Where to buy Bulgarian coins: shops, auctions, online platforms and fairs
The pros and risks of each channel – from the BNB’s counters to coin fairs
BulgarianCoins editorial team 3 min read
Bulgaria has an active coin market, but it is scattered. Here are the main places collectors buy from, and what to check with each of them.
1. The BNB’s counters – for new coins
New commemorative coins are sold by the Bulgarian National Bank at its counters and through partner banks. It is the only place with a guaranteed original coin at the issue price. For small-mintage coins there is a limit per buyer and often queues – as with the “Preobrazhenski Monastery” in 2026. How buying works – in How to buy commemorative coins from the BNB. Follow upcoming issues on the Upcoming coins page.
2. Online auctions
The largest Bulgarian platform for coins is Balkan Auction. Its “Coins” category has thousands of active listings – from stotinki for a few cents to gold coins for tens of thousands of euros. It is also the source of the market prices we show on the coin pages.
Pros: a huge choice, visible prices, seller ratings, the option to bid.
Risks: replicas and cleaned coins that are not always described honestly; prices in listings are wishes, not sales. How fees and shipping work – in How online auctions work.
3. Classified-ad sites
General classified-ad sites have many offers, but also the most replicas and “inherited coins” at unrealistic prices. They are suitable for cheap coins, but not for expensive ones without inspecting them in person.
4. Coin shops
Physical shops in the big cities let you see the coin in person and talk to someone who knows it. Prices are usually a little higher than in online listings, but in return you get advice and often a guarantee of authenticity.
5. International auction houses
Rare Bulgarian coins, especially those graded by PCGS and NGC, are often sold at major international auctions. There you get catalogues with good photos and a guarantee, but also a buyer’s premium (usually between 15% and 25% of the price), shipping and, when importing from outside the EU, customs duty and VAT.
6. Fairs and clubs
Coin fairs and club meetings are where collectors swap and buy hand to hand. Prices here are negotiable, and knowledge is passed on in person. They suit beginners who want to see many coins in one place.
How to protect yourself everywhere
- Know the price. Before buying, open the coin’s page and look at the range of market prices.
- Know what the original looks like. Compare the weight, diameter and details with the catalogue. See Simple tests for a genuine coin.
- Be wary of “too good” offers. Especially with the most frequently counterfeited coins.
- Ask for a video when buying an expensive coin online.
- Pay in a traceable way and keep the correspondence.
Coming soon: the Bulgarian Coin Exchange
We are preparing the Bulgarian Coin Exchange – an auction platform on which every lot will be linked to the coin’s page in the catalogue. Until then, remember that BulgarianCoins does not sell coins – we only help you know what you are buying.
