Product classification
HS code for Antique coins: 9705.31
Collections and collectors' pieces, of numismatic interest, of an age exceeding 100 years.
Classification of antique coins under HS 9705.31
HS code 970531 is specifically designated for collections and collectors' pieces of numismatic interest that are of an age exceeding 100 years. This classification is crucial for distinguishing valuable historical currency and related items from modern coinage or items valued solely for their metallic content. The term "numismatic interest" implies that the items are collected for their historical, artistic, or rarity value, rather than their face value as legal tender. The stringent age requirement ensures that only genuinely antique and historically significant pieces are categorized under this code, reflecting their unique status in international trade.
- Covers
- Ancient Roman and Greek coins
- Medieval European coinage
- Early American colonial currency
- Historical commemorative medals exceeding 100 years in age
- Rare and historically significant paper money older than 100 years
- Also under 9705.31
- Roman denarii
- Greek tetradrachms
- early US silver dollars
- British pre-decimal coinage
- ancient Chinese cash coins
- Ottoman Empire gold coins
Codes often confused with 9705.31
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 970539, which covers other collections and collectors' pieces of numismatic interest that do not meet the 100-year age criterion. The primary distinction between these two codes is the age of the item. Another frequent error is classifying antique coins under HS codes 711810 or 711890, which are for modern or non-collectible coins (other than gold coin) that are not legal tender or other coins, respectively. These codes are intended for items valued for their material or as general currency, not for their numismatic significance or antique status. For an item to be classified under 970531, it must be both of numismatic interest and demonstrably over 100 years old.
Top exporters and importers of HS 970531 (the code used for antique coins), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 970531 (the code used for antique coins) in UN Comtrade data was Switzerland, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 35% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 970531, not only antique coins.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Switzerland $218M 42% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $69M 13% of world exports
- 3 United States $49M 9.4% of world exports
World total: $520M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $201M 35% of world imports
- 2 Switzerland $199M 35% of world imports
- 3 Japan $28M 5.0% of world imports
World total: $568M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for antique coins
Brazil classifies antique coins under NCM 9705.31.00: HS 9705.31 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about antique coins
What is the HS code for Antique coins?
The HS code for Antique coins is 970531 (Collections and collectors' pieces; of numismatic interest, of an age exceeding 100 years). The HS code for antique coins, specifically collections and collectors' pieces of numismatic interest that are over 100 years old, is 970531.
How do I classify Antique coins for customs?
Antique coins is classified under HS code 970531 — Collections and collectors' pieces; of numismatic interest, of an age exceeding 100 years. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What does "numismatic interest" mean in the context of HS codes?
"Numismatic interest" refers to items such as coins, medals, or paper money that are collected and valued for their historical, artistic, rarity, or cultural significance, rather than their intrinsic monetary face value as legal tender. These items are typically sought after by collectors and historians.
Which countries are the top exporters of antique coins (HS 970531)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 970531 (the code used for antique coins) in UN Comtrade data were Switzerland ($218M, 42% of world exports), Hong Kong ($69M) and the United States ($49M). World exports came to about $520M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of antique coins (HS 970531)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 970531 (the code used for antique coins) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($201M, 35% of world imports), Switzerland ($199M) and Japan ($28M). World imports came to about $568M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Is the HS code for Antique coins the same in all countries?
The base HS code 970531 for Antique coins is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for antique coins in Brazil?
In Brazil, antique coins (HS 970531) is classified under NCM 9705.31.00.