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How to Identify a Coin From 1894

The age of a coin is one of the major factors in determining its worth to collectors. In many cases, coins that are more than 100 years old, like an 1894 coin, are worth significantly more than their face value. Before you can come up with an educated estimate as to the value of your coin, however, you have to be able to accurately identify it. Luckily, most coins have obvious markings on their faces that can help identify your coin.

Instructions

- 1
  Inspect both faces of the 1894 coin for an inscription announcing the coin's country of origin. This information is usually relatively obvious, with words like "Canada," or "United States of America."
- 2
  Look for something denoting the face value of the 1894 coin. Words like "Dollar," "Schilling" and "Cent" tell you the face value of the coin. In general, numbers (other than the date) also tend to give you a hint as to the denomination of an old coin.
- 3
  Examine the 1894 coin for any distinctive details or words if you cannot find the country of origin or face value of the coin. By conducting an Internet search about these terms or features you may be able to find out more about your coin.
- 4
  Search for information about the coin. A coin price guide specific to the country of origin of the coin can give you a great deal of information about the coin, including metal content, grading information and value figures. Several websites exist that can help you learn more about your 1894 coin as well.
- 5
  Take the 1894 coin to a coin dealer and ask them to help you identify it. If they can't, they can likely point you to someone who can. Dealers can also generally tell you if you have an original 1894 coin, a restrike or a counterfeit coin.

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