A First-Timer's Guide
to Coin Auctions

Rare Coin Auction is a live auction house specialising in antique and rare coins. Our HUNDRED series runs on a regular schedule, featuring coins certified by leading third-party grading services (PCGS / NGC). Auctions are broadcast online, so you can participate from anywhere in Japan or abroad.

To participate you need two things: ① a registered account and ② completed identity verification (KYC). Both are free. We recommend completing them before the day of the auction.

Account

Free

Email + password

KYC review

1–2 business days

Photo ID required

Regions

40+ countries

Bilingual commentary

Register for free with an email address and password. After logging in, submit your identity verification (KYC — Know Your Customer) documents from your dashboard. A government-issued photo ID (driver's licence or passport) is required. Review typically completes within 1–2 business days; we will notify you by email.

The lot catalog is published before each auction. Each lot page displays obverse and reverse photography, a 4K video, grade, start price, estimate, and certification number. Review these carefully before forming your bid.

Add interesting lots to your watchlist to receive a reminder before bidding opens. Use industry-standard auction data — and the Rare Coin Auction price archive once published from the inaugural sale — to study comparable results, then set your personal maximum before the auction. This discipline alone prevents most post-auction regret.

An in-person or online preview is available before each auction. In-person previews are held in Tokyo and Fukuoka; online previews are conducted by video call with a specialist. Submit a preview request from the lot page, and our team will arrange a time.

During the preview you can examine coins under a loupe and ask our staff any questions. For significant lots, or whenever digital photography leaves you uncertain, a preview is strongly recommended.

Choose the participation method that suits your schedule and style. All three methods compete on equal terms — the hammer price is the same regardless of how you bid.

1. 01

   Pre-Bid

   Deadline: 24 hours before the auction

   Register your maximum amount before the auction opens. The system bids automatically on your behalf up to your limit. Ideal for those with scheduling conflicts or who prefer to bid without emotional pressure.

2. 02

   Live Bidding

   Recommended: stable connection / bilingual commentary

   Bid in real time during the auction by watching the 4K cinema-quality stream and clicking the Bid button. Auto-bid (max limit) lets the system respond automatically up to your preset ceiling.

3. 03

   Absentee / Telephone Bid

   Application required: 48 hours before the auction

   Our staff bids on your behalf during the live auction. Choose telephone bidding (real-time instructions) or mail bidding (written maximum amount).

Congratulations. A confirmation email arrives within 30 minutes of the auction closing. Download your invoice from your dashboard and pay by bank transfer or credit card. A Buyer's Premium is added to the hammer price — see each lot detail page for the applicable rate.

Once payment is confirmed, your lot ships by insured registered post (domestic: 3–5 business days; international: separately advised). Certified slab lots carry a lifetime authenticity guarantee — if authenticity is ever disputed, we will repurchase at the original hammer price subject to our terms.

Confirmation email

Within 30 min

Domestic delivery

3–5 business days

Insured registered post

Authenticity guarantee

Lifetime

Certified slabs