Treasure hunters are in constant search of valuable artifacts and items. What is found can often have a high market value due to the appraised item’s rarity and condition. Finds such as these are extremely rewarding for metal detectorists.
Still, sometimes it is easier to say than to do. First, appropriate equipment is necessary to discover hidden objects that are not easy to see or always on the top surface of the ground. You cannot detect artifacts just with your eyes and hands.
Banks were not always the best location to maintain the safety of personal valuables due to the lack of security that we have today. It was not uncommon for banks or homes to get robbed by notorious bandits in previous times.
Holes were dug under or away from the house to protect valuable items to keep family treasures secure and unknown. Unfortunately, many of the buried items were accidentally lost as the burial location was unmarked and not shared with other family members.
Homes were also destroyed on top of buried treasures and forgotten about as time moved forward.
Unintentionally lost items are still waiting to be found. Anything created with or from metal can be located and brought back into the world with a good metal detector. Official and unofficial historical sites are often full of targets with stories still waiting to be told.
For example, you can find various coins from the Roman empire in Eastern and South Europe. They were commonly used in those areas and are fascinating to see. If you have ever found an interesting and unique piece of history, jewelry, machinery, or something you’re unsure about, the question may have occurred about where to sell these pieces. In that case, you are at the right place so read further.
There are several options for selling your metal-detecting finds, depending on the type and value of the objects you have found and your personal preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Antique stores: If you have found vintage or antique metal objects, you may be able to sell them to an antique store. Many antique stores specialize in buying and selling vintage and antique items, and they may be interested in purchasing your metal-detecting finds.
- Pawn shops: Pawn shops are another option for selling your metal-detecting finds. These stores buy and sell a wide variety of items, including metal objects, and they may be interested in purchasing your finds.
- Online marketplaces: Online marketplaces like eBay or Etsy are good for selling metal-detecting finds. These platforms allow you to list your items for sale and reach a wide audience, and they may be a good choice for selling items that are unique or hard to find.
- Metal detecting clubs or forums: If you are a member of a metal detecting club or forum, you may be able to sell your finds to other members. These groups often have classifieds sections where members can list items for sale, and they may be a good place to find buyers for your finds.
- Collectors: If you have found rare or unique metal objects, you may be able to sell them to collectors. Many collectors are willing to pay a premium for rare or hard-to-find items and may be interested in purchasing your metal-detecting finds.
Overall, there are many different options for selling your metal-detecting finds, and the best option for you will depend on the type and value of the items you have found and your personal preferences. Consider the options available in your area and research the best way to sell your finds.
eBay
Artifacts found while metal detecting may not be everyday items that are easy to identify and price from a seller’s perspective. This can make it challenging when deciding how much to ask for and where to sell such interesting things.
This was even more challenging a few decades ago since there were fewer online resources and outlets for buying, marketing, and bargaining over unique items. There were maybe just a few stores where you could organize an auction and sell your artifacts.
However, things are quite different now, so you have many more opportunities to trade with your finds.
The internet is, of course, the most prominent location for trying to buy and sell anything that can be thought of and legally shipped. There are sites for specific transactions relating to purchasing, selling, and trading common and unique items.
It has become effortless to search, find, and place an order as more online marketplaces create merchandising platforms. You do not need to leave your home to make an offer or post an item for sale. You are good to go as long as you have internet access on your preferred device.
eBay is a website and marketplace that provides short auctions and immediate sales. There are virtually millions of sellers and buyers on the platform, and they are trading with all kinds of products, including unique finds from metal detecting.
eBay offers thousands of products and antiques from different periods of history. They might be newer or older, depending on a buyer’s wishes. The number of available items is vast, so you will have to learn to search with keywords, phrases, and product names or browse through multiple pages if you have the patience and time.
Something is exciting for everyone, and different categories and groups can make it easier to find what you are looking for.
You should know some things if you want to sell on eBay for the first time. eBay is generally open to everyone, so you can start selling quickly. One of the first requirements is to create an account on the website. You can perform a product search as an anonymous user; however, the more advanced options are reserved for registered members.
Making an account on the website is easy and usually takes just a minute or two. You have to enter a few personal details, which are generally all required. The account will be ready for use when you confirm your email address.
You might consider opening a business account if you plan to use eBay regularly for selling and buying. It has more significant limits so that you can purchase and sell more with it. With a business account, you appear professional and could attract more buyers.
Registration on the website is free, and you do not need to pay anything for the membership. However, there is a commission charged directly from sellers for the use of the platform. eBay will take a percentage of the payment, so you must calculate the costs while forming a price for your items.
Not all accounts and products are charged equally, so you should check the TOS and other details to clearly understand commission fees.
The items can be sold by sellers directly, or you can create an auction to achieve the highest price. The bidders then can compete against each other until the best price is met. It is up to sellers to create the most appropriate type of purchase to ensure a buyer is clear on the transaction and shipping terms of service.
eBay is also great because it allows you to present your products well. You can post photos and essential details on the selling page, so potential buyers will know what they are about to buy.
The website is simple, and you do not need special skills to create an offer. If you have a profile on Facebook or Instagram, you are well-skilled for eBay. Payments usually go through PayPal, so it is also recommended to register an account with the payment processor for easy transaction tracking.
With PayPal, you can easily collect money from your buyers and transfer the funds to your bank account as often as you’d like. The fees are generally low, and the payment processor maximally secures all transactions.
Amazon
Amazon is another online marketplace you should consider for selling artifacts and unique metal-detecting finds. Amazon has millions of sellers and buyers from all corners of the planet and gives you a chance to sell your items quickly and efficiently.
You can also get reasonable prices thanks to favorable circumstances and competition. That’s especially true if you have something highly valuable in your possession. There are, however, some drawbacks when it comes to selling your findings on Amazon.
The website is mainly focused on selling newly developed products directly from manufacturers. There are fewer sellers than those on eBay when comparing specialized products and items, but Amazon still has a wide variety to choose from.
The Amazon marketplace might be restricted in some countries, so the number of potential buyers may be fewer than eBay or other online marketplaces.
Another drawback is that Amazon has higher fees than eBay, which means you will have higher costs for selling your products on their site. However, the platform is more intuitive, making navigation a little easier. Registering an account on the marketplace is easy if you live in one of their 102 listed countries.
Account creation is free of charge and grants access to search the site as desired. Selling on Amazon is not more difficult than purchasing; create an online store and post your items with photos, descriptions, and prices. The procedure is pretty similar to eBay.
Other Online Marketplaces
There are also other online marketplaces where you can make a sale. Those places might not be as well known as Amazon or eBay, but it does not mean they offer less to their customers. On the contrary, some of those marketplaces are entirely focused on selling and purchasing antiques and old artifacts that are harder to find than current trending materials.
They do not have as many visitors as Amazon and eBay, but they have buyers that search for unique finds and artifacts exclusively.
Visitors to these websites are on a mission with a specific goal. Rare, uncommon, and restored antiques are popular among the buyers who search out these particular platforms. Some items may sell quicker than others, but for the right price, finds will sell better on specialized sites than those selling everything from A to Z.
Sotheby’s, Christie’s, and Arrowheads Artifacts Stores are, for example, just some of these specialized websites. These platforms allow you to create auctions or direct sale offers and sell your metal detecting finds under your terms of service. It means you can set up your price and conditions per your expectations.
Depending on various circumstances, these sites might be easier or harder to use than other online marketplaces. It should not be challenging to create an account on any platform. Still, if there are limitations or restrictions in place for specific countries, states, or selling quantities, it could affect the likelihood of selling your item.
Registering for an account is typically free on most sites, but pay attention to any fine print, requirements, or possible issues that might get in the way of your selling goal.
A FAQ page and a support link are always advised if there are any questions you need to be answered before creating an online account.
