Old Coin Identifier

How to Find the Value of a Coin

Ethan Radcliff

About the Author

Ethan is an expert in digital history and collector analysis: he spent more than 12 years developing software solutions for antique collectors and numismatists. Earlier he started by creating educational platforms, but now he focused on mobile tools that help users get reliable information about antique objects, including coins.

Projects Worked on

Ethan worked with major numismatic databases, supervised the digitizing of European and US rare coin catalogs, created old coin price guide for numismatists’ reference, and consulted on the architecture of image recognition apps.

He is an avid supporter of the idea that every collector should have a reliable old coin identifier on hand that accurately determines both piece features and type, as well as the market value of the piece.

Today, Ethan shares his knowledge due to comparing the best mobile apps for assessing the value of antique examples – from 19th century gold dollars to forgotten copper pfennigs. His goal is to help people find the perfect tool to work and create an old coin value list without spending hours manually searching for information.

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Comparison of Top 10 Apps to Price Old Coin Values

App Offline mode AI-recognition quality Database Availability
Coin ID Scanner – Very high (up to ~98%) Global: ancient, medieval, modern, foreign iOS / Android
CoinSnap – Good for popular specimens Global, but limited in rare types iOS / Android
NGC (NGC Mobile) + No AI, only works with certified ones Mostly the U.S.ones iOS / Android
Coinoscope Partial (saved photo available) Medium Works well for Europe and Asia, but coverage is incomplete iOS / Android
PCGS CoinFacts + No AI, manual search US only, PCGS certified pieces iOS / Android
CoinManage – No International base: USA, Canada, UK, etc. Windows only (desktop software)
SnapCoin – Good recognition rate Limited base, focuses on popular modern types iOS / Android
iCoin Partial Simplified AI model Modern and mass-produced ones, without deep support for ancient specimens iOS / Android
Coin Value Identify (Wonbo Tele) + Good for mass examples Modern pieces, USA, Asia, limited on ancient specimens Android only
Coin Value Identify (Betacoders) – Average accuracy Moderate base, covers more today’s pieces Android only

Criteria to Follow to Choose the Best Identifying and Valuating App

Finding a reliable app to determine the value of an antique piece is not an easy task. There are many solutions on the market, but not each of them is equally effective for an experienced collector or a novice numismatist. How to know which one is right for you and save your time and money? Here are some key tips to help you make the right choice:

  1. Recognition accuracy

The main function of a numismatic app is to accurately recognize a piece from a photo. So, look for solutions with AI and machine learning support. This is especially important when it comes to fine details, characteristic, for example, of the old gold coin, where a scratch or a faintly visible year can affect the grade many times over.

  1. Updated database

The world of numismatics is very fluid and constantly evolving. New auction prices, discovered rarities and historical finds all need to be quickly added to the application’s database. Make sure your chosen solution receives regular updates (especially if you work with examples from different regions and periods).

  1. Support for foreign and rare exemplars

A good app should include not only the US pieces, but also Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. For example, if you have an old dollar coin from the early 20th century, it’s important that the app can determine its provenance and market value, so you don’t have to manually research tons of information and waste time.

  1. Availability of features for collectors

It is useful if the app allows you to save your collection, track price changes, add notes and photos. Such features are especially relevant for people who keep tabs on the long-term value of their pieces or plans to sell them further on the market.

  1. Interface usability

If an app is clunky or overloaded with complex features, you are unlikely to use it regularly. A good interface means intuitive navigation, easy scanning, clear results and no (or moderate amount of) advertising.

  1. Different plans

Many good solutions are available for free, but with limitations. Some give you a trial, others offer basic features for free and a subscription for advanced features. Apps like Coin ID Scanner provide a great balance: you can start with the free version and upgrade to premium if needed.

  1. Support on the right platform

Before installing, make sure the app supports your operating system. Some are available only on Android, while others are available exclusively on Windows or iOS. It is better to choose a cross-platform solution to use it on any device.

10 Apps to Consider for Coin Identification

Coin ID Scanner

Coin ID Scanner is a powerful and convenient tool for quick identification and evaluation of pieces of any era and region. Thanks to advanced AI algorithms, the app enables users to scan a piece with a camera and instantly determines its type, year, country of origin and market value. The app is especially valuable for collectors working with rare and foreign specimens, including antique gold and silver ones.

Key Features:

  • AI-recognition of exemplars by photo
  • Global database (over 150,000 pieces including foreign, ancient and even fantasy exemplars)
  • Real-time market value estimation
  • Collection management: add, sort, track changes
  • Intuitive and modern interface
  • Regular updates of the catalog and database

Pros:

  • High identification accuracy
  • Supports a vast database of all countries and eras
  • Ability to save and sort your collection
  • Free version with extensive functionality and premium plan at an affordable price with advanced features
  • Fast work without delays
  • Convenient for both beginners and experts

Cons:

  • Requires internet connection (does not work offline)
  • May drain the battery a bit when using the camera for long periods of time
Download

CoinSnap

CoinSnap is another popular app among novice collectors, intended for quick coin recognition using the camera. It handles common modern pieces well, providing basic information and grading. However, its capabilities are limited for rare and antique ones.

Key Features:

  • Simplified AI model for popular pieces
  • Quick access to basic information
  • User-friendly interface for beginners
  • Ability to save a specimen in the gallery

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • Quick recognition
  • Suitable for everyday exemplars

Cons:

  • Limited database (does not handle rare or old ones well)
  • Lots of ads in the free version
  • Does not provide in-depth information or market charts
  • Some features only work with a stable internet connection

NGC

NGC is the official app of the reputable Numismatic Guaranty Company. It is ideal for anyone working with already graded and verified specimens but is not very effective for general users who want to quickly identify a piece they have found.

Key Features:

  • Search by NGC certificate number
  • Piece authentication
  • Access to certified coins database
  • Display market value for certified items
  • History of piece deals through NGC

Pros:

  • A reliable source of information on certified ones
  • Ability to verify authenticity through the official registry
  • Support for offline access to part of the data
  • Suitable for professional dealers

Cons:

  • Does not support photo identification
  • Fully focused on NGC-certified pieces only
  • Not suitable for unidentified, unrated and foreign ones
  • Interface may seem complicated for beginners

Coinoscope

Coinoscope is a visual search for coins that uses artificial intelligence to analyze images and find similar ones on the internet. The application is focused on instant recognition followed by switching to external sources.

Key Features:

  • There’s AI recognition, but it works like ‘visual search’
  • Quick access to results via Google and other search engines
  • Ability to add your own collection
  • Built-in pieces database with open search

Pros:

  • Ease of use
  • Multilingual interface
  • Support for custom collections

Cons:

  • Does not estimate market value – visual search only
  • Results often lead to third-party resources (not always reliable)
  • Does not always accurately identify rare items
  • No systematic support for reference information or directories

PCGS CoinFacts

PCGS CoinFacts is a;so another official app from one of the most respected certification companies in the world. The app provides detailed data on US coins, including prices, photos, historical references and population reports.

Key Features:

  • US piece catalogs with professional photos
  • Access to price charts and rarity
  • Authenticity and mintage reports
  • Coin valuation tools
  • Support for PCGS certified collections

Pros:

  • In-depth analytics on US pieces
  • A trusted source with an authoritative history

Cons:

  • No photo-recognition
  • Focus only on US exemplars
  • Interface and navigation are difficult for beginners
  • Many features require registration and active subscription

CoinManage

CoinManage is not just a mobile app, but an entire desktop system for coin collectors. The main focus is on collection management and working with price bases.

Key Features:

  • Create and manage your own collection
  • Import data from certification sites
  • Access to price directories by country
  • Ability to print reports

Pros:

  • Suitable for serious collectors and inventories
  • Multi-country data support

Cons:

  • The interface is outdated and cluttered
  • You have to subscribe for the full version
  • Uncomfortable for beginners and valuation of a couple of pieces

SnapCoin

SnapCoin is a mobile application that allows you to identify a coin from a photo and get basic information about it. It is aimed at novice users and is suitable for everyday scanning of common specimens.

Key Features:

  • AI-recognition of coins by image
  • Quickly view characteristics and country of origin
  • Scan history
  • Supports gallery of saved coins

Pros:

  • Easy scanning and detection
  • Free access with basic functions
  • Suitable for mass-produced modern coins

Cons:

  • No extended analysis or market valuation
  • Limited capabilities when working with foreign specimens
  • Does not support offline access and professional functions

iCoin

iCoin is a tool designed with an emphasis on beginner convenience. It identifies coins by photo and allows users to maintain a small collection, but the functionality of the app is limited. The recognition of antique or rare coins is particularly weak.

Key Features:

  • Photo-determination of coins
  • Mini collection manager
  • Basic information about the coin: country, year, denomination
  • Multi-language support

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface for beginners
  • Allows you to save found coins
  • Available without subscription

Cons:

  • Poor accuracy in recognizing uncommon coins
  • No value estimation and limited database
  • The application contains advertisements

Coin Value Identify (Wonbo Tele)

This service is aimed at Android users and offers basic coin identification using photography. It is suitable for popular and popular numismatics, but the database is modest and rarely updated.

Key Features:

  • AI coin detection function
  • View basic information and approximate value
  • Easy to use interface
  • Ability to save search history

Pros:

  • Handy for simple everyday coins
  • Free use

Cons:

  • No in-depth analysis or historical data
  • Android only
  • No regular database updates

Coin Value Identify (Betacoders)

This tool from Betacoders is designed for users who need to quickly determine basic information about a coin with a photo. It uses neural networks to recognize images and is mainly suitable for mass-produced, easily recognizable coins. The program focuses on simplicity but is inferior to more advanced solutions in accuracy and functionality.

Key Features:

  • Photo-identification of coins (AI-based)
  • Brief information: denomination, country, approximate value
  • Easy and clear interface
  • Scan history
  • Mini-collection of found coins

Pros:

  • Scan history and mini-collection of found coins are available
  • Free to use
  • Easy for beginners

Cons:

  • Limited database
  • No valuation based on market data
  • Available on Android only
  • Not updated regularly

FAQs

The app is guided by market trends and historical data. For rare pieces, you can get an approximate range of values, which is especially useful for initial appraisals.

Yes, you can not only scan the coin but also upload a photo from the gallery – convenient if the coin has already been photographed before.

Yes, it helps to quickly check the coin from the lot with the database and evaluate whether the declared price corresponds to the market price.

You can still use the app for recognition, but coins with heavy wear, unreadable inscriptions or irregular shapes may be less accurately identified.

Yes, the application is designed for users of any level: the intuitive interface and tips will help even the first-time piece collector.

Yes, the app can help you to get an informed valuation so you can navigate the market value and not miss out on opportunities in a private transaction.

The app is not a replacement for professional expertise, but it offers you historical background, coin composition, features, and even market value. You can use this data to take a closer look at your piece  and determine if the coin is original and.

AI-assistant is useful to recognize coins and answer questions on numismatics. At the same time it can give hints on preservation, rarity, and helps to understand terms – like a personal guide to the world of coins.

Yes, the application lets users save scanned pieces, add photos and basic information – it is convenient for gradually accumulating and tracking their own collection, including family pieces.