When most people think about leftover holiday money, they imagine US dollar banknotes—the familiar greenbacks that come back from trips to New York, Florida, or California. But what about the US dollar coins you may have brought home in your change?
Unlike banknotes, US dollar coins can be difficult to exchange in the UK. High-street banks generally won’t accept them, and many travellers end up leaving them in drawers, jars, or purses, never to be used again. The good news is that your US dollar coins still hold value—and at Cash4Coins.co.uk, we make it easy to exchange them for pounds or donate them to charity.
This guide explains why US dollar coins are tricky in the UK, which types exist, and how you can finally turn them into spendable cash.
Why US Dollar Coins Are Tricky in the UK
The United States issues several types of coins worth one dollar, but they’re not widely used even in America. Most Americans prefer banknotes for convenience, and many businesses don’t regularly stock dollar coins.
That means when tourists bring them back to the UK, they face two challenges:
-
Banks don’t accept them – UK banks may accept US dollar banknotes, but not coins.
-
Bureau de change won’t touch them – Airport or high-street exchange counters generally refuse coins of any foreign currency.
-
Small amounts feel worthless – A handful of dollar coins may not seem worth exchanging, but they add up quickly.
At Cash4Coins, we bridge that gap, giving you real value for coins the banks won’t take.
Types of US Dollar Coins You Might Have
US dollar coins come in several designs and series. You may recognise some of the following:
-
Presidential $1 Coins (2007–2016) – Featuring former US presidents like Washington, Lincoln, and Kennedy.
-
Sacagawea Dollar (2000–present) – A golden-coloured coin featuring Sacagawea, a Native American guide and interpreter.
-
Susan B. Anthony Dollar (1979–1981, 1999) – A smaller silver-coloured coin featuring women’s rights activist Susan B. Anthony.
-
Eisenhower Dollar (1971–1978) – A larger silver-coloured coin with President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
-
Commemorative Issues – Special edition coins released for events or anniversaries.
Most of these coins are still legal tender in the US, but they are rarely used in everyday transactions.
Can You Exchange US Dollar Coins at UK Banks?
Unfortunately, no. UK banks and currency exchange providers only accept notes, not coins. Even if you take them back to the US, many businesses may hesitate to accept dollar coins due to their rarity in circulation.
That’s why specialist exchange services like Cash4Coins.co.uk are your best option.
How to Exchange US Dollar Coins in the UK with Cash4Coins
We’ve made the process as easy as possible:
Step 1 – Collect Your Coins
Gather your US dollar coins, along with any other leftover foreign coins or banknotes. We accept them all—no need to sort.
Step 2 – Send Them In
-
Use our secure postal service (padded envelopes or boxes are recommended for coins).
-
For larger amounts, we offer subsidised courier collection.
Step 3 – We Do the Hard Work
Our team counts, sorts, and values your coins.
Step 4 – Get Paid
We send payment directly to your bank account, PayPal, or donate it to a charity of your choice. Most payments are made within 48 hours of receiving your package.
Why Exchange with Cash4Coins?
✅ We accept coins the banks won’t – including US dollars.
✅ Fast turnaround – most exchanges complete in 48 hours.
✅ Trusted nationwide – we work with charities, airports, banks, and businesses.
✅ Eco-friendly – we recycle unusable currency responsibly.
✅ Charity support – many customers choose to donate their dollar coins, raising millions for UK charities.
Are US Dollar Coins Worth Exchanging?
Absolutely. While you might think a handful of coins isn’t worth the effort, they add up quickly:
-
5 x $1 coins = around £4.
-
20 x $1 coins = around £16.
-
50 x $1 coins = over £40.
Multiply that by the average UK household’s foreign currency jar—estimated at £65 worth of coins and notes—and it’s clear that those forgotten dollar coins have real value.
Charity and US Dollar Coins
One of the most popular uses for leftover dollar coins is charity fundraising. People are often happy to donate coins they can’t easily spend themselves.
At Cash4Coins, we:
-
Provide collection tubes for charities.
-
Offer free or subsidised collection for bulk donations.
-
Process donations quickly, returning value to your charity within days.
If you’re a school, hospital, or charity, collecting unwanted US dollar coins (alongside other foreign currency) is one of the easiest ways to raise funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I spend US dollar coins in the UK?
No. UK shops don’t accept them, and UK banks won’t exchange them.
Are US dollar coins still legal tender in America?
Yes, all dollar coins remain legal tender in the US, though they are rarely used in everyday circulation.
Can I exchange only coins, or do I need notes too?
You can send coins only—Cash4Coins accepts all coins, regardless of denomination.
Is it worth exchanging small amounts?
Yes. Even a small number of coins can be exchanged, or you can donate them to charity.
What else do you exchange?
Don’t Let Your US Dollar Coins Go to Waste
Whether it’s a golden Sacagawea coin, a presidential dollar, or a handful of Susan B. Anthony dollars, your leftover US dollar coins are worth more than gathering dust.
At Cash4Coins.co.uk, we make it fast, simple, and rewarding to exchange them for pounds—or put them to good use through charity.
Start your exchange today and turn your forgotten American dollar coins into something valuable.
Need Help
Contact our friendly experts on 0161 635 0000 or email admin@cash4coins.co.uk