How to Bid

Who Can Bid

To take part, you must:

• Be 18 or over and legally able to enter contracts
• Not live in a restricted country or region listed on The Royal Mint website
• Complete registration and any required identity and compliance checks

There is no entry fee, but some auctions may require a refundable deposit.

Registration and Accounts

• Register your interest at auction.royalmint.com
• Create a separate auction account (different from a standard Royal Mint shop account)
• Register for specific lots by clicking “Register for Lot”

Before bidding, you must pass due diligence checks, which may include proof of identity, proof of address, and source-of-funds information.

Deposits

• A refundable deposit may be required before bidding
• If you don’t win, the deposit is normally refunded within 3–5 working days
• If you do win, the deposit is deducted from the final amount due
• Bank fees are your responsibility

How Bidding Works

• You can place early (absentee) bids or bid live during the auction
• Each bid is final, binding, and cannot be changed, even if made in error
• You are fully responsible for all bids placed via your account
• The highest accepted bid wins at the hammer price

If two identical bids are received, The Royal Mint may accept the first bid placed. All bids are made as principal unless prior written approval is given to act as an agent.

Estimates, Reserves, and Increments

• Estimates are guides only and may be changed before the auction
• Minimum bid increments are set by The Royal Mint and shown on the platform
• Bids below 80% of the low estimate may be rejected
• The Royal Mint can refuse any bid at its discretion

Buyer’s Premium, Commission, and VAT

• A buyer’s premium applies to all lots (rate advertised on the Auction Catalogue)
• Seller’s commission applies where relevant
• Prices usually include VAT, unless stated otherwise
• Items marked “G” are Investment Gold; VAT-registered traders may reclaim VAT from HMRC

Payment After Winning

• When the hammer falls, the sale is legally binding
• Immediate payment by bank transfer is required unless agreed in advance
• Payments must come from the verified bank account used in due diligence
• Ownership of the item does not transfer until full payment is received

Collection and Delivery

• Items must be collected or delivered within 30 days of the auction, after payment
• Delivery or collection costs are shown before bidding
• Risk passes to the buyer once the item is collected or delivered

If Payment Is Late or Not Made

The Royal Mint may:

• Cancel the sale and resell the item
• Charge late payment interest (up to 3% per month)
• Recover losses and costs from the buyer
• Refuse future bids or require deposits
• Retain or store items at the buyer’s expense

Important Risk and Liability Points

• The Royal Mint is not responsible for platform outages, internet issues, or missed bids
• Items are sold as described; no guarantee is given on third-party grading outcomes
• Any claim is limited to the price paid for the item
• Information on the website is not investment or tax advice

Legal Framework

• Auctions may be cancelled at any time at The Royal Mint’s discretion
• Terms can be updated by posting changes on the website
• English and Welsh law applies, with courts of England and Wales having exclusive jurisdiction

In Summary

Bidding in a Royal Mint online auction is straightforward but legally binding. Make sure you:

• Register early and complete checks
• Understand deposits, premiums, and VAT
• Bid carefully—bids cannot be withdrawn
• Pay promptly if successful

Prepared bidders who understand the rules can participate with confidence in one of the most prestigious numismatic auctions in the UK.

Bid now