Damaged coins explained: What you can and cannot exchange

Currency Buyback helps people turn leftover banknotes and coins into a payout. We handle coins in everyday condition, and we also see coins that are too damaged to process.

Damaged coins cannot go through counting in the normal way. This guide explains what damaged coins look like, why condition matters, and which coins we cannot buy.

What is considered a damaged coin?

A coin is damaged when it is bent, heavily corroded, holed, split, extremely worn, soiled, or mutilated. Banks will not put coins in that condition back into circulation, and we cannot exchange them for a payout.

Coins taken from fountains often suffer the most. Water weakens the metal and leaves deep corrosion and discolouration. Heavy dirt, glue, or other residue that cannot be wiped off also makes a coin unfit to process.

Can I exchange damaged coins with Currency Buyback?

No. Currency Buyback does not buy damaged, mutilated, or soiled coins.

Damaged coins can jam counting equipment and hold up the rest of a batch. We check each submission before it is processed, and we only accept coins that are flat, complete, and in good condition.

If you are unsure about a coin, email support@currencybuyback.com before you place an order.

What counts as good condition for coins?

A coin is in acceptable condition when it meets all of the following:

• Flat and even. It is not bent or warped, and it sits flat on a table.
• No deep rust or corrosion. Light tarnish from normal use is fine. Heavy pitting or flaking metal is not.
• No holes or splits. Drilled holes, cracks, and pieces broken off cannot be processed.
• Clear design and lettering. The date, value, and main design are still visible.
• Normal wear only. Small scratches from circulation are fine. A coin that has been smoothed, thinned, or worn smooth is not.
• Clean enough to handle. It is not soiled, sticky, or covered in residue.

Before you place an order

Check your coins against this guide before you add them to your order. At checkout you confirm that you are not asking us to buy damaged coins or banknotes. Coins that do not meet these conditions are not paid.

Read the guide to damaged banknotes if you are also sending notes, and see the condition rules in our Terms and Conditions.