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How Can I Tell If My Old Coin Is a Circulated or Uncirculated Coin?

Experienced coin collectors typically can distinguish circulated coins from uncirculated ones right away. Uncirculated old coins, which often are purchased in sealed packaging from the U.S. Mint, carry a much higher premium than coins that have been used as day-to-day currency. The tell-tale signs of a circulated old coin include a dulled finish, scratches on the front or back of the coin and diminished lines on the coin that were once sharp from the striking process.

Things You'll Need

Bright light
Magnifying glass

Instructions

- 1
  Visit a reputable coin shop if you are an inexperienced coin collector. Familiarize yourself with the difference in appearance between high-grade, uncirculated coins and lower-grade coins that have been circulated, which a dealer will have clearly delineated.
- 2
  Assemble the coins you want to examine beneath a bright, white light. Use a magnifying glass to examine the first coin. Look for small scratches or other instances of wear on either face of the coin or on its rim, which are the most obvious signs of a circulated coin.
- 3
  Examine the tone of the coin's metal. Assume that any coin that has a brilliant luster stands the best chance of being uncirculated because coins that have been in circulation typically are not as shiny or have a slight change in color from being handled on a daily basis.
- 4
  Re-examine the coin in sunshine, which might reveal imperfections that were not obvious under a lightbulb.

Coin Collecting