Home >> Collecting >> Coin Collecting

How to Determine What U.S. Coins Are Worth

Since the birth of the United States in 1776, coins of varying sizes, denominations, designs and precious metal content have gone in and out of circulation. The current value of these coins depends on many factors, including the demand for particular coins at any given time. An identification or price guide, coupled with the knowledge of what to look for, can help you determine what your coins may be worth.

Things You'll Need

United States coin identification/price guide (online or print)
Magnifying glass

Instructions

- 1
  Identify the denomination and the images on the obverse (front) and reverse (back) of the coin and compare to examples in your guide. Some coin designs were only used for a short period of time or have been out of circulation so long that they are now considered rare.
- 2
  Identify the coin's year, usually located on the obverse. Besides determining the coin's age, the year can provide clues to the coin's value. For example, U.S. quarters minted before 1964 contain a higher percentage of silver than those minted after that date, making them worth more.
- 3
  Locate and identify the mint mark and compare it to your guide. You may need a magnifying glass to see the very small letter, usually located on the obverse of the coin, which identifies the city in which the coin was minted. For some coins, the minting location influences the coin's value.
- 4
  Determine the condition, or grade, of your coin. While your guide may help you make an initial determination, grading should be done by a professional if you believe your coin is valuable. Uncirculated coins--those which have never been used as currency by the public--are the most sought-after by collectors and command a higher price than circulated coins.
- 5
  Look for any errors on the coin. Errors such as an obverse or reverse design on both sides, mismatched denominations on the obverse and reverse, double striking of the coin, or off-centered strikes are very rare, but also make a coin extremely valuable.

Coin Collecting