Product classification
HS code for Old coins: 9705.31
Collections and collectors' pieces, of numismatic interest, of an age exceeding 100 years.
Classification of old coins under HS 9705.31
Old coins are classified under HS code 970531 when they are of numismatic interest and exceed 100 years in age. This classification is part of Chapter 97, which covers works of art, collectors' pieces, and antiques. The primary distinction for this code is that the coins are valued for their rarity, historical significance, or condition rather than their face value or metal content. While modern coins are classified as legal tender or bullion in Chapter 71, coins that have passed the century mark and are sought by collectors move into the numismatic category. This ensures that historical artifacts are treated differently from current currency in international trade. The 100-year threshold is a standard cutoff in the Harmonized System for many antique items, and for coins, it marks the transition from "currency" to "collector's piece." Numismatic interest is defined by the intent of the collector and the market value relative to the intrinsic metal value. If a gold coin's value is purely based on its weight in gold, it may be classified under 7118. However, if the coin is a rare 18th-century sovereign with a value significantly higher than its gold content, 970531 is appropriate.
- Covers
- Ancient Roman and Greek coins
- Medieval European coinage
- 18th and 19th-century gold and silver coins
- Numismatic collections over 100 years old
- Historical coins no longer in circulation
- 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. Old coins are often misclassified under 711890, which is for coins used as legal tender or for investment (bullion). They may also be confused with 970539, which covers numismatic items that are less than 100 years old. Documentation of age is critical to support the 970531 classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS 970531 (the code used for old coins), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 970531 (the code used for old 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 old 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 old coins
Brazil classifies old 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 old coins
What is the HS code for Old coins?
The HS code for Old coins is 970531 (Collections and collectors' pieces; of numismatic interest, of an age exceeding 100 years).
How do I classify Old coins for customs?
Old 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 is the HS code for coins over 100 years old?
The HS code for coins of numismatic interest exceeding 100 years of age is 970531.
Are modern gold coins classified here?
No, modern gold coins are typically classified under 7118.90 as they are usually valued for their metal content or legal tender status rather than being 100-year-old antiques.
Which countries are the top exporters of old coins (HS 970531)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 970531 (the code used for old 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 old coins (HS 970531)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 970531 (the code used for old 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 Old coins the same in all countries?
The base HS code 970531 for Old 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 old coins in Brazil?
In Brazil, old coins (HS 970531) is classified under NCM 9705.31.00.