Coin Mage Id

Image of a Coin

Emily Carter

About the Author

Emily Carter is an amateur historian and numismatist. Her fascination with coins began in childhood with an old album she found in the attic. So, she’s got a PhD in history, and what she does is use that knowledge, combined with all this cool tech, to dig up the hidden stories buried in old metal stuff. She thinks they’re actually pretty awesome for anyone who’s into collecting, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been doing it forever.

“The world of numismatics is huge and sometimes it seems incomprehensible. Mobile apps can be the key to this world, allowing you to quickly identify a coin, learn its history, and evaluate its value. The main thing is to choose the right tool that meets your needs and level of knowledge,” Emily is sure.

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10 Free Coin Identifier and Value Apps:

App Name User-Friendliness Database Scope Update Frequency
Coin ID Scanner Excellent Comprehensive Frequent 
NGC Good Extensive Moderate
Coin Value Identify Coin Scan (Wondo Tele) Poor Basic Infrequent 
CoinManage Good Detailed  Frequent 
iCoin Average General Infrequent 
PCGS CoinFacts Excellent Specialized  Moderate
CoinSnap Average Standard  Moderate
Coinscope Good Broad Frequent
Coin Value Identify Coin Scan (Betacoders) Poor Limited Infrequent 
SnapCoin Poor Mini Infrequent

How to Pick the Best Coin ID App

  1. Define the goal

Are you a novice collector who needs to quickly ID a coin and find out the approximate value? 

Or an experienced numismatist looking for a tool to catalog a complex collection and analyze rare varieties? 

  1. Evaluate the database

It is important that the database is not only huge, but also well-structured, with high-quality coin stock images for comparison. 

  1. Features of the scanner

The scanning function is a key element. The application must be able to process a high-quality coin image, even if the lighting is not perfect. 

Check how well it handles coins of various shapes, sizes, and degrees of preservation. 

Check out the examples of coin with FDR image images if you are interested in coins with minting defects.

  1. General features

Minimum 

Quick identification, basic information about the coin (year, denomination, country), approximate value. 

For beginners, the coin ID app free with such a set of functions is quite enough.

Advanced level 

Detailed information about the mint, circulation, material, varieties, assessment of the degree of preservation, the ability to maintain a catalog of the collection, tracking price dynamics, and exporting data.

Unique features 

Some applications offer the ability to compare coins with auction results, determine authenticity, and analyze chemical composition.

  1. Verification

If the app is paid, look for a free version or a trial period.

It is important that the application is able to correctly recognize and process the image of coin.

  • Always double-check information, consult with experts, and use other sources. Even the best coin ID scanner can be wrong!

Top 10 Best Free Coin ID Apps

Coin ID Scanner

Intuitive interface, easy to use.

A wide range of coins from different countries and eras.

Regular database and functionality updates.

Prompt and qualified user support.

  • Main features: Photo scanning, identification, provision of information (history, characteristics, approximate cost), collection catalog management.

Pros:

  • It lets you ID tons of coins, including super rare ones that hardly anyone knows about.
  • The fact that it’s so easy to use makes the app perfect for anyone, no matter how much experience they have.
  • They make sure the coin info and the way the app works are always up-to-date.

Cons:

  • The recognition accuracy directly depends on the quality of the coin’s photo. 
  • Information about rare and poorly studied varieties of coins may be insufficient.
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NGC

The interface is quite user-friendly, but it may seem less intuitive for beginners.

It focuses mainly on NGC-certified instances, but includes information about many others.

Updates happen, but not as often as with some other apps.

Limited support options.

  • Key features: NGC database search, access to news and articles from NGC, the ability to send instances for grading.

Pros:

  • Provides access to an extensive NGC database containing information on millions of certified coins.
  • NGC is one of the most respected and reliable grading services in the world.
  • The application contains news articles and other useful materials for numismatists.

Cons:

  • The interface may seem outdated.
  • It does not have a built-in coin scanning function based on a photo. Manual data entry is required.
  • The main purpose of the application is to promote NGC grading and certification services.

Coin Value Identify Coin Scan (Wondo Tele)

The interface is inconvenient and difficult to use.

Limited database, insufficient amount of information.

Rare database and functionality updates.

User support is limited to the community forum.

  • Main functions: Scanning by photo, identification, valuation.

Pros:

  • The application is free.
  • There is a function for scanning based on a photo.

Cons:

  • Due to the limited database and imperfect recognition algorithms, the application may produce inaccurate or erroneous results.
  • There is not enough information about coins, especially rare and little-known ones.
  • The interface is complex and not intuitive.
  • The cost estimate provided by the application is approximate.
  • Infrequent database and functionality updates mean that the application quickly becomes outdated.

CoinManage

The interface may be a bit more complex than that of simple scanners, but it offers more options for managing the collection.

One of the most detailed databases, containing information about a large number of species from all over the world.

Regular database and functionality updates.

  • Main functions: Cataloging the collection, tracking the cost, creating reports, exporting data, identifying, analyzing the collection.

Pros:

  • It allows you to find information even about rare and little-known coins.
  • It offers extensive possibilities for organizing and managing a collection.
  • It allows you to track the current market value of coins and keep records of expenses and income.
  • You can create various reports about your collection, for example, a cost report or a report on the most valuable items.

Cons:

  • Paid application
  • The interface can be difficult for beginners.
  • The main focus is on manual data entry rather than automatic scanning.
  • The mobile app may not have all the features of the full version.

iCoin

The average level of convenience can be both intuitive and take some time to master.

The database covers a wide range of coins, but may lack detail on rare and little-known specimens.

  • Main functions: Photo identification, cost estimation, collection catalog management.

Pros:

  • This is a free app.
  • It provides the ability to scan photos, which simplifies the identification process.
  • The ability to keep a catalog of your collection.

Cons:

  • There is a lack of information about rare and little-known specimens.
  • Recognition accuracy may be low, especially when scanning in poor condition.
  • The lack of operational support can make it difficult to resolve problems.
  • Free apps often contain ads that can be intrusive.

PCGS CoinFacts

A professionally designed interface aimed at experienced numismatists.

It mainly covers US coins with an emphasis on PCGS-related information.

Database updates occur regularly, but not as often as for applications with a broader scope.

  • Main functions: Detailed information about US coins, PCGS Price Guide price data, high-resolution images, history, auction results, PCGS catalog search.

Pros:

  • It is an authoritative source of information about US coins, providing accurate and detailed data.
  • Access to the PCGS Price Guide data allows you to estimate the value of coins depending on the grade.
  • High-quality images allow you to study the coin in detail and assess its condition.
  • It allows you to quickly find the necessary information about coins.
  • The opportunity to receive advice from PCGS experts by phone or e-mail.

Cons:

  • The database mainly covers the USA. For collectors interested in other countries, the app will be less useful.
  • Requires a subscription to access the full functionality.
  • The interface and functionality of the application are aimed at experienced numismatists, which may make it difficult for beginners to use.

CoinSnap

The interface is relatively simple, but some functions may not be immediately clear.

It offers a fairly wide database, but may be inferior to some competitors in terms of coverage of rare coins.

Updates occur with moderate frequency, and the database is regularly updated.

  • Main functions: Photo identification, valuation, wish list maintenance, integration with auction platforms.

Pros:

  • Using AI for identification.
  • Allows you to get a rough idea of the value of the coin on the market.
  • It helps to keep track of interesting instances and not miss out on profitable offers.
  • It is convenient to monitor trades and buy coins directly from the app.

Cons:

  • Like most photo identification apps, this one is demanding on image quality. 
  • The cost estimate is approximate.
  • Full access to all functions requires a paid subscription.

Coinoscope

User-friendly and intuitive interface, which is easy to understand.

A wide range of coins from different countries, periods and denominations.

Regular updates of the database and functionality, which keeps the application up-to-date.

  • Main functions: Photo identification, cost estimation, collection catalog management, price tracking, news feed of numismatic events.

Pros:

  • Allows you to identify a large number of coins from all over the world.
  • It allows you to conveniently keep records of your collection, add a description, photos and other useful information.
  • Provides information about the current market value.
  • An extensive knowledge base helps you quickly find answers to most questions.

Cons:

  • The valuation is indicative and cannot serve as the sole basis for making transactions. 
  • The app may make mistakes.
  • Some of the advanced features of the app are only available with a paid subscription.

Coin Value Identify Coin Scan (Betacoders)

The interface is inconvenient and not intuitive, it is difficult to navigate.

A very limited database, covering only a small number of coins.

There is no official user support.

  • Main functions: Photo scanning, identification, cost estimation.

Pros:

  • Free use
  • Does not consume much battery power
  • Downloads quickly

Cons:

  • Low recognition accuracy
  • There is not enough information about common coins.
  • The interface is difficult to use and confusing.
  • The database and functionality are not updated, which makes the application quickly obsolete and useless.
  • The coin scanning function works very poorly, the images are blurry and indistinct.

SnapCoin

The database is limited to a small number of coins.

Updates occur every few months.

User support is provided via email

The application interface is beautiful, but not completely user-friendly.

  • Main functions: Photo scanning, identification, cost estimation.

Pros:

  • The app is free.
  • A database with basic instances.
  • Download availability in official sources.
  • It won’t require a lot of phone memory.

Cons:

  • Sometimes there are problems with scanning.
  • A large number of bugs.
  • It is difficult to use because of the interface.

Frequently Asked Questions

The cost estimates provided by the applications are approximate and should be considered as indicative. The market value can vary greatly depending on condition, rarity, and demand.

No, many apps offer both free and paid features. Paid subscriptions often provide access to advanced features such as detailed information, in-depth price analysis, and no ads.

Applications can help with identification, but they are not a substitute for expertise. If you have doubts about the authenticity, contact a professional numismatist.

The database is crucial. The larger the database, the more likely it is that the application will be able to correctly identify your instance.

The frequency of updates varies. The best apps regularly update their databases to reflect new releases and changes in market value.

Yes, most identification applications require an internet connection to access databases and recognition functions.

  1. Make sure you have good lighting and a clear photo. 
  2. If the application still cannot identify it, it is possible that it is too rare or in poor condition. 
  3. Contact a numismatist for help or try other applications.

If you have a specialized collection, look for apps that specialize in this country. For example, PCGS CoinFacts is ideal for collectors of U.S. copies.

Double-check the information using other sources such as catalogs, numismatic community websites, and expert advice. Don’t rely solely on one app.