Dahlonega holds a singular place in American numismatic history as the site of the nation's first major gold rush, which began in 1828 when Benjamin Parks discovered gold in Lumpkin County. The name Dahlonega derives from the Cherokee word for yellow money or yellow metal, and the Cherokee Nation had known of the gold deposits for generations before the rush brought thousands of prospectors into the North Georgia mountains. Lumpkin County was formed in 1832 from Cherokee County, just four years after the discovery, and the rapid influx of settlers and miners transformed the region almost overnight. The earliest coins to circulate in Dahlonega were Capped Bust and early Seated Liberty pieces brought by prospectors from the Carolina Piedmont and the Georgia lowlands, and the obsolete banknotes issued by the Bank of Darien and the Central Bank of Georgia were the primary paper currency of the gold rush era.
The establishment of the Dahlonega Branch Mint in 1838 gave Lumpkin County a numismatic legacy that no other county in Georgia can match. The mint struck gold coins bearing the D mint mark from 1838 through 1861, when Confederate forces seized the facility at the outset of the Civil War. Dahlonega Mint coins include Liberty Head quarter eagles, half eagles, and eagles in denominations from two and a half dollars to ten dollars, and they are among the most actively collected coins in American numismatics today. The mint's output was modest compared to Philadelphia and New Orleans, which makes surviving Dahlonega Mint coins scarce and valuable. The mining families and merchants who accumulated these coins during the antebellum era left estate collections that still surface in Lumpkin County today.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries brought North Georgia College to Dahlonega, established in 1873 on the site of the former mint building. The college gave the community an educational anchor and attracted professional families whose estates now surface with collections accumulated over multiple generations. The gold mining industry continued in a reduced form through the early 20th century, and the families who worked the mines and operated the supporting businesses saved pre-1933 gold coins and pre-1964 silver coins in patterns that reflect both the cash economy of the mining era and the mountain tradition of keeping hard money outside the banking system.
Today, Dahlonega is a thriving mountain resort and wine country destination, and the University of North Georgia (formerly North Georgia College) anchors the community. The Dahlonega Gold Museum in the historic courthouse draws visitors from across the country who come to learn about the gold rush and the mint. When Lumpkin County estate collections surface, Clemson Coins in Pendleton is the buyer that estate attorneys and families trust. We are the only PCGS, NGC, PMG, and CACG authorized dealer in the region, and the approximately 1 hour 20 minute drive from Dahlonega via US-129 North makes us the most credentialed serious coin buyer accessible to Lumpkin County. Clemson Coins Pays The Most, ALWAYS!
Clemson Coins and Currency is a trusted place to buy and sell gold near Dahlonega, Georgia and the entire region, with the largest inventory of gold coins, silver coins, bullion, and collectible currency. We serve customers looking for gold buyers, gold dealers, silver dealers, coin dealers, and precious metals dealers who offer fair pricing and same-day delivery service.
Whether you are searching for type coins, Gold Eagles, Silver Eagles, 90% silver coins, Morgan Dollars, Peace Dollars, or investment-grade bullion, Clemson Coins provides a strong selection for collectors and investors. All items are available for same-day purchase, and our larger gold inventory can be made available quickly and immediately through our secure local bank storage.
If you are searching online for where to buy or sell gold in Dahlonega, GA, sell gold near Dahlonega, or find a reputable coin shop in Northeast Georgia, Clemson Coins and Currency offers experience, transparency, and a professional buying environment. We help customers throughout Dahlonega, Cleveland, Gainesville, Dawsonville, Blairsville, Helen, Toccoa, Clemson SC and surrounding North Georgia Gold Country and Upstate South Carolina communities. We are the only regional dealer holding all these Vetted memberships with CCE · CDHCD · JHJ · PCGS · NGC · PMG · CACG · CAC · PSA · CGC and more. No other regional dealers match our credentials and professionalism.
Most coin dealers and pawn shops pay only melt value. A true numismatist knows that a Dahlonega Mint coin, a 1916-D Mercury Dime, or a 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent are worth far more than their metal content alone. We pay numismatic premiums on coins that deserve them.
You should never have to wait for your money. When you sell to Clemson Coins, you walk out with cash or check in hand the same day.
Liberty Head and Saint-Gaudens double eagles, eagles, half eagles, and quarter eagles. Lumpkin County gold rush estates regularly surface these from the mining and farming eras.
Half dollars, quarters, dimes, and dollars from the silver era. We pay full numismatic value, not just melt weight.
American Gold and Silver Eagles, Krugerrands, Maple Leafs, bars, and rounds at competitive prices.
We identify and pay numismatic premiums on key dates that most North Georgia buyers miss entirely.
Gold coins struck at the Dahlonega Mint from 1838 to 1861 bearing the D mint mark are among the most collectible in American numismatics. We pay strong premiums on these historic pieces.
Large-size notes, silver certificates, gold certificates, Confederate currency, obsolete banknotes, and Lumpkin County national bank notes.
We purchase entire collections in one transaction. No cherry-picking. Lumpkin County estate attorneys refer clients to us regularly.
We pay strong premiums on certified coins. As authorized dealers for both services, we know exactly what they are worth.
In Lumpkin County, Clemson Coins actively purchases pre-1933 gold coins, pre-1964 silver coinage, national bank notes from Lumpkin County banks, Confederate currency, and sterling silver flatware. If you have inherited a set of sterling flatware, a silver tea service, or individual sterling pieces, we pay full melt value and more for recognized patterns.
Many estates today also include American Silver and Gold Eagles in both mint state and proof examples, proof and mint sets, specialty sets, complete and partial sets of Indian Head cents, Lincoln cents, all dimes, quarters and half dollars, and of course Morgan and Peace dollars.
If you are working with an estate attorney or trust officer in Lumpkin County, we are happy to provide a written appraisal and work directly with counsel to facilitate a smooth transaction.
Clemson Coins, We Pay More, ALWAYS!
No appointment needed. Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 5pm.
We examine each coin for authenticity, grade, and current market value.
A real offer based on live spot prices and numismatic market data.
Accept and get paid immediately. Decline and walk out with your coins. Zero pressure.
Clemson Coins has the financial strength to purchase your collection for $500, $5,000, $50,000, $250,000, and up to and over one million dollars. See our recent purchases and judge for yourself where all the big money deals go.
Lumpkin County has a numismatic legacy unlike any other county in Georgia. The Dahlonega Mint struck gold coins from 1838 to 1861, and the D mint mark coins that survive are among the most sought-after in American numismatics. Sellers from Dahlonega, Blairsville, Ellijay, Gainesville, and Cleveland make the drive to Pendleton because the difference in what they receive is real and significant. Lumpkin County estate attorneys regularly refer clients to us when a collection needs a buyer with the expertise to identify Dahlonega Mint coins and pay what they are actually worth.
Clemson Coins is the only PCGS, NGC, PMG, and CACG authorized dealer in the Upstate, and the only dealer in the region with the full suite of credentials that serious collectors and estate attorneys look for when they need a buyer they can trust. Every seller who has made the drive from Dahlonega to Pendleton has left with more money than they were offered locally.
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All reviews below are genuine, copied directly from our Google Business Profile. The timeframes shown may differ from when they were originally posted, as they reflect the date we copied and placed them on this page.
Thank you to every customer who took the time to share their experience.
Carol Rudd
4 reviews · 1 photo · 6 weeks ago
"On a whim I decided to stop in with some old gold necklaces that I had been holding on to. I had a few things to pop up (like a vet bill) that I wasn't prepared for. Joe gave me top dollar for my things and I just couldn't be more grateful than I am right now! Thank you Clemson Coins!"
A S
Local Guide · 37 reviews · 12 photos · 1 week ago
"First time stopping in today and Clemson Coins, Currency, Bullion & Jewelry absolutely blew me away. The owner is awesome: a real straight shooter who doesn't waste anybody's time, including his own. He was knowledgeable, straightforward, answered all my questions clearly, and gave honest advice without any pressure or fluff. I've been to plenty of other coin, currency, and bullion shops around South Carolina, and this place stands out by far. The selection is excellent, everything is clean and well-organized, and he has the best prices period. The owner clearly knows his stuff and runs a great shop with real integrity and an amazing team. If you're in the Upstate or anywhere in SC looking for coins, currency, bullion, or jewelry, do yourself a favor and go see the owner at Clemson Coins. I was extremely impressed on my first visit and will definitely be back. Best in the state, hands down."
Keith Young
5 reviews · 1 photo · 10 months ago
"In closing my parents estate, I discovered old coins my late father had collected. I had no idea what to do and trashing was not an option. I came across Clemson Coins through a Google search and gave it a try. I met Joe and his beautiful wife and both security dogs. Joe was sincere, gracious, honest and very knowledgeable. After looking at my collection of coins, he offered me a number and I was shocked. Joe's heart is in what he does and I could tell. He could have swindled me. Today, I came across an honest businessman and I highly recommend Joe and the business he and his wife have built."
Tony Sleiman
5 reviews · 1 photo · 6 weeks ago
"With all the hype around Whatnot, TikTok auctions, and online coin sales these days, it's refreshing to have a trusted local coin shop right here in South Carolina that's been in business long before any of those platforms even existed. I've done business with the owner and have always had a great experience. The knowledge, honesty, and inventory are hard to beat. If you've been searching eBay, Whatnot, or online auction sites and can't seem to find what you're looking for, there's a good chance these guys got it. Trust me. Whether you're into coins, currency, bullion, or collectibles, Clemson Coins is the kind of place that's built its reputation the old-fashioned way through years of experience and treating customers right. Highly recommended."
A Marie
4 reviews · 0 photos · 6 weeks ago
"Papa Joe is great, he explained his pricing method and use of kitco.com. I will return!"
Rachel
4 reviews · 6 photos · 3 months ago
"JUST GO TO CLEMSON COINS! Hands down the BEST buyer for your jewelry & coins! I went to a few other places that were enroute to Clemson Coins — let's just say I was offered between 20% and 40% melt value at the other places. Within 5 minutes and no goofing around with acid tests (they have an XRF machine) I was offered more than a reasonable percentage of melt value from Clemson Coins. Don't get GOT at the other places! Worth the drive from Charlotte, NC if that tells you anything! Honest people are hard to find! I won't go anywhere else from now on!"
Clemson Coins, Currency, Bullion & Jewelry
7611 Highway 76, Pendleton, SC 29670
Tuesday - Saturday: 10am - 5pm
864-502-0100Clemson Coins in Pendleton, SC is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes from Dahlonega via US-129 North and US-123 North. We are the most credentialed coin buyer in the region and the only PCGS, NGC, PMG, and CACG authorized dealer in the Upstate. Sellers from Dahlonega, Lumpkin County, and the surrounding North Georgia gold country make the drive regularly because the difference in what they receive is significant.
At Clemson Coins, we buy pre-1933 gold coins, pre-1964 silver coins, Dahlonega Mint coins with the D mint mark, American Gold and Silver Eagles, bullion, rare date coins, U.S. and foreign currency, gold and silver jewelry, sterling flatware, and entire collections. Dahlonega Mint coins struck from 1838 to 1861 are among the most collectible in American numismatics and we pay strong premiums on them.
Walk into Clemson Coins in Pendleton during business hours: no appointment needed. Take US-129 North from Dahlonega toward Blairsville, then US-76 East and US-123 North into South Carolina. We evaluate your coins on the spot, make a fair offer based on current market prices, and pay you immediately in cash or check.
Most buyers in the Dahlonega area pay only melt value. Clemson Coins pays full numismatic value on coins that deserve it. We are PCGS, NGC, CAC, and CACG authorized dealers. Dahlonega Mint coins, key date coins, and certified coins all receive the premiums they deserve.
Coin shows in the North Georgia mountains happen periodically, but show dealers are buying to resell at a profit and rarely pay top dollar. For the best prices and immediate payment, visiting Clemson Coins in Pendleton is your best option. We are open Tuesday through Saturday and you never have to wait for a show date.
Clemson Coins is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes from Dahlonega via US-129 North through the North Georgia mountains into South Carolina. Customers from Dahlonega and Lumpkin County make the drive regularly because the prices we pay are simply better than anything available locally.
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Serving Dahlonega, Lumpkin County, and all of North Georgia. See all cities we serve near Dahlonega, GA
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