This blog post is about selling currency, coins, cash equivalents, and gift cards on Amazon. For me personally, this post is the intersection of two passions I have - currency and selling on Amazon. I was curious about the rules and regulations for selling currency, coins, and gift cards on Amazon so I decided to record my notes here to help sellers of currency and other forms of novelty coin equivalents navigate the rules and policies around selling these on Amazon. If you don't comply with all of Amazon's policies for listing Currency, Coins, Cash Equivalents, and Gift Cards, your listings may be removed, and customers will be unable to find and purchase them. These policies are important to ensure a fair marketplace on Amazon. In this blog post, we will cover Amazon’s policy for listing Currency, Coins, Cash Equivalents, and Gift Cards, including what’s allowed, what’s not, and what sellers need to know.
Background of My Interest in Currency
I’ve always been interested in currency, both for its role in the economy and as a piece of history. I majored in economics in college, and the idea of inflation has always caught my attention. Over the years, I’ve collected some different pieces of currency like a 500 billion Yugoslavian dinar note (see below), a 1923 Weimar Republic 100,000 Mark, and a Hungarian 1946 10 million Milpengo. I have found it interesting the history of money and the different forms it has taken. In today’s day and age we have evolved to digital currencies and even memorabilia collectible coins. As money and currency comes in different forms and shapes, let’s explore what is allowed for selling currency, coins, cash equivalents, and gift cards on Amazon.
Amazon’s Policy on listing Currency, Coins, Cash Equivalents, and Gift Cards
Amazon has clear rules for listing currency, coins, cash equivalents, and gift cards on its marketplace. Sellers must comply with all federal, state, and local laws as well as Amazon’s own internal policies for these items. One specific rule pertains to whether a seller qualifies as a dealer of precious metals, precious stones, or jewels; they must comply with 31 C.F.R. Part 1025 and provide copies of their anti-money laundering (AML) program to Amazon upon request. Items that are considered exonumia (such as medals, medallions, challenge coins, and commemorative coins not primarily made of a precious metal) are exempt from these requirements. However, anyone who wants to list items in the collectible coin category must first apply and obtain approval from Amazon.
What is allowed on Amazon when selling listing Currency, Coins, Cash Equivalents, and Gift Cards
Here are examples of allowed, but restricted rules around selling prop money, monetized bullion, and collectible coins.
Prop Money
Amazon allows sellers to list certain currencies, coins, cash equivalents, and gift card products, provided they meet the company's specific requirements. Examples of permitted items include collectible coins, as well as prop or imitation money that is prominently and permanently marked “COPY” in English. For prop or imitation money, the color printer version must be one-sided and less than three-quarters or more than one and a half times the size of official US currency. Black and white versions must meet the exact size requirements. The product listing photos should clearly display this information.
Monetized Bullion
Monetized bullion (such as coins made of gold, silver, or other precious metals that are or were legally recognized as tender) are also permitted if the listing includes details like the numismatic preservation, country of circulation, item images, condition, grade, date of issue, material competitions, purity, and whether the coin is a restrike authorized by the issuing government.
Collectible Coins
Collectible coins or monetized bullion that are reproductions, replicas, or copies can also be listed, as long as they comply with the Counterfeit Deterrence Act of 1992 and include clear “COPY” markings, stating their status as a production, replica, or copy in both the listing title and description. Note that if any of the currency items are sharp, they may require extra packaging.
What is Prohibited on Amazon When Listing Currency, Coins, Cash Equivalents, and Gift Cards
Amazon strictly prohibits certain types of listings in the "Currency, Coins, Cash Equivalents, and Gift Cards" category. Items considered legal tender that have been altered outside of numismatic preservation (Numismatic preservation focuses on maintaining the condition and appearance of coins, especially rare and valuable ones, to prevent damage and deterioration.) are not allowed. This includes currency with holograms, overlays, cladding, plating, or colorization. Some of these items may be considered dangerous goods. Paper money, such as uncut sheets, banknotes, money orders, and certificates with imitation currency, including coins, tokens, commemorative medals, and rounds made primarily of precious metal, is prohibited from sale on Amazon. You also cannot list “unsearched” bags, rolls, tubs, jars, or hordes that are not permitted if the buyer cannot clearly identify all of the contents within the Amazon listing. Counterfeit coins and paper money, stocks and securities, and equipment designed to create counterfeit items are banned. Other items that are not allowed include cash or cash equivalent instruments, such as money orders, customized checks, traveler's checks, and stored value products like retail gift cards (with the exception of those listed by pre-approved sellers) or electronic stored value redemption codes. Retail Gift Cards that exceed $2,000 in value are also not allowed. Finally, state or federal assistance benefits such as WIC and SNAP benefits, including EBT cards and associated vouchers, are not allowed for sale on Amazon.
FAQ - Selling Currency, Memorabilia Coins, and Cash Equivalents on Amazon
Can I sell collectible coins on Amazon?
Yes, but you must obtain approval from Amazon before listing them in the Collectible Coins category. The coins must meet specific guidelines and include detailed information about the item’s condition, origin, and authenticity.
Are prop or imitation coins and currency allowed on Amazon?
Yes, but only if they are permanently marked “COPY” in English. The size must differ significantly from U.S. currency standards (either less than three-fourths or more than one and a half times the size).
What types of currency or cash equivalents are prohibited on Amazon?
Amazon prohibits the sale of paper money (including banknotes, uncut sheets, and certificates), altered legal tender, cash instruments (such as money orders and traveler’s checks), and state or federal benefits, including SNAP or WIC vouchers.
Can I sell gift cards on Amazon?
Only pre-approved sellers can list specific types of retail gift cards, and the value of these cards cannot exceed $2,000. Open-loop gift cards, electronic redemption codes, and gift cards from unapproved sellers are not permitted.
Can I sell “unsearched” coin bags or rolls?
No, Amazon prohibits selling unsearched bags, rolls, tubes, jars, or hoards where buyers cannot clearly identify the items they will receive.
Who can I contact if I have questions about my Amazon listings?
You can contact Goat Consulting for expert guidance and support with your Amazon listings. Our team is here to help you navigate these complex policies and ensure your compliance with them.
Conclusion
Amazon’s policies on listing currency, coins, cash equivalents, and gift cards are strict, detailed, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws while also incorporating Amazon’s requirements. While certain collectible coins, imitation currency, and monetized bullion can be listed if you have the proper documentation and markings, many items, including altered legal tender, unsearched hoards, counterfeit items, and cash equivalents like high-value gift cards or government benefits, are strictly prohibited. Sellers must fully understand how to follow these guidelines to avoid penalties or account suspension. If you have any questions about navigating these rules or need assistance with your Amazon listing, please don't hesitate to reach out to the experts at Goat Consulting, and we'll be happy to help.
About the Author - Will Tjernlund
This post was written by Will Tjernlund. Will Tjernlund is the co-founder and CMO at Goat Consulting. Will is a notable figure in the e-commerce industry, speaking at conferences around the world, including the United States, Europe, and Asia. Will started his Amazon selling career at his family's 80+ year-old manufacturing company to expand their Amazon presence. The efforts by Will quickly made Amazon the number one sales channel for his family's business, which now grosses tens of millions of dollars annually. Will utilizes his background in economics, experience selling on Amazon, and insights gained from speaking with businesses worldwide to help brands and manufacturers develop a clear strategy for success.
Annotation
Will’s Collectible 500 billion Yugoslavian Dinar Note