Home >> Collecting >> Coin Collecting

How to Identify an Old Coin?

Identifying old coins is much easier when it is clearly written on the coin what country it came from. Trying to identify a coin that's written in a foreign language is a little more difficult. The denomination number may be understandable, but to know immediately what country it came from one must become familiar with currency and coin terminology from other countries such as francs, pesos, rupees or rubles. Avid coin collectors learn these terms over time. Any of the numismatic catalogs or magazines can be used to learn coin and currency jargon.

Things You'll Need

Magnifying glass
Magnet

Instructions

- 1
  Determine what country the coin is from by the language on the front or back of the coin. Some coins from other countries will be written in English but the inscription will state what the country is.
- 2
  Check the date on the coin. Use the magnifying glass to see it clearly and notice if there are any letters beneath the date or elsewhere on the coin.
- 3
  Determine whose picture likeness or what scene is depicted on both sides of the coin. There may be writing or commemorative dates that will give information about the origin of the coin.
- 4
  Determine what metal the coin is made of. Check the color to see if it looks like brass, copper, gold or silver. Use the magnet to check the coin as brass, copper, gold and silver will not stick to the magnet.
  If the coin is an inexpensive metal such as zinc or tin the magnet will pick it up. Sometimes inexpensive event coins such as a bus fare, car wash or game tokens may be made with the cheaper metals. These are many times mistaken for coins.
- 5
  Check numismatic sites for coins of the same denomination, inscription and metal content. If you believe the coin may be rare, it's best to let a professional coin dealer or an appraiser check it.

Coin Collecting