🪙 Coin Identification & Value
Most old coins are worth close to face value or a modest premium — the value comes from a few specific things, not age alone. Four factors decide it: the date-and-mint-mark combination (certain 'key dates' are scarce and valuable), the grade or condition, the metal content (pre-1965 U.S. dimes, quarters and halves are 90% silver, giving a real melt floor), and any mint error. A worn common-date coin is a small premium; the same type in a key date or high grade can be worth many times more. One rule matters above all: never clean a coin — cleaning leaves hairline scratches that can cut a collectible coin's value sharply. This guide helps identify the type, date and mint mark and gives hedged value ranges built from metal value and sold prices — an educational estimate, not a formal appraisal.
Have one to value?
Appraise your own piece — free
Photo → maker, era & a hedged value range. 3 free / day.
Value & identification guides
More coin identification & value guides are being added.
Frequently asked
How do I identify and value my old coin?
Start with the country, denomination, date and mint mark (the small letter for the minting city). Together those identify the exact issue, which you match against a price guide by grade. Metal content sets a floor — pre-1965 U.S. silver coins are worth at least their silver value — while key dates and high grades carry a collector premium.
Should I clean my coins?
No. Cleaning is the most common mistake — it leaves fine scratches and strips the natural surface, and collectors pay a real premium for original, uncleaned coins. A cleaned coin often sells for a fraction of an undisturbed one. Leave any coin you think might be valuable exactly as found.
Which old coins are actually valuable?
Key dates (low-mintage year/mint combinations), major mint errors (off-center strikes, doubled dies), pre-1965 U.S. 90% silver coins for their metal, and any coin in high uncirculated grade. Common circulated dates in worn condition are usually worth a small premium over face or melt.
Value ranges are indicative educational estimates based on category, era, maker and condition — not a formal appraisal. Ranges reflect sold prices only.