F.A.Q.

Oakton Coins & Collectibles – F.A.Q.

Sell Gold Coins Chicago

What is Oakton Coins & Collectibles?

Oakton Coins & Collectibles is a trusted, family-owned coin shop in Skokie, Illinois, serving the Chicago North Side and surrounding suburbs since 2014. We specialize in buying and selling gold, silver, coins, bullion, paper money, jewelry, militaria, slot machines, and a wide variety of collectibles. Customers appreciate our honesty, free appraisals, and the safety of our shop, which includes dual-buzzer entry, 360-degree surveillance, and private evaluation rooms.

Where is Oakton Coins located?

We are at 4547 Oakton Street in Skokie, Illinois, close to Evanston and just a short drive from neighborhoods like Rogers Park, Edgewater, Lincolnwood, and Lincoln Square. Unlike downtown Chicago coin shops, we provide free parking, easier access, and a safer environment for customers.

What makes Oakton Coins different from other coin shops?

Oakton Coins & Collectibles isn’t just another buyer of gold or jewelry — we’re a dedicated coin and bullion shop with a reputation built since 2014 on honesty, expertise, and customer trust. Unlike pawn shops and jewelry stores, our entire focus is on coins, precious metals, and high-value collectibles. That means every transaction is guided by deep numismatic knowledge and transparent testing with state-of-the-art X-ray assay equipment.

Customers consistently highlight the low-pressure atmosphere of our shop. Our staff takes time to explain how evaluations are done, so you understand exactly how value is determined. Payment is immediate, offers are competitive, and appraisals are always free. On top of that, our shop is secure — with dual-buzzer entry, 360° surveillance, and private evaluation rooms — so sellers feel safe and respected.

We’re also proud of being a family-owned local business with top Google and Yelp reviews, often praised for paying more than online buyers while saving people the risk and delay of shipping their valuables. That combination of professionalism, transparency, and personal service is what sets Oakton Coins apart.

What items can I sell at Oakton Coins?

We buy:

If you’re unsure about an item, bring it in for a free evaluation.

Why should I sell my gold to Oakton Coins?

Because we provide fair, wholesale-level offers based on spot price. We use advanced X-ray assay machines to verify purity, so you know exactly what you have. Our payouts are consistently higher than national mail-in services, pawn shops, or jewelry stores. We pay on the spot in cash or check. Learn more on our Sell Gold in Chicago page.

Do you buy silver too?

Yes. We purchase silver coins, bullion, jewelry, sterling flatware, and scrap silver. We also buy 90% silver coins(dimes, quarters, half dollars minted before 1965), commonly called “junk silver,” which investors prize for bullion value.

How about platinum and palladium?

We buy all forms of platinum and palladium: coins, bullion bars, jewelry, and scrap metal. These metals have strong demand, especially in the jewelry and automotive industries.

Do you buy diamonds and gemstones?

Yes. While our main focus is precious metals, we also buy jewelry with diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and other gemstones. Items are evaluated for both the value of the metal and the stones. It’s important to note that the rapid growth of the lab-created diamond industry has reduced the resale value of many natural diamonds in the secondary market. Even so, we continue to purchase diamonds of all sizes and qualities, whether loose or set in jewelry, and will make a fair, competitive offer.

Can I sell inherited coins or estate collections?

Absolutely. We specialize in estate collections, whether it’s a single piece of jewelry, a handful of coins, or an entire collection passed down through generations. We carefully evaluate each item for numismatic (collector) value and melt value, giving you the highest possible payout.

Do you provide free appraisals?

Yes. We provide free verbal appraisals for coins, gold, silver, and collectibles. If you need a written appraisal for insurance, estate, or legal purposes, we also offer those for a reasonable fee.

Do I need an appointment?

No. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours. However, if you are bringing in a large estate or multiple boxes of items, it’s helpful to call ahead.

What are Oakton Coins’ store hours?

  • Monday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  • Saturday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

  • Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Is Oakton Coins safe?

Yes. Our store is designed with security in mind. We have a dual-buzzer entry system, 360-degree cameras, and private evaluation rooms. Customers frequently say they feel comfortable and safe selling valuables with us.

How do you test gold and silver?

We use an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer, which tests the purity of precious metals without damaging the item. This ensures accuracy and fairness when determining the value of your gold or silver.

How are offers calculated?

Offers are based on the live spot price of the metal, the purity (karat for gold, fineness for silver/platinum/palladium), and whether an item has collectible or numismatic value above melt price.

How quickly do I get paid?

You receive payment immediately, in cash or check, at the time of sale.

Do you sell gold and silver bullion too?

Yes. We sell gold coins, silver coins, bullion bars, rounds, and other investment-grade products. Inventory changes daily, so call or visit the shop for current availability.

Can I buy collectible coins from Oakton Coins?

Yes. We sell U.S. coins, world coins, commemoratives, proof sets, and other collectible items. Collectors often visit us for both buying and selling opportunities.

Why choose Oakton Coins instead of online selling?

Selling to Oakton Coins means you avoid shipping risks, delays, and hidden fees. You get immediate payment and face-to-face service from experienced local experts. Reviews highlight that our offers are often higher than what online buyers provide.

Many people don’t realize that selling precious metals, coins, or jewelry online can be risky. Inexperienced sellers often fall victim to scams, especially through unregulated platforms. We’ve heard countless stories of people being cheated through online mail-in gold buyers or even put in unsafe situations trying to sell valuables on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. By selling directly to Oakton Coins in our secure, professional shop, you can eliminate those risks and enjoy peace of mind.

Do you buy foreign currency?

Yes. We purchase both modern and old world currency, paper money, and coins from around the globe. However, we are not a bank and do not exchange currency at face or exchange value. Instead, we buy collectible and unexchangeable currency—items that have numismatic, historical, or bullion value beyond their original denomination.

Do you buy broken or scrap jewelry?

Yes. Even broken chains, single earrings, dental gold, or out-of-style jewelry have value. We buy 10k, 14k, 18k, 22k, and 24k gold in any condition.

What neighborhoods do you serve?

We serve all of Chicago and suburbs, including: Evanston, Rogers Park, Edgewater, Andersonville, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Albany Park, Skokie, Morton Grove, Niles, Glenview, Northbrook, Winnetka, Wilmette, Highland Park, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Oak Park, Wheaton, and more.

Do you handle large estates?

Yes. We regularly handle estate liquidations and large collections. Our staff can work privately with families, attorneys, and executors to evaluate and purchase estates of coins, bullion, jewelry, and collectibles.

Can I bring in a slot machine to sell?

Yes, we specialize in vintage slot machines and trade stimulators. These are large items, so call ahead for arrangements. We do not pay retail prices—we buy at wholesale resale levels.

How do your reviews compare to other shops?

Oakton Coins is one of the highest-rated coin shops in the Chicago area, with hundreds of positive reviews on Google and Yelp. Customers praise our honesty, professionalism, and fair prices.

Do you buy or sell rare historical items?

Yes. We purchase autographs, documents, militaria, vintage posters, maps, and other rare collectibles.

What if I only have a small amount of gold?

No problem. Whether it’s a single ring or a full collection, we’re happy to evaluate and purchase.

Are your offers negotiable?

We always strive to make competitive and fair offers. Our pricing is based on live market data and industry standards. While we cannot pay full retail prices, customers often find our payouts among the best in Chicagoland.

How long has Oakton Coins been in business?

Since 2014, though our staff brings over 50 years of combined experience in coins, bullion, and collectibles.

Do you work with out-of-state customers?

Yes. Many customers travel from Wisconsin, Indiana, and beyond to sell at Oakton Coins because of our reputation and higher payouts.