Coin shops in Pennsylvania

Sales tax when you buy

Bullion Exempt

Investment bullion is exempt from Pennsylvania sales and use tax, with no minimum purchase amount in section 204(65). The exemption covers refined precious metals valued for their metal content.

Gold, silver, platinum and palladium are named in the statute. Precious metals fabricated for industrial, professional, aesthetic or artistic uses fall outside this bullion exemption.

Collectible coins Exempt

Pennsylvania exempts investment coins from sales and use tax. These include U.S. and foreign numismatic coins with a market value above their nominal value; there is no minimum purchase amount in section 204(65).

Jewelry and artwork made from coins, and commemorative medallions, are excluded. The Department of Revenue's 2026-27 Tax Expenditure Analysis confirms that this exemption remains in effect.

Sources: Tax Reform Code, section 204(65) · PA Department of Revenue, 2026-27 Tax Expenditure Analysis, page 48

When you sell to a dealer

ID

Pennsylvania's Precious Metal Sale Regulation Law excludes coins, ingots and bullion. ID and record requirements under that law apply to covered gold, silver and platinum items, such as jewelry and silverware; municipal requirements and shop policies may differ.

Holding period

Covered items must remain unaltered for five full working days after the purchase report is filed. A written police notice can extend the hold by seven days. The state statute excludes coins, ingots and bullion; check local rules separately.

What the dealer records

For covered purchases, regulations require government photo ID when available plus corroborating identification, or other reliable identification. Dealers record seller and item details, keep the record for one year, and report by the next working day's close to the district attorney or authorized local police.

How you get paid

A minor selling a covered item must wait three full working days for payment.

Minimum age

For covered purchases from minors, dealers must obtain written parental or guardian authority and verify it with the authorizing adult.

Sources: Precious Metal Sale Regulation Law, Act 17 of 1984, sections 1-5 and 8 · 37 Pa. Code Chapter 501, Purchase and Sale of Precious Metals

Dealer licensing

Dealers buying items covered by the Precious Metal Sale Regulation Law need an annual license from each county sheriff where they buy. Coins, ingots and bullion are excluded from that law's definition. Municipal requirements may also apply, and pawnbrokers have separate state oversight.

• Precious metals dealer license for covered purchases · Sheriff of each county where the dealer purchases covered items
• Pawnbroker registration · PA Department of Banking and Securities · look up a license

If something goes wrong

• PA Office of Attorney General, consumer complaint form
• PA Department of Banking and Securities, complaints about regulated financial entities

• Confirm the shop's ID, payment and appointment policies before visiting. Municipal rules have not been checked for every Pennsylvania location.