would ever need but has fantastic melons and avocados — and I was outta there. 

Less than two hours later I pulled up to the cabin, secluded from the road and just big enough for one or two people — and it was all mine for the weekend. I was greeted by my friendly host who invited me to join him for dinner — pasta made with swiss chard pesto from his garden. As we drank cold beer and chatted about work (he’s an exhibit designer), and romance (he just wrapped up a two-year affair with a local college boy whose name he does not know) I was brought back to my own many solo travel adventures in my teens and early 20s — the way people and experiences magically unfold when you are on the road.

The next morning I woke up in the windowed sleeping loft surrounded by the vision and smell of green. Took my time enjoying black coffee and figs on a chaise lounge the stone patio (close your eyes and imagine me as Cleopatra – I did) when a flock of eight or nine wild turkeys emerged from the property’s many raspberry bushes.

I then jumped in the car and headed to a forest preserve a few miles away. Thrilling in an outing unencumbered by kids and the many accruements they require, I all but leapt out of the car with nothing more than my keys, a tampon and a $20 in my pocket.

The preserve was perfect and empty of any other people. Golden late summer sun shone through the giant trees. A quiet lake where I sat and sat — silver fish intermittently leaping out, here, there (did they sense me?). It felt so good to move my body, climb up mossy hills and over logs, fill my lungs with clean air. It was delightful to be totally, completely alone.

“I’m completely alone,” I thought. “Wait, I’m completely alone.” An edge set in. I wasn’t sticking to the marked trails. I had no food or water. I’d left the map in the car. Bears can smell your period, right? I started to think about The Blair Witch Project.

Needless to say I found my way back – and in a way, back into my old self.

This weekend — like those years ago, backpacking around South America and Europe, jetting off for last-minute weekends to see friends — the experience was just being. Just being in the quiet. Just falling asleep looking at the stars through the skylight. Just napping without guilt or a wakeup time. Just sitting in the cool mountain sun and being so grateful that there is time and place and money to luxuriate in the opportunity to recalibrate.

I thought about how in the past bunch of months I have felt a disconnect from my kids. There are parenting tasks I do not enjoy — I do not enjoy playing make-believe (hello — I’m a journalist. Real life is really interesting, kids!). I do not enjoy hanging out at the playground or engaging in a game of tag. No. But I do enjoy travel. And exploring, and meeting people and talking and learning about the world. And that is what I plan to do more of with my family — without guilt for my disinterest in the other stuff.

And so, in my ongoing gratitude exercise I am grateful for this time away. Time away all by myself. Because being alone doesn’t always have to feel lonely. In fact, it can give you the perspective you need to connect with people in your life in new ways.

If you have gold or silver coins you want to sell, they can be worth quick cash. 

If your coins are rare or potentially valuable, we cover where you can sell valuable coins.

If your coin isn’t collectible, it is still worth its scrap value. Learn more about the value of gold and silver scrap, and how to sell it for the most money.

Here’s what else you should know about selling coins:

Places where you can sell coins

Best place to sell coins

Process for how to value coins

FAQs about selling coins for cash

Quick take

Bottom line: What is the best way to sell my coins?

Where to sell coins

If you have coins that are potentially rare or valuable, you can sell them to:

  • Coin dealers
  • Coin collectors
  • Auction houses
  • Online marketplaces

If you have bullion coins or other kinds of coins that are less valuable, consider:

  • Pawn shops
  • Cash for gold stores
  • Coin machines
  • Online metal buyers

Keep reading to learn more about where and how to sell valuable coins and coins worth scrap:

I have coins that might be valuable. Who buys old coins?

If you’ve got coins to sell, the good news is that you will have no shortage of potential buyers, including:

  • Individual collectors: If you’ve got an exceedingly rare or valuable coin, selling that coin directly to an individual collector is likely to get you the most money for your coin or collection. Of course, finding the perfect collector can take months or even years, and requires you to do a lot of work on your own to make the sale happen.
  • Coin dealers/coin shops: If you’re searching the internet for ways to “sell coins for cash near me,” a coin shop or dealer is likely to get you your money much quicker than if you were to try to sell directly to a collector yourself. But it is important to note that the dealer will likely not pay as much as the collector would. After all, they need to make money when they make the final sale. In general, it is not uncommon for a coin shop to purchase a coin at 60%-80% of the price that they themselves will sell it.
  • Auction houses: An auction house can be a great way of selling valuable coins or collections, because it allows multiple bidders to drive up the final price. Auction houses also tend to have relationships with collectors, which can make it easier to sell the piece. Of course, the auction house will take a cut of the final sale price for their work, and most will have strict limits for the coins they accept. This is likely only a route for exceedingly valuable coins. 
  • Online marketplaces: An online marketplace like ebay, Etsy, or countless other sites can put you in touch with thousands of potential buyers online. However, as the majority of these sites tend to charge a fee to list each individual item (on top of the percentage of each sale they take) this can be an expensive way of selling your coins — as well as very time-consuming.

If you are not yourself a coin collector and don’t have a clear understanding of what your coin collection might be worth, working with a coin dealer or auction house can be a great way of learning about your coins so that you are sure you are getting a fair price when you sell. Of course, these options involve their own fees, which will eat into your profits.

Douglas Winter, founder of Douglas Winter Numismatics, has written more than a dozen books on numismatics — the study/collection of currency.

He says most people who inherit coins inherit a random assortment — what he calls an accumulation — rather than a collection with documentation. 

“I would say 98% of the time that I’m contacted by somebody with coins, it’s kind of just a random accumulation of stuff, and there’s not going to be much of value,” he says. 

However, if you inherit a collection from dealers with meticulous records, that’s a good sign you likely have something of some value.If you do have a high-quality, documented collection, Winter recommends seeking out a qualified specialized dealer, preferably one who is a member of the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG). PNG offers a search tool to find qualified coin dealers on its website.

CashforGoldUSA display ad

Winter says local coin dealers — places like pawn shops and local cash for gold buyers — are likely to offer a fraction of what you could get from a large national dealer, auction company, or a reputable PNG dealer. 

I have coins that aren’t collectible. Where can I sell all my coins at once?

If your coins do not have value as collectibles, though, selling them becomes much easier. Gold buyers and silver buyers use two factors to determine the price of items they buy: the purity of the metal, and the weight of the object. The closer you get to 24 karats, and the heavier your coin, the more it will be worth.

These are some places you can take a lot of coins at once:

  • Pawn shops: Best way to cash in on coins if you need money quickly
  • Cash for gold stores: If your coins consist of precious metals like gold or silver and are not otherwise valuable as collectibles, then selling them to a cash for gold store or an online cash for gold buyer is likely to be your quickest path to getting the most money in your pocket. 
  • Coin machines: If you have pocket change you’d like to turn into cash, you can typically find Coinstar and other similar coin machines in grocery and big box stores. These machines accept loose change, which you can convert to cash (usually for a fee), a gift card (like Amazon, Applebees, Doordash, AMC, Gap, etc.), or a donation to a charity of your choice.

Best place to sell coins online and for the most money: CashforGoldUSA

There are a number of online outlets where you can sell your coins, but CashforGoldUSA is our No. 1 recommendation for all but the rarest of coins. 

Why we like CashforGoldUSA:

  • Founded in 2005, this company that buys gold, diamonds and silver in any form
  • A+ Better Business Bureau rating
  • Pays within 24 hours
  • 100% best price guarantee
  • Free shipments insured up to $150,000
  • 10% bonus if you send in your item within 7 days

Want to learn more about selling through CashforGoldUSA? Read my CashforGoldUSA review.

How to value coins before you sell

To find out how much your coins are worth, start by researching online. Visit sites like ebay and Reddit to see what similar coins are selling for.

If you believe your coins are rare or otherwise valuable as a collector’s item, you can search for a “coin dealer near me” who can give you an appraisal on your coins.

google-maps-usa-image

You can also consult The Red Book, A Guide Book of United States Coins 2022 75th Edition.

Winter also recommends the Professional Coin Grading Service as an online source to find out information about your coins. 

There are also apps available, like CoinSnap, that help you identify coins in your possession.

If you determine your coins are not worth anything more than their scrap metal value, you can send them to CashforGoldUSA to get the melt value before selling. A local metals buyer, pawn shop or jeweler can also weigh and grade the quality of the metal in your coins.

Which coins are worth money?

Coins can be valued in a number of different ways. For example, you might value a coin based on its:

  • Rarity: The rarer a particular coin, mintmark, or series, the more valuable the coin will likely be. Coins that were misstamped, misprinted, or which otherwise contain errors can likewise be worth significant amounts of money.
  • Grade: The condition of a coin can be graded on a scale from Poor to Mint State (with a number of steps along the way). The better the coin’s condition, the higher the grade will be, and the more valuable it is likely to be.
  • Metal composition: Many coins, especially older coins, consist of precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, and various other alloys. In addition to any value these coins have as collectibles, they also have an inherent value depending on the purity of the metal that they contain.
  • Face value: So long as the currency is still in use, every coin will be worth at least its face value, even if it has no worth as a collectible.
CashforGoldUSA display ad

What coins are most valuable?

The more rare the coin and the greater its historical significance, the more valuable it’s likely to be. According to the American Numismatic Association, these are six of the most valuable coins: 

  • 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar: $10 Million
  • 1933 St. Gaudens Gold Double Eagle: $7.6 Million
  • 1787 EB on Breast Brasher Doubloon: $7.4 Million
  • 723 Umayyad Caliphate Gold Dinar: $6 Million
  • 1913 Liberty Head Nickel: $4.5 Million
  • 1804 Bust Dollar: $4.1 Million

Which coins are worth selling?

While most people don’t have multi-million dollar coins lying around, these are some common coins worth selling that a dealer would likely buy for their precious metal content (based on the December 2024 pricing for those metals): 

Common silver coins:

Morgan Dollars$24.67
Peace Dollars$24.67
Liberty Head (Barber) Half-Dollars$11.54
Walking Liberty Half-Dollars$11.54
Franklin Half-Dollars$11.54
Kennedy Half-Dollars$11.54
Liberty Head (Barber) Quarters$5.77
Standing Liberty Quarters$5.77
Washington Quarters$5.77
Liberty Head (Barber) Dimes$2.30
Winged Liberty Head (Mercury) Dimes$2.30

Common gold coins:

American Gold Eagle$2,876
American Buffalo$2,637
Canadian Gold Maple Leaf$2,637
Indian Head Gold Eagle$1,275
South African Krugerrand$2,637

How do I find out what my coins are worth?

A visit to a local coin dealer, reading about coins through books and quality internet posts, as well as info like on this video can help you get started learning about buying, selling and collecting coins — including selling coins:

Is there a free app to scan coins for value?

CoinSnap is an app available on iOS and Android devices that uses AI technology to identify coins. The app is free to download but costs $30 a year to use.

FAQs about selling coins for cash

When should I sell my coins?

“The obvious answer is you want to sell when prices are strong, and not when they are weak,” Winter says.

Hower, if you need money, there is always a market for coins — and cash in hand is better than not.

Who pays the most for old coins?

Reputable coin dealers who understand the value of old and rare coins are likely to pay you the most for them. Look for dealers who are members of the Professional Numismatists Guild.

Is there tax on inherited coins?

The federal government does tax any inheritance, including coins. However, three points to keep in mind:

  • Coins are taxed only when they are sold
  • Coins are taxed as an estate tax, paid for by the decedent
  • Some states also levy their own inheritance tax

Quick take

For rare coins and valuable collections: We recommend Coinfully for selling rare and valuable coin collections. They are a family-run coin buyer firm that offers free online coin appraisals, fully insured shipping, and same-day payment.

Bottom line: What is the best way to sell my coins?

If you want to sell coins for the most money, you should first find a reputable local coin dealer or auction house to evaluate your coins and determine if they hold any value as a collector’s item. If you know the type of the coin you have, you can also do internet research and look at recent sales of similar coins to determine a fair sales price. 

If your coins are not worth money as a collector’s item, you’re likely to get the most money for your coins by selling them to a local pawn shop, metals exchange or online precious metals buyer.

CashforGoldUSA, our top choice for selling non-collectible coins online, accepts all of the following (and more):

How do I find out what my coins are worth?

A visit to a local coin dealer, reading about coins through books and quality internet posts, and YouTube videos could help determine if you have coins of value.

Is there a free app to scan coins for value?

CoinSnap is an app available on iOS and Android devices that uses AI technology to identify coins. The app is free to download but costs $30 a year to use.

Who buys old coins?

If you’ve got coins to sell, the good news is that you will have no shortage of potential buyers, including: individual collectors, coin dealers, coin shops, auction houses, and online marketplaces.

Where can I sell all my coins at once?

You can sell a coin collection at once to: metal buyers, coin collectors, and coin machines.

Who pays the most for old coins?

Reputable coin dealers who understand the value of old and rare coins are likely to pay you the most for them. Look for dealers who are members of the Professional Numismatists Guild.


Gold prices keep hitting new highs, thanks in part to market turmoil amid tariff wars. Spot gold hit a record Dec. 26 above $4,500 — a 33% increase for 2025 — and prices have held steady.

“Traders are waiting for the next major fundamental development to drive the gold market, but the charts remain bullish. There’s still safe haven demand,” said Jim Wyckoff, senior analyst at Kitco Metals1.

one year gold price chart from Yahoo Finance as of January 2026
5-year gold future chart from Yahoo Finance as of Oct. 10, 2025

Simply put: Now is a still great time to sell gold.

Whether you have gold jewelry, scrap, dental work, coins or bullion, you have several safe, quality options for selling your gold.

This post outlines the best ways to sell your gold based on our writer’s first-hand experience shopping it around — to both online and local gold buyers.

Table of contents

How not to get ripped off selling gold

Whether you sell online or locally, there are some general guidelines for making sure you work with an honest company that will make you a fair offer — and there are plenty out there, says David Atlas, vice chair of ethical issues and associate director of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers.

“There are people who are altruistic and will be helpful,” Atlas told me. “A retailer who lives in my town is really fair with people. She listens to their story and like a lot of gold buyers who are sympathetic, offers people 70% to 75% of the value of their item, which is very fair.”

A key to getting a fair deal is to understand the weight and karat of your gold, and how daily spot prices are factored into payouts. Read our FAQs about how gold prices work and tips for selling gold.

Then:

  1. Research a quality gold buyer. This may be a local pawn shop, “We Buy Gold” outfit or a jeweler in your community. There are also a number of quality online gold buyers. Check the businesses’s reputation:
    • Online reviews from Yelp, BBB, Google
    • Ask friends and family for recommendations
  2. Shop around and negotiate. Do not be shy to ask for a higher payout and leverage one buyer’s offer against the other for the best deal. Start with: “Can you do better?”

Read more about selling to local gold scrap buyers, pawnbrokers and CashforGoldUSA.

Best places to sell your gold online

While there are many reputable local businesses that can give you an honest gold resale price or trade-in value for your gold jewelry, gold coins, gold nuggets, watch, gold bullion or dental gold, selling gold online is increasingly common, as more and more quality gold buyers have made it easy to safely get paid without leaving home.

Other reasons many people opt for selling gold to an online buyer:

  • More convenient than driving around to area businesses
  • Private. It can be embarrassing to have to sell your valuables.
  • An established online gold buyer will have a robust online presence you can research: reviews and ratings from Trustpilot, BBB, Yelp, Facebook, and more. Many more data points to use to vet your buyer than a typical local business.

CashforGoldUSA: 

CashforGoldUSA is a family business established in 2005 outside of Boston that buys the widest breadth of gold, silver and diamonds in the industry, pays within 24 hours and insures your item up to $150,000. Focus on customer service and speed to payment.

BBB Rating: A+, accredited since 2020

Read our CashforGoldUSA review.

Sell your gold now with CashforGoldUSA >

Other quality companies that buy scrap gold online, listed alphabetically:

Abe Mor

Abe Mor is a family business established in 1969 in New York City’s Diamond District, and focuses primarily on buying and selling diamonds of at least .5 carats wholesale through retailer jewelers, though they are also a reputable place to sell gold with a resale value of $1,000 or more.

BBB Rating: A+, accredited since 2016

Read our Abe Mor review.

Similar companies that also buy and sell diamonds:

  • myGemma (marketplace model, vs direct buy)
  • Worthy (an auction platform)

Keep in mind: Thanks to style trends and lab diamond popularity, the price of diamonds has plummeted 84% since 2022. The gold in your diamond jewelry, is more valuable than ever.

JM Bullion

JM Bullion is arguably the leading buyer and seller of consumer metals — coins, bullion, and metals IRAs in gold, silver, platinum, copper and very unique coins, such as a 2023 JFK Half Dollar Black Ruthenium Set ($19.99) and 2022 Colorized American Women Quarter 5-Coin Set ($20.95) on sale at the time of this writing. Minimum sale value of $1,000. 

BBB Rating: A+, accredited since 2014

Other trustworthy companies that deal in buying and selling consumer metals bullion include:

  • APMEX
  • Money Metals Exchange

Luriya

In business since 1995, Luriya is an online gold buyer headquartered in Manhattan’s Diamond District, with other locations in Queens and Brooklyn.

You can request a free mailer from Luriya via FedEx 2nd day shipping, automatically insured for up to $1,000 (and up to $1 million), or schedule an in-person appointment to have your items appraised. Luriya reports its offices are under 24/7 surveillance by a private security team.

BBB Rating: Not rated, though they have 4.7 stars on Google 

US Gold Buyers

US Gold Buyers is a GIA-certified jewelry appraiser with a physical location in Boca Raton, Fla., though they also do business online. When you submit the form on the US Gold Buyers website, you’ll receive a free FedEx overnight label in your email, which is trackable and insured for up to $25,000 (or more upon request).

BBB Rating: A+ (accredited since 2016)

Pawn shops

Many people prefer to sell their gold or jewelry locally to a business they know and trust — and get their cash immediately without messing around with the mail or FedEx.

A reputable pawn shop can be the closest place to sell gold if you need cash quickly and prefer to do business locally with people you know. Ask around for a recommendation, check online reviews and get a few quotes. Don’t be afraid to negotiate or walk away if you don’t feel their offer is fair.

Of course, pawnbrokers also give you the option of getting back your gold within the terms of the loan.

Our secret-shopper experiment on selling gold found that pawn shops, as well as other local gold buyers in your community, can offer high payouts and friendly, helpful service.

Search for a pawn broker that buys gold in your community by looking for “pawn shops near me.”

If you have gold jewelry worth at least $800 that you really don’t want to sell, but need the cash, you might consider a jewelry loan — which is essentially the same as pawning your jewelry, but through an online vendor.

Learn more about where and how to get a loan on jewelry

4. Local gold buyers or coin dealers

Many communities have roadside businesses advertising “Cash for Gold,” “We Buy Gold,” “Gold and Silver Exchange,” and “Metals Exchange.”

Our writer’s secret shopping gold experiment revealed that her local “We Buy Gold” outfit offered the highest payout.

It never hurts to get a quote from one of these buyers, which you can use to validate another offer or negotiate a higher payout:

Meanwhile, coin dealers typically buy gold scrap, in addition to rare coins and coin collections.

5. Local jewelry stores

The first place many people go to sell their gold is a jewelry store. You may have a relationship with such a local jeweler or trust one in your town. Some jewelers offer store credit in exchange for your item, and you may prefer to do business locally, with someone you know.

In our secret shopping gold experiment a local jeweler made a solid offer.

Gold price and selling FAQs

When you decide you are ready to sell your gold items, it helps to understand the terminology and what influences the value of gold.

What is the gold spot price? Is it different from melt value?

Gold spot price is calculated as the average net value of all currently traded gold futures for the next month.

The melt value is calculated by the amount of the precious metal multiplied by the spot price of the gold. If you melted down the gold pieces and sold them as raw materials, the melt value is what that gold is worth right now.

How much do you get for selling gold?

Ultimately, gold sells for what someone will pay for it, typically the spot gold price, multiplied by the weight and karat, minus a commission. Depending on whether you sell or pawn, online or offline, try to negotiate your gold sale.

For gold bullion — coins or bars — expect 90% to 95% of the current spot price.

For jewelry, expect to receive about 60% to 80% of the melt value. At the current gold rates, a typical gold wedding band or gold class ring is worth between $100 and $300, depending on the weight and karat.

Why do gold prices fluctuate? What causes the price of gold to go up?

Gold is like any other asset: stocks, real estate, even human labor. When there is more demand, prices go up. When there is less demand for gold, prices go down.

Typically, gold has been considered a safe investment, so when there is a lot of volatility in the economy or stock market, investors tend to favor gold.

Historically gold prices increase when:

  • The stock market is down
  • Times of economic and political instability
  • Other safe-haven investments like bonds and investments in the U.S. dollar are down
  • The higher the gold price, the more people tend to want to buy — which drives gold prices up further

Gold prices have steadily risen in recent months and continue to hit record highs — the most recent of which occurred in April when gold surged past $2,400.

You can get an idea of the price of your gold with a gold calculator, which factors in the current price of gold before the gold buyer’s commission.

Your offer will depend on your appraisal, the melt price of gold, and what the buyer feels like offering.

In any market, cash in hand today is worth much more than waiting a few weeks or months to see if the price increases a little. Overall, gold prices have been near record highs, so you will get a decent return if you sell soon.

What are gold futures?

Meanwhile, gold futures prices serve as the basis for the LBMA Gold Price, which is based on contracts for the physical delivery of a specified amount of gold on a set date in the future, and determined by predicted changes in supply and demand, the estimated cost of transporting and storing gold.

Is now a good time to sell gold? When is the best time to sell gold?

Gold prices have been high over the past two years and hit yet another all-time high in April 2025.

However, in any market, the best time to sell gold may be purely personal: when you need cash the most. Again, it is better to have cash that you very much need to pay essential bills like rent, a car note, or utilities than hedging.

It can also make sense to sell gold for other investments, including stock funds in a retirement account, in real estate, or even on education or new business expenses.

Also, it may make sense to sell your gold and buy stocks or an index fund to take advantage of the down stock market.

Who pays the most for gold?

The only way to guarantee that you will get the absolute highest price for your gold at any moment is to shop it around, locally and online. The offers can vary widely, and change day-to-day as gold prices fluctuate.

Pro tip: No matter where you sell your gold, always negotiate. Online buyers that invest in sending you a mailer are especially incentivized to offer you a higher payout, vs having to pay to return your item to you.

Our exercise found that local businesses like pawnbrokers and gold buyers made high offers with friendly service.

What’s the fastest way to liquidate your gold?

The fastest way to get cash for your gold is to walk into a pawnshop or local gold dealer and take what they offer — which may or may not be a fair price — but will get you cash within about 15 minutes. This can be a great option for a lot of people, especially if you trust your pawnshop and like to support local businesses.

However, you can get money for your gold within a few days without leaving the house by selling online. Especially if you are willing to negotiate, any of these methods could net a very strong price.

What’s the safest way to get cash for gold?

Unlike years past, today there are reputable online buyers who ensure that your item is safe and trackable throughout the selling process. All of the leading gold buyers offer 100% free door-to-door free, trackable FedEx or USPS shipping, free insurance — typically up to $150,000, and a guarantee your item will be returned to you promptly, free of charge without question.

Stories of people’s gold going missing en transit are rare.

What are the markings on my gold jewelry?

Here’s a guide to deciphering the symbols stamped on jewelry, but most karat markings on gold jewelry, and the purity of gold they represent:

  • Gold with an etching or stamp or hallmark that reads “18K” or “750” indicates that it is made up of 75% gold
  • A “14K” or “585” mark means the metal is made up of 58.5% gold. This stamp is typically either a karat number, such as 18K, or 12K, in the shape of a rectangle with the corners cut off, and with a number inside
  • Gold with an etching or stamp or hallmark that reads “18K” or “750” indicates that it is made up of 75% gold, while a “14K” or “585” mark means the metal is made up of 58.5% gold

Bracelet shows symbols stamped on jewelry.

As of , the amount of gold per karat in yellow gold, assuming a price of $ per troy ounce:

Stamp Purity % gold Spot price
999 24 karat 99.9%  $
990 22 karat 99% $
750 18 karat 75%  $
585 14 karat 58.3%  $
375 9 karat 37.5% $

Gold bars and gold bullion are nearly always 24K gold. Learn more about selling your gold bars and bullion.

Determine the weight and karat of your gold by looking for markings and using a scale — like this one from Amazon that sells for about $10. You can also stop into a pawn shop, or local jeweler and ask them to weigh your gold (they should do it for free).

Learn how to tell the difference between common jewelry metals in these posts:

Sterling silver vs. plated silver vs. white gold
Platinum vs white gold
White gold vs yellow gold

If your gold jewelry comes from a high-end jeweler like Tiffany, Cartier, or David Yurman, or is otherwise unique, it could be worth more than its scrap metal value. A jeweler can provide you with a jewelry appraisal, which can help you determine the value of the items you have and where to sell them. These typically cost $150 or more.

Is my gold real?

Gold is usually an alloy, meaning a mix of gold with other metals. Reference this guide to determining whether your gold is fake or real for more.

  • Pure gold is 24 karat, and will be marked 24K — with “K” the abbreviation for karats
  • Real gold will not float and will not rust.
  • Pure gold is not magnetic

Bottom line: Where is the best place to sell gold jewelry?

Cash is king. If you aren’t using your gold jewelry or you have gold coins lying around, it may be a good time to sell, regardless of prices. If you need the money right away, a pawnshop or gold buyer in your community with a good reputation can help.

If you have a few days and prefer to sell from home, consider getting quotes from one of the top online gold buyers.

SOURCE

  1. “Gold climbs as softer dollar, tariff tensions buoy demand,” by Brijesh Patel for Reuters. April 15, 2025
    https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/gold-heads-second-weekly-fall-focus-us-payrolls-data-2024-12-06/
What does gold sell for?

January 11, 2026, spot gold was near the record of high of $4,518.

How much do you get for selling gold?

Expect to receive 90% to 95% of the current market value or spot price if you’re selling gold coins or bars, and closer to 60 or 80% for gold jewelry or other scrap.

Is now a good time to sell gold?

Yes — gold prices surpassed $3,400 per ounce in April 2025 and are expected to keep climbing as the economy slows. As of July prices were still very strong.

What is the best way to get cash for gold?

If you need the money right away, a pawnshop or local gold buyer with a local reputation can help. If you can wait a couple days, an online gold buyer can be best. Shop around and negotiate.

If you’re thinking about dating a single parent but have some reservations, you’re not alone. You may have heard that single parents:

  1. Will never have time for you
  2. Are still in love with their ex
  3. Only want a replacement parent or financial support

Fortunately, those things aren’t true for the majority of single parents, and you can have a healthy and successful relationship with a single parent if — like any other relationship — you’re willing to put in the time and effort. 

That being said, there are some unique challenges that come with dating a single parent. 

This is what you should know before you start to date someone with kids:

Is it hard to date a single parent?

What are the challenges of dating a single parent?

Challenges of dating a single mom

Challenges of dating a single dad

Problems dating a single mom: what you need to know as a man about why dating a single mom is hard

Problems dating as a single mom: what you need to know as a single mom

Thinking of dating again as a single parent, but not sure where to start?

Is it hard to date a single parent?

Amber Lee, a Certified Matchmaker and CEO of matchmaking service Select Date Society, says that dating anyone who leads a busy life can be hard, and dating a single parent is no different. 

“If it’s the right person for you, the two of you will find ways to make time for each other,” Lee says.

She says if you’re dating a single parent, you might have to plan dates around the kids’ schedules, which can be affected by things like child custody arrangements and babysitter availability/cost.

However, if you’re willing to be flexible and supportive of your partner’s parenting commitments, dating a single parent doesn’t have to be hard.

What are the challenges of dating a single parent?

Lee says the biggest challenge of dating a single parent is dating around potentially busy and limited schedules. In addition to dealing with custody schedules, your partner may have to attend after-school activities, school events, birthday parties, etc. 

You might not see your partner as often as you’d like — or you may have to spend a lot of time with her children once she’s comfortable introducing them to you.

Lee recommends helping your partner secure a reliable babysitter and being prepared for last-minute cancellations and plan changes. 

These are some other challenges of dating a single parent, according to Redditors: 

You might not always come first:

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You might not get along with the kids:

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You might have to deal with a difficult ex:

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You might have to take on some parenting responsibilities:

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There might be double heartbreak if things don’t work out:

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Challenges of dating a single mom

Lee says single moms are superheroes when it comes to multitasking and juggling busy schedules. However, these are some challenges you may face dating a single mom:

  • She’s more likely to have primary custody of her kids, so her free time might be limited. According to the most recent U.S. Census data, about four out of every five custodial parents — 79.9% — were mothers. 
  • Her kids might not like you — at least not at first. Take your time, and don’t put pressure on the relationship. If you respect their boundaries, don’t see them as competition, and treat their mom well, they may eventually warm up to you.
  • Her ex might still be in the picture. Even if she has an amicable co-parenting relationship, you still have to deal with the dynamics of having another person in the picture, one you may have to regularly interact with. 

This Redditor had some good advice about the challenges of dating a single mom and how to handle them: 

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This Reddit thread dispels some of the “horror stories” about dating a single mom: 

Is there any story where dating a single mom has worked out?
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One commenter in particular stresses the fact that no two single moms are the same, so you have to evaluate each potential relationship under a different scope: 

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Are single moms red flags?

Single moms in general aren’t red flags. But there are some red flags you should look out for when you’re dating a single mom, just like you would in any relationship.

Lee says the biggest red flag to look out for is a tumultuous relationship with her ex. 

“If they are not capable of co-parenting in a healthy way, your relationship is going to be filled with drama,” she says.

She also says to avoid single moms who don’t have healthy boundaries with their children — for example, if they have trouble disciplining their kids or if their relationship with their kids is more like a friendship than a parent-child relationship. 

“If the kids are the ones running the show, it may be time to reconsider pursuing a serious relationship,” Lee says.

She also says to avoid single moms who seem like they’re looking for a replacement father for their children, rather than a romantic partner for themselves.

“If they seem more interested in you filling a void for their kids than in a romantic relationship with you, don’t ignore this red flag,” Lee says.

A Redditor on this thread confirms that point:

“I had a friend who was dating a single mother recently. She pretty much expected him to support her and the baby and kept him on a short leash like they were married and the kid was his. She often relied on his family to take care of the baby too. Single moms obviously can use some support but when you start dating a guy expecting him to become father and husband, especially when both of you are young, is perhaps why some men may be wary of dating single moms.” — Joeblow521

Why dating a single mom is hard?

Dating a single mom can be hard because your time together might be limited — at least until she’s comfortable having you around her kids. You also have the added pressure of forming a relationship with her kids if things become serious and potentially having to interact with her ex. 

The reality is that women are usually judged more harshly than men in all aspects of life — and single mothers are no exception. 

This single mother calls out the double standards and judgment she’s faced as a single mom trying to date:

Online dating as a young single mother is disheartening as fuck
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Is it worth dating a single mom?

Because no two single moms are exactly alike, there is no blanket “yes or no” answer to this question. 

That being said, these are some benefits of dating a single mom, according to men on Reddit: 

  • “I love kids and would get to be an influential part of their lives. I would also be able to see first hand what kind of parent they are so I can see if they’re the type of person I would want to have kids with.”
  • “I just got out of a relationship with a single mom. She had a 5-year old. For me, her daughter was the best part of the relationship. It was brand new for me and scary but it added so much meaning to my life. I am someone who has always thought he didn’t want kids but this experience changed my opinion dramatically. I also thought to myself many times that this could be the perfect way for me to have a child in my life but not actually have to commit to making one myself. If things had worked out with her mom I think this would have been true. I would definitely date a single mom again-the biggest thing is making sure there’s no drama or lingering feelings with the other parent. Which I suspect is kinda rare.”
  • “You get to help parent their kid and be a more proactive parent in that child’s life than their original parent most of the time. i hear all the time about kids saying that their stepmom or stepdad was a huge part of their upbringing and that they see them as a parent because they were that important to them, and they credit a lot of their successes as a person to that person.”
  • “The mothers tend to be more mature and secure, and it’s not something I put a lot of thought into – aside from thinking about the added and steadily growing responsibility of helping with the child.”
  • “They always have snacks.”

If you’re thinking about dating a single mom, here are some tips for dating her:

Tips for dating and 15 things NOT to say

Challenges of dating a single dad

Lee says the same challenges that exist for dating a single mom exist for dating a single dad — custody schedules, dynamics with his ex, and having to be respectful of his relationship with his kids. 

“Don’t be too hard on the single dad you’re dating if he forgets about something and over-books his calendar or has to change plans at the last minute,” she says. 

Why dating a single dad is hard?

Lee says single dads dating often need to be in a relationship that feels easy, where they don’t have to add a stressful relationship to their list of responsibilities. 

“Don’t expect for a single dad to constantly dote on you,” she says. “Instead, you may need to be the one showering him with love.”

These are some other reasons dating a single dad might be hard, according to the women of Reddit: 

  • He may not want anymore kids because he already has some of his own. You’re kind of expected to balance being childfree but also adoring his kids. If you stick around long enough, you will likely be drafted into helping with the kid (free babysitting, helping around the house, occupying them, etc), but you will get no say in actual decisions. That’s for the “real” parents. It is a thankless job.
  • He will have a huge financial strain. If he does agree to have more children, they may have less in life than if you had chosen to be with a man without children. Additionally, he may not be all that enthused about kids with you because he’s been there/done that, but is simply obliging you because it’s what you want.
  • The mom is almost certainly still in the picture. Very rarely do co-parents have proper boundaries. I had the unfortunate pleasure of dating someone with an absolute crazy ex who sabotaged our date plans whenever she could, often using the child as leverage.
  • The person you love the most will never love you the most. I know it’s silly, but imagine those (albeit, unlikely) scenarios where you and the kid are both drowning and he can only save one. You drown, every time. You will never be the most important person to him.

Is it worth dating a single dad?

If you can handle the added dynamics of dating a single dad, you can have a meaningful and successful relationship with one. These are some benefits of dating a single dad: 

  • You know what you’re getting in a partner. A man’s relationship with his children is the best measure of his character, personality and partnership potential.
  • Single dads are busy, so they probably won’t be needy/clingy.
  • They might not want more kids — a benefit if you yourself don’t want more (or any) kids.

This is what real single moms had to say about dating single dads: 

  • “They are more mature, responsible, and usually more accepting of your personal priorities such as kids/work. They often crave more stable relationships and know how to balance family responsibilities along with the rest of their lives.”
  • “They understand the responsibilities and schedule constraints of being a single parent. It’s also good because you can parent vent to them and they understand.”
  • “They understand the unpredictability of raising kids so if something comes up unexpectedly, they don’t get all bent outta shape if you have to reschedule or cancel.”
  • “I think it is more likely they will be your people, like have very similar wants and needs as a single mother. You go into a relationship wanting compatibility and generally if you are similar-it is more likely to happen.”
  • “If you’re on the same or a similar custody schedule, you can truly devote your time to each other on your off time to really get to know each other, and he’ll understand when you’re busy during custody time. And then you can slowly introduce your kids to each other when you both feel it’s appropriate. He should also be more understanding when family circumstances arise out of the blue and you need to pivot.”
  • “They don’t want all of your time – they have their own commitments and responsibilities and (the good ones) are great about understanding and respecting yours, as well.”
  • “They are presumably busy with kids, job, and extracurriculars so they won’t smother you too soon.”
  • “I was actually set against dating anymore single dads due to parenting differences, custody schedules and conflicts etc. and then I met the guy I’m currently dating. Single dad, he is so kind, patient, considerate and helpful. I’m thankful for all the shitheads I had to go through to get to this one because I appreciate him so much. He is the epitome of teamwork and I couldn’t ask for a better partner.”

If you’re thinking about dating a single dad, check out these tips: 

Problems dating a single mom: what you need to know as a man about why dating a single mom is hard

Way back at the beginning of my single mom dating shenanigans I fell in love with an older man. My kids were 1 and 3, his were in college. A few months in, I broke it off over a boozy Italian dinner. “Face it,” I said. “You don’t want to be running around with little kids again.”

He agreed.

“I don’t want to date a mom”

Old story: We kept sleeping with each other, he decided he wanted to try dating a mom for real, and a year later broke it off for reals because he didn’t want to date a mom. For a whole bunch of reasons, that breakup was terribly painful for me, and it took me so many months (many of which I admittedly kept sleeping with him. Sue me.) to get over it.

“You’re so wonderful, it has nothing to do with you,” he’d say over and over. “It’s just that life got in the way.”

I clung desperately to those words for a very long time. But those words are bullshit (even if it was good of him to employ them). Rejecting me because I have children has every single thing to do with me. I am a mom. My motherhood is not a separate island off the coastline of myself. It is part of me. Arguably the very best part of me. I am a mother, exactly as I said I as when I met you online/the office/Starbucks/swing dancing/trashed at your cousin’s wedding.

I’ve bumped into that same floundering position on dating me, a single mom, several times. “I thought I didn’t want to date women with kids, but your OKCupid profile was irresistible,” he’ll say. What he doesn’t say, but what is implied is: “What the hell. I’ll give this a try and if I don’t like it, I’m outta here!”

Could I change his mind about dating moms?

I try not to be bitter. We’re all human. Can I really fault a guy for liking me so much he goes against his instincts that tell him he’s not fit for blended family life? I’ve got a healthy ego. I’d love to be the one to change his mind!

Yet it’s pretty silly that we treat the intersect of romance and children as such an exotic unknown, one worthy of tip-toe trepidation. After all, it’s not like I’m raising feral unicorns in my attic, or foster-parenting gnomes. I am a human mother raising human children, the most fundamental essence of humanity, familiar to all, including every single man on OKCupid, who, presumably, was once a child himself.

On the flip side, I do think it is possible to change a guy’s mind (though I don’t suggest banking on it). A few years ago I had a mini-session with dating coach Kavita Patel, who stands out among her peers as a remarkable insight into dating and relationships overall, and has an intuitive power that is slightly freaky. In telling her about my dating, I said: “If a guy isn’t into single moms, that’s fine with me. I’m not interested in changing anyone’s mind!”

Obvious, right? She disagreed: “Sometimes a guy has to see you with your children. Then he can be open to dating a woman with a family.”

Because she got so much right about me, I could never let that advice go.

Last year for a few months I dated a man who was in his early 40s, divorced but with no kids. We were a mismatch for zillions of reasons, but of anyone I’ve ever been involved with, he appreciated my motherhood more than any other man.

He also admitted to discounting a relationship with a single mom before crossing my path. One day a few months in he told me he’d watched some Facebook videos of my kids in which I was audible in the background. “You’re so natural and honest with them. You’re an awesome mom,” he said in an uncharacteristically vulnerable moment. “I adore you.”

Which is exactly what every single mom wants to hear very most of all.

Fast-forward to today, and I am in a 3-year relationship with a dad who loves that I am a mom, enjoys long days with me and my two kids, running between soccer games and theater practice and sleepover drop-offs and the rest — more than I do myself, often. He’s hot, successful and my friends join me in thinking I won the jackpot.

When, a year or so in, we had a big relationship talk, and voices went low as two middle-aged people who have been through the ringer each made our best efforts to put baggage aside and be vulnerable in our needs, he held my hand across the dining room table as my kids slept in a room adjacent, looked me in the eye, and said:

“I just want us all to be a family.”

Problems dating as a single mom: what you need to know as a single mom

Ladies, here is a huge favor I will do for you:

I will save you the horrors you will find should you google “date a single mom” on the Internet. There are a lot of sexist assholes out there, and you don’t need to know what they think.

I will save you from your fears that no good guy wants to date a single mom. Not only have I dated a lot of amazing men who either don’t care that I’m a mom, or love the fact that I am one, I also have met and know of thousands and thousands of women who are also mothers who have found love, fun, companionship and partnership after becoming a mom.

But what do the haters say? All those asswipes who swear off single moms? I will share here to save you the trouble of sorting through that toxicity, and assure you that you don’t have to worry.

These misogynists claim single moms only want a sugar daddy to pay their bills.

We are all gold diggers.

Primed to attract men, use them for their money and maybe sperm, then dump them.

We will never make time for our man — kids always come first (how and why not to make that mistake in this post).

Used-up, damaged goods, and the like.

You know, stuff that children say when their feelings got hurt and they are too underdeveloped to manage their feelings. So they lash out.

Nothing that an evolved woman has to worry about.

Carry on, you fined thing.

Ever thought about online therapy? Way cheaper, convenient, private by text, voice or video counseling — perfect for single moms. Top online therapy sites — which is the best?

Thinking of dating again as a single parent, but not sure where to start?

Dating sites used by single moms and dads

Check out a dating app. This is the easiest, cheapest way to get your mojo back, and get a feel for what is happening out there. All you need to do is connect with one cute guy to get that spark going again.

Online dating is one of the best things in the world for single parents — time and money efficient, and you can even do a background check on a man or woman before you go out with them!

Here is our list of the best dating sites and apps for single moms.

Our No. 1 recommendation for finding serious relationships is eharmony because: 

  • A Better Business Bureau rating
  • Free 150-point personality report
  • Apps for iOS and Android
  • 100% of members are proven to be real (no catfishing or married people!)
  • For paid memberships, eharmony has one of the lowest prices and you can start with a free basic membership.

Matchmaker sites for single parents

There is a reason matchmakers have been in use since the dawn of human sexuality — they work!

In this post I lay out the pros and cons of matchmaking experiences.

Is it hard to date a single parent?

Amber Lee, a Certified Matchmaker and CEO of matchmaking service Select Date Society, says that dating anyone who leads a busy life can be hard, and dating a single parent is no different. “If it’s the right person for you, the two of you will find ways to make time for each other,” Lee says.

What are the challenges of dating a single parent?

Lee says the biggest challenge of dating a single parent is dating around potentially busy and limited schedules. In addition to dealing with custody schedules, your partner may have to attend after-school activities, school events, birthday parties, etc.

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