Coin Identification
Start with what you can see: the design, the date and the mint mark. These guides show how to test whether a coin is silver or gold, how to tell a proof from a regular strike and how to spot cast and struck counterfeits. If you have a coin and no idea what it is, the coin identifier by photo guide is the quickest first step.
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Coin IdentificationMint Marks on US Coins: Where to Find ThemMint marks on coins are small letters that show which US Mint struck the coin: P for Philadelphia, D for Denver, S for San Francisco and W for West Point, plus CC, O and C on older pieces. On most coins dated 1964 or earlier, look on the reverse near the bottom. From 1968 on, look on the obverse, usually near the date.
Coin IdentificationCoin Scanner: Scan a Coin With Your Phone to Identify ItA coin scanner is a phone app that names a coin from a photo of its front and back, usually in a few seconds, and shows its country, date range, metal and an estimated value. The apps are free downloads, but most charge for full results, with in-app purchases on the US App Store running from about $1 to $50 (September 2026). A scan is a first guess: confirm the date, mint mark and weight yourself before you buy or sell.
Coin IdentificationHow to Identify Civil War-Era Coins: Authentication GuideCivil War-era coins date from 1861 to 1865. Identify them by metal composition, denomination, and mint mark against PCGS references.
Coin IdentificationHow to Spot a Counterfeit Trade DollarThe fastest way to spot a counterfeit Trade Dollar is to weigh it. A genuine coin hits 27.22 grams of .900 silver. Most fakes run several grams light.
Coin IdentificationHow to Identify Counterfeit Cast Coins: Pitting, Edge and Surface MarkersCast counterfeit coins show pitting, seam lines, and soft detail. Genuine struck coins almost never do. Here is how to spot the difference.
Coin IdentificationHow to Spot a Real 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent vs Common CounterfeitsA genuine 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent has a small serif S with a raised dot inside its top curve. Most fakes are added-mintmark jobs on common 1909 cents.
Coin IdentificationHow to Tell if a Coin is Silver: 4 At-Home Tests That WorkThe quickest silver test is the ice cube method, because silver conducts heat faster than any other coin metal. Pre-1965 US dimes contain 90 percent silver.
Coin IdentificationHow to Identify a Proof Coin vs Regular StrikeProof coins are struck at least twice with polished dies on polished blanks, so they show mirror-like fields, frosted designs and sharp, square rims. Regular strikes have satin or frosty surfaces and softer rims.
Coin IdentificationHow to Tell if Your Coin is Gold or Gold-PlatedSolid gold coins are heavy for their size and not magnetic; plated coins weigh less and show base metal where the plating wears. Weight, diameter and specific gravity settle most cases.