Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from our customers
Orders & Payments
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept credit cards, cryptocurrency, electronic checks (e-checks), and wire transfers.
We recommend using a debit card to secure the transaction, protecting both the buyer and seller. Other payment methods are available, but have some restrictions.
Are there any processing fees?
- Credit Card payments: 4.15% processing fee
- Cryptocurrency payments: 10% processing fee
- E-checks and wire transfers: No processing fee
Which cryptocurrencies do you accept?
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- USD Coin (USDC)
- Tether (USDT)
Payments via Coinbase Wallet.
Minimum 2 businesss days for processing.
Is there a tax on silver or gold bullion?
Tax laws differ state to state, so you should receive advice from a tax consultant. In California, the law states there is no tax on Bullion products with a purchase of $2,000 or more. These products include collectable coins as well as bullion coins which have a precious metal bullion value.
Buying in larger quantities gets you closer to the spot price on the Stock Market. So, purchasing in higher quantities will be more beneficial and tax rates won't apply to your bullion.
How long do I have to complete the wire transfer?
You have 24 hours from the time you submit your order to complete the wire transfer.
Why should I invest in silver?
To protect yourself from inflation. For example- back in 1964 our money was backed and made with silver. Half dollars, quarters and dimes were 90% silver. 1965 coins for circulation were made of copper nickel. Back, pre-1970's gas was about .25 a gallon. A pre-1964 quarter was worth about the same. Today (2021) a silver quarter is worth about $4.50- A gallon of gas is about $4.50.
What happens if I don't complete the wire transfer within 24 hours?
If we don't receive the wire transfer within 24 hours, your order will be automatically canceled.
When will my order be confirmed?
Your order will be confirmed once we receive the wire transfer. This typically takes 1-3 business days after you initiate the transfer.
Shipping Information
How much is standard shipping?
- First item: $3.99 flat rate
- Each additional item: $0.99
Do you offer special shipping rates?
Yes, special shipping rates may apply to large items. These rates will be calculated and displayed during checkout based on the specific items in your order.
How is shipping calculated for mixed orders?
The standard shipping rate applies to regular-sized items, while large items may be subject to special shipping rates. The total shipping cost will be clearly displayed at checkout.
Can I combine regular and large items in one order?
Yes, you can combine different items in one order. The shipping cost will be calculated based on our standard rate structure for regular items, plus any applicable special rates for large items.
In-Store Order Pickup
How does Buy Online, Pickup In Store work?
- Select the "Pickup In Store" option during checkout
- Wait for our confirmation email (usually within 2 hours during business hours)
- Bring your valid government-issued photo ID and Payment card used for purchase to our store during pickup hours
- Present these at our secure pickup counter to receive your items
When will my order be ready for pickup?
Most orders are ready within 1 Business day. For orders placed after hours, your items may be ready for pickup within 2 business days. You'll receive an email confirmation when your order is ready.
How long will you hold my order?
We'll hold your order for 3 business days after sending the pickup confirmation. If you need more time, please contact us to arrange an extension.
What do I need to bring for pickup?
- REQUIRED: Payment card used for purchase (for verification)
- OPTIONAL: Order confirmation email (digital or printed)
- OPTIONAL: Payment card used for purchase (for verification)
Can someone else pick up my order?
Yes, but you must specify an authorized pickup person during checkout. They must present:
- Their government-issued photo ID
- The order confirmation email
- A signed authorization letter from the original purchaser
Appointments
What types of appointments do you offer?
- In-Store Consultations: For purchasing or selling rare coins, bullion, or collectibles
- Professional In-Store Appraisals: For valuing your coins, precious metals, or collections
- Professional Virtual Appraisals: For valuing your coins, precious metals, or collections virtually
How long are appointments?
- Standard consultations: 30 minutes
- Professional appraisals: up to 1 hour
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can schedule through:
- Our website's appointment booking system
- Phone: (619) 427-9154
How does the appraisal process work?
- Come on in or better yet make an appointment with our online process. For a more personal experience call us at 619-427-9154.
- We offer free verbal appraisals on all your items.
- If we agree on the offer we give you a detailed written receipt and pay you on the spot
What should I bring to my appraisal appointment?
- All items you want appraised
- Any documentation of previous purchases or authentications
- Photos of larger collections (if applicable)
- List of items (helpful but not required)
What is your appraisal fee structure?
- Basic verbal appraisal: Free
- Written appraisal report: Minimum $150 for the first 30 minutes
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
We kindly request a 24 hour notice for cancellations or rescheduling.
Do you offer remote appraisals?
Yes, we offer preliminary remote appraisals via video consultation for select items. However, final valuations require in-person inspection for accuracy and authentication.
How should I prepare for my appointment?
For Purchasing Consultations:
- Research the items you're interested in
- Have a budget in mind
- Bring preferred payment method
- Allow extra time for paperwork and secure handling
For Appraisals:
- Organize items by type/category
- Bring any documentation you have
Do I need an appointment to sell items?
What if I choose to not sell to CV Coins & Collectables?
There is no obligation to sell to us. We offer a transparent service free of guilt.
If you would like a written appraisal we can offer it for a minimum price. If you later decide to sell to us we refund that written appraisal price to you within 10 days.
What if the spot price changes after I get my appraisal?
We always use the current spot price for all appraisals. If we agree on a price we lock in that price.
What does CV Coins & Collectables buy?
We buy all private and Government issued coins, paper money and bullion. We also buy collectable and Exumonia items. We do not say no to any items you want to sell. Everything has a price. Most places only want to buy your better items and leave you with lower end items.
What can my appraisal be used for?
Our professional written appraisals can be used for:
- Insurance documentation and claims
- Estate planning and probate
- Tax purposes and charitable donations
- Legal proceedings or settlements
- Bank loans using items as collateral
- Personal records and collection management
- Equitable division of assets
Each purpose may require specific documentation formats, so please let us know your intended use when scheduling your appraisal.
What's the difference between an appraisal and third-party grading?
Appraisals and third-party grading serve different but complementary purposes:
Professional Appraisals:
- Provide current market value assessments
- Consider multiple factors including condition, rarity, and market trends
- Required for insurance, estates, and legal purposes
- Offer written documentation of value at a specific point in time
Third-Party Grading:
- Authenticates the item's genuineness
- Assigns a standardized condition grade
- Provides protective holder for long-term preservation
- Enhances marketability and trustworthiness for future sales
What grading services do you work with?
As an Authorized Representative, we work with the industry's most respected grading services:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)
- ANACS (American Numismatic Association Certification Service)
- PMG (Paper Money Guaranty)
- PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)
Can you help with grading submissions?
Yes! As an Authorized Representative, we can:
- Submit items on your behalf to any of our partner grading services
- Help select the appropriate service level
- Assist with submission paperwork
- Provide estimated turnaround times
- Handle secure shipping and tracking
- Explain grading results
How do I decide between an appraisal and grading?
Consider both services if you:
- Need immediate value documentation (appraisal)
- Plan to sell in the future (both)
- Want maximum protection for valuable items (both)
- Need insurance coverage (appraisal with grading)
- Are planning your estate (both recommended for valuable items)
Do you offer appraisal updates for graded items?
Yes, we can provide:
- Updated valuations for your graded items
- Market trend analysis
- Regular portfolio reviews for insurance purposes
Bullion & Pricing
What is bullion?
Bullion is metal or alloys with a high standard of elemental purity that does not contain iron. Bullion comes in several forms for precious metals such as gold and silver. It's typically used in the production of coins and bars that are over 90% purity for gold or silver.
Why should I invest in precious metals?
It can be a protected asset in your financial portfolio. Gold and silver are able to withstand economic trends and inflation. For example, a quarter made of 90% silver was worth approximately .25 cents in 1964. That quarter could buy you a gallon of gas. Today, that same silver quarter has appreciated in value to $4.50 and can still buy you a gallon of gas ( in 2021!)
What influences gold, silver, platinum and palladium spot prices?
There are several factors that affect the spot price for gold and silver. This includes: Supply and Demand, Inflation, Strength of the Dollar, Interest Rates, Economic trends, Government Policies, Technology, National and Global trends, and World Conflicts.
How do I invest in the precious metals market?
By buying Silver, Gold, Platinum or Palladium. It's not limited to Bullion and Bars. These metals are also used in the industrial sector that produces Electronics, Solar Panels, Medical Equipment, Cellphones, Cars and more. There are many forms of precious metals to invest in.
Should I invest in gold bullion, gold coins, or gold bars?
They are all bullion. Precious metals gold is best to purchase when it's easier to liquidate. If I were in China, I would buy Chinese bullion Pandas. If I were in Canada, I would invest in Canadian Maple leafs Gold.
The United States Gold Eagle is the number one traded gold bullion coin in the world. Why? Because coins are harder to replicate, unlike counterfeit gold bars you might find on a random site. Some people invest in jewelry which holds a percentage of purity. However, jewelry is not as easy to trade because of the purity levels.
You can work with CV Coins & Collectables to help determine which bullion investment is right for you.
Should I buy silver bullion, silver coins, or silver bars?
Silver bullion and silver bars are the same. Silver coins can be understood as two different items.
The primary difference between silver rounds and silver coins is legal tender status. Coins are legal tender, which means they have a face value or denomination and a date made from a sovereign country. Thus, coins hold actual monetary value. Rounds are not legal tender, and are generally made by private manufacturers.
Why should I invest in silver?
To protect yourself from inflation. For example- back in 1964 our money was backed and made with silver. Half dollars, quarters and dimes were 90% silver. 1965 coins for circulation were made of copper nickel. Back, pre-1970's gas was about .25 a gallon. A pre-1964 quarter was worth about the same. Today (2021) a silver quarter is worth about $4.50- A gallon of gas is about $4.50.
How to buy silver at spot price?
The answer is? You want to buy with as low of a premium as you can. Different premiums depend upon the market and availability will drive the premiums. Supply and demand is true here. Physical silver versus silver stocks? One you have in hand and the other is a piece of paper. When the demand is high and it becomes hard to get physical silver the premiums skyrocket. This is the same for when you buy and sell products. During a normal period you can buy at spot plus $1.00 or $1.50 and sell about the same minus. Spot minus $1 to $1.50. If you are trying to buy as close to the spot, you might consider purchasing in 1000 oz bars. Purchasing large bars will help with that spot price difference.
Where's the best place to buy gold and silver?
You can buy precious metals online or at physical stores. The best place to buy gold and silver are local coin stores. You actually get to see and verify the products before buying. Established shops like CV Coins & Collectables are transparent about their buy and sell process with fair pricing on items. We also have a wide selection of gold and silver coins, bullion, jewelry, collectables and more!
How can I buy gold or silver bullion online?
There are many ways to purchase gold, silver, platinum and palladium online. Ebay is the largest third-party selling platform, but fees can increase upwards to 10-12%. There's also a lack of communication where you're unable to ask the right questions about your purchase. Buyers should ask, "What is the buy back price?" to learn about the liquidability of their item.
If a seller or company refuses to answer, that's a sign to find a trustworthy dealer. CV Coins & Collectables has proudly served the community for over 50 years with long-lasting relationships that extend nationwide. Our inventory is available online to maximize your purchase from a reputable gold dealer. We encourage our clients to visit our store and meet with our gold and silver dealers who will help you make a well-informed decision.
How do I store precious metals?
Most buyers assume that ETFs and Stocks are safe investments. However, there are a lot of factors that can influence the value of your holdings. In this case, we recommend having physical bullion in hand like silver and gold coins, rounds, and bars.
Working with a reputable silver and gold dealer brings many advantages. At CV Coins & Collectables, we're client advocates to help you expand your collection and financial portfolio with authentic products and fair prices.
Third-Party Grading & Certification Service
What is third-party grading and certification?
Third-party grading and certification is an independent authentication and grading process performed by CV Coins & Collectables. These services provide professional evaluation of your coins, currency, collectibles, autographs, trading cards, comics, and stamps. Items are examined for authenticity, condition, and assigned official grades by third party entities that are widely recognized in the marketplace.
What makes our grading service different?
We offer a convenient, all-inclusive service for just $9.99 per item above the third-party grading company's fees. This covers our handling, secure packaging, insurance, shipping to the grading company, and return shipping to you. You avoid the hassle of dealing with multiple grading companies directly while ensuring your valuable items are professionally handled throughout the entire process.
Which grading companies do you work with?
We partner with the most respected names in the industry:
- Coins & Medals: PCGS, NGC, ANACS
- Currency: PMG, PCGS
- Collectibles, Autographs, Cards & Comics: PSA/DNA, JSA, CGC, Beckett
- Stamps: PSE
How much does the service cost?
Our service fee is only $9.99 per item, which you pay in addition to the third-party grading company's fees. Each grading company has different pricing structures based on the type of item, declared value, and service level selected. We'll provide you with a complete cost breakdown during your consultation.
What's included in your $9.99 service fee?
Your service fee covers:
- Professional consultation and item evaluation
- Secure packaging and handling
- Full insurance coverage during transit
- Submission to the appropriate grading company
- Tracking and status updates
- Return shipping of your graded items
Do I need an appointment?
Yes, we offer appointments for third-party grading consultations. This allows us to properly evaluate your items, discuss grading options, explain costs, and ensure we select the most appropriate grading service for each piece. Visit our Contact page to book an appointment.
How long does the grading process take?
Turnaround times vary by grading company and service level selected. Standard service typically ranges from 2-3 months, while expedited options are available for faster processing. We'll discuss expected timeframes during your consultation and keep you updated throughout the process.
What types of items can be graded?
We handle virtually all collectible categories:
- Coins (ancient, world, U.S.)
- Paper currency and banknotes
- Sports cards and trading cards
- Comic books and graphic novels
- Autographs and signed memorabilia
- Stamps and postal history
- Medals and tokens
While we accept walk-ins, we strongly recommend appointments.