eBay expands authenticity guarantee to collectible coins
eBay is offering free professional authentication services for select coins.
The online giant is expanding its Authenticity Guarantee in the U.S. to the category of collectible coins. Beginning Tuesday, Aug. 18, eligible U.S.- and world-graded coins and U.S. raw coins purchased at $500 or more will be professionally authenticated at no additional cost to buyers or sellers.
This follows eBay’s May 2026 introduction of standardized condition guidelines for collectible coins. Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), a provider of coin grading and authentication services, will provide expert authentication for eligible items. The new service also represents an expanded partnership with third-party authentication and grading provider Collectors, parent company of PCGS and PSA.
How eBay coin authentication works
When an eligible coin purchase is made, the item is shipped to PCGS for a multi-point physical inspection. Customers can identify eligible coin listings by looking for eBay's blue Authenticity Guarantee badge on the listing.
Once authenticated, the coin is securely packaged and shipped to the buyer, all at no additional cost to either buyer or seller. Referencing a database and general quality, each coin is also checked against the listing description to ensure accuracy.
Each coin receives an e-tag, a tamper-proof sticker seal with a unique QR code attached to the coin's protective packaging. Collectors can scan the QR code to learn more about the coin and its authentication process.
For sellers who choose to offer returns, eBay Authenticity Guarantee for coins ensures the exact item initially sold is returned to the seller, via a verified return process. Returns are shipped back to the authentication center, where authentication experts verify each item and its condition before returning it to the seller.
Other product categories eBay offers authentication services for include streetwear, sneakers, luxury watches, luxury handbags, luxury items directly from brands and authorized resellers, and sports memorabilia.
[READ MORE: eBay sells vault, buys auction house for collectibles]
"The opportunity to scale and grow the coin business around the world is significant and plays to eBay’s strengths – notably, the marketplace’s selection of unique and historic inventory," said Adam Ireland, VP and GM, global collectibles at eBay. "We’ve invested in our trading card business and seen fantastic results — and we see the same opportunity with coins. Every coin has a story, and we're making it easier than ever for collectors to buy and sell with confidence while helping preserve the integrity of one of the world's oldest collecting hobbies.”
Founded in 1995 in San Jose, Calif., eBay operates in more than 190 markets around the world. In 2025, eBay enabled nearly $80 billion of gross merchandise volume.
Editor’s note: In May, GameStop submitted an unsolicited, non-binding proposal to acquire 100% of eBay at $125 per share in 50% cash and 50% stock in a deal valued at $56 billion. The offer was rejected by eBay. Since its offer was rejected, GameStop has raised its stake in eBay to 9.75% (as of July 15). It is the company’s second largest shareholder.
