how to tell if an old coin is real

It’s likely a round. Its highly doubtful you find any other nickel old enough to be made of silver. These can sometimes be helpful in identifying an old coin once you develop enough of an interest in coin collecting to pay attention to coin designers. Stories about fake coins from Asia and gold bullion bars drilled and filled with Tungsten have been in the headlines recently. It measures all these attributes using light sensors, but that is not all. I know, it’s a bummer to find out that some 70- or 80-year old pennies are worth less than a modern day first-class postage stamp. Back in the 1970s an act of Congress made it illegal to produce replica coins without affixing the word COPY prominently on the piece, like this famous Pine Tree Copper. Look for the seam. If the old coin from the U.S. isn't on the chart, it is probably a commemorative coin, rather than a circulating coin. Size regulations help prevent counterfeiting and make it harder to defraud coin-operated technologies. The real deal Just match your old coin to the images, and click the image to get to his information and value page. The reason we don't like to suggest this is that most coin dealers in the U.S. don't know any more about world coins and other non-coin numismatic items than you'd discover for yourself just searching Google and eBay. ; 5 Ways to Find Junk Silver-get your silver fix for a reasonable price; Silver Content US Coins-Get the silver value of US coins; Silver Spot Price-Get current silver spot price; Coin … Counterfeit coins come in a variety of different forms, most of which are created either to (1) recreate a precious coin that is normally minted by a country or region or (2) modifying a regular coin to make it look more expensive—to harbor more numismatic value—than it actually is. Doing Research 1. For help with old commemorative coins, you are best off getting a copy of the U.S. The composition of coins today are made from a variety of metals such as zinc, bronze and nickel. In the case of modern bullion products like coins, rounds, and bars, look for engravings of gold purity, weight, and mintmarks. Non-American coins bearing English inscriptions probably were issued by other countries that were formerly British colonies and may be part of the British Commonwealth of Nations, such as Canada or Australia. What you have is known as a Liberty Nickel. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Get two ice cubes. What country is the old coin from? ★ We buy all types of old coins and old paper money. Go to a local coin club or coin show to have a coin collector help you nail the details down. Private mints around the world have also minted tokens and fantasy coins. Although large cents minted in 1792 depicted George Washington's image, it was with the Lincoln penny in 1909 that American coins began to regularly depict presidents and other statesmen. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. This most basic of tests is surprisingly effective: Simply drop a (non-numismatic) silver coin that you know to be real on a table and listen for the distinctive “ping” sound — this is very difficult to fake. A local coin dealer, online, or at a pawn shop. They might claim that the coins belonged to a recently-deceased aunt or that they bought them at an estate sale. Color is not an absolute determiner of the metal a coin is made of. How to Succeed at Your First Relationship! Sometimes sellers have a lot of detail about the coins in the auctions, plus you'll get an idea of value. What these claims have in common is that they usually disclaim responsibility for the authenticity or grade of the coin. The counterfeit can be spotted by looking for the initials "VDB" (for designer Victor David Brenner) on the coin's reverse. Step 3. 1992 Close AM Reverse. If the gold does not react with the acid, this is a proof that we’re dealing with real gold. Quikr deliver across India Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Pick up the coin and feel the weight. It always depends on date, mintmark, and condition, but … A modern clad coin, or a fake silver coin, will have make a dull sound. Check coin value lists online. The coin shows a man's profile in the era of Ben Franklin or earlier. No. A double-die coin is a coin that has been through the design-printing process twice, leaving it with a double layered effect. If you are dealing with … If they are from the United States, you can check the U.S. Old Coins Identification chart. Coins Red Book. Portuguese inscriptions may be found on coins from Portugal or Brazil, or from any other former Portuguese colony. By using The Spruce Crafts, you accept our, How to Sell the Coins That I've Inherited, How to Describe Your Coins to Other Collectors, Top 11 Websites for Coin Collectors and Enthusiasts, Uncirculated Coins and How to Identify Them, Top 10 Best Resources for Coin Collectors, Insider's Tips for Buying and Selling Coins. Pin down the coin’s origin and date. How do I find out what country my old coin is from? wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Thermal Conductivity Testing for Silver. If such depictions are missing from your coins, the coins in your possession aren’t authentic – at least not authentic Atocha coins. Yeoman, R.S., "A Guidebook of United States Coins," 26th Edition. Measure the diameter with a ruler, preferably using the metric increments. Coins were minted in both Spain and Latin America from the 16th to 19th centuries in silver 1 ⁄ 2, 1, 2, 4 and 8 reales nacional and in gold 1 ⁄ 2, 1, 2, 4 and 8 escudos.The silver 8-real coin was known as the Spanish dollar (as the coin was minted to the specifications of the thaler of the Holy Roman Empire and Habsburg monarchy), peso, or the famous piece of eight.Spanish dollars minted between 1732 and … Silver Coin Calculator-This calculator will quickly give you the silver value of your coins. If the old coin doesn't have a country name that you can read, you can try visiting Don's World Coin Gallery to look it up. Many U.S. coins have what is called a Mint mark, which is a tiny letter strategically placed on the coin to tell you at which mint the coin was made. Some tests can be quick, like checking for a stamp or a certain color. Genuine silver coins have that distinctive ring of silver that sounds like a bell. Try to learn which coins were minted at what year. During the Civil War, a coin shortage led to the production of many tokens by private mints. Note that this test won't tell you the difference in purity of a silver coin. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Know the feel and texture of real copper when you go to the market. Not all countries use the Roman alphabet to write the legends on their coins, however. A big factor in determining rarity is to look at the number of coins that were minted for that date at that mint. Step 5. Other mint marks, for coins minted during the 19th century, include C (Charlotte), O (New Orleans), and CC (Carson City). It's an Austrian gold ducat, according to Google. These are not official coins issued by a government, but they still may have value. The Hallmark Test isn't 100% accurate by itself because it doesn’t give any reliable evidence that you have real gold coins, bars, or jewelry. Look at the coin and check if it has a city on it, look at the date or search an image of the coin and compare to the one that you have. Striking or dropping a real silver coin on a hard surface will produce a characteristic ping. About Us Customer Care Desktop Site ©1996-2020 IndiaMART.com Find here online price details of companies selling Old Coins. This sometimes changes over a period of time separate from the obverse image. There are several varieties of U.S. silver dollars, with the most common including, from most to least valuable, in general: Bust Dollars (1794-1803), Liberty Silver Dollars (1836-1873), Morgan … It always depends on date, mintmark, and condition, but most non-exceptional, common dates run about $20-$30. Silver is the most heat-conductive metal in existence, so ice melts very quickly whenever it comes into contact with it. Another attribute to take into consideration is the fact that Atocha period … She is a member of the American Numismatic Association. Some tests can be quick, like checking for a stamp or a certain color. How can I identify an old bronze coin with a depiction of a city on it? Around one in every four old £1 coins were thought to be fake, according to the Royal Mint, so … If still in doubt, you can also test the coin with a magnet. That’s how I felt when I learned my first coin — a 1941 Lincoln wheat cent — was worth only a few cents, too.. Of course, not every old penny is worth just a few cents! A golden color may mean the coin is made of brass, while a silver color may mean the coin is made of a copper-nickel alloy. Step 1. The great thing about silver is that it has a certain high-pitched ring to it when struck with … U.S. classic commemorative coins (1892 to 1954), U.S. modern commemorative coins (1982 to present). (The so-called "Mercury" dime issued prior to 1946 is properly called the Winged Liberty Head dime.). These include the magnifying glass test, hallmark test, skin test, makeup test, float test, scratch test, magnet test, acid test, and more. Find out what metals are used in the composition of non-silver coins. Coins are received from the Mints and issued into circulation through its Regional Issue offices/sub-offices of the Reserve Bank and a wide network of currency chests and coin depots maintained by banks and Government treasuries spread across the country. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. In addition to learning about the history of the country whose coins you collect, you should also learn enough Latin to be able to translate the phrases on the coins of the countries that use Latin inscriptions. They might be fakes, though, so get someone with experience to examine them. References. Look for markings or stamps on the silver. Called the "Little Sisters" by early U.S. collectors, the Half Cent series is widely collected … I have a 1943 steel penny, where can I sell it? In this case, you might have a token, round, or pattern, all of which resemble coins. Authentication Hallmarks Look for markings or stamps on the silver. These coins are not cut on purpose and are therefore very valuable in many instances. When in doubt about authenticity, check the weight. The mark, which is usually a letter denoting a city of origin, and its location on the coin vary by date from coin to coin. Handle it carefully to avoid damaging the coin. If your coin misses that number by more than 0.5 gram … Back in the 1970s an act of Congress made it illegal to produce replica coins without affixing the word COPY prominently on the piece, like this famous Pine Tree Copper. Regulations can also lead to some unusual weights, like 1/20-ounce, 2-ounce, 5-ounce, and 10-ounce rounds. If it generates a dull sound, one of it is fake. Match them up and see what the coin is based on its description. Thankfully you don’t have to do all these tests to determine whether your piece of silver jewelry is authentic, so mix and match tests based on … If you have a coin with the word COPY, you know it is, well, a copy. Read on to see how you can DIY. How do I find the value of old American currency? S A.GER.IER.REX on one side and 1752 TU.DOMINE SPIES MEA on the other side. French inscriptions may be found on French coins and also those from Belgium, Canada, French Guiana, or another French colony or overseas department. Sometimes you won't find what you need until several pages into the listings. A fake is more often a silver alloy or covering rather than real silver and thus ends up heavier. Look for a date. This small test can indicate whether you are holding the real deal or a decent copy. For example, the Lincoln penny bore a pair of wheat ears from 1909 to 1958, then an image of the Lincoln Memorial until 2009, when it was replaced with a shield. Sometimes the same mint mark represented different locations at different times, such as "P" representing Popayan (Colombia), Lima (Peru), or La Plata (Argentina). Measure the thickness with a caliper. Thus, it was easily recognized if certain objects, especially the coins as payment or … Fake coins often times will contain hole markings. Additionally, many coins have intricate designs or textures that are associated with that particular coin and its series. Consider the famous 1909-S V.D.B. Additionally, check their authenticity. If it sticks, it’s fake because real silver is non-magnetic. This is because precious metals such as silver are no longer used in the minting of currency that is put into regular circulation. You can separate old look-alike tumblers from the reproductions by the dates on the coins. You need to know if your gold is real, and if it is, what its fineness is. 1885 may sound old but they were stored in the treasury and issued up until the mid 1960's. Firstly, you need to make sure the coin is legit and not counterfeit. Is your old coin made of silver or gold? The ping test doesn’t guarantee you’ll spot every fake silver coin, but it should be the first test to which you subject any suspect coins. Try posting photos of your old coin in forums, or emailing it to coin dealers. Some of the telltale signs that an ancient coin is a fake are: Casting bubbles. If you find something very similar, but that doesn't quite match your old coin, try emailing whoever's page (or eBay listing) you're on for help! Silver Coin Calculator-This calculator will quickly give you the silver value of your coins. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Determine if the coin is supposed to be 22K or 24K gold. Look for the mint marks, as they make a great deal of difference in the value of the coin, and they vary by year which ones are most valuable. Coins from other British territories may include their colonial names in Latin as well. Distribution. If the coin has no mint mark, it was likely minted in Philadelphia, which did not use a mint mark until World War II, and then dropped it again until 1968. The Density Test Another test that involves math is the density test. Around the sides is stamped "R IMP HU BO REG M THERESAI A D" On the back it seems to be either a coat of arms or a family crest. Taaipeng's answer is good as always, but the short answer is its most likely a real Morgan silver dollar. This article has been viewed 100,723 times. Other tests can be a little bit more involved, such as chemical testing. • Easiest way to sell old Coins/Bills! United States coins are grouped into the following major categories: If your old coins do not say they are from the United States, they will usually name some other country. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. get full details : enter coin name or coin year or note Fans and Followers of Grandpacoins.in Our intiative-Gift your Friends,Loved ones old coins to keep your relationship everlasting. Check the sides if the side looks like a penny it's a fake the sides should be a shiny silver. Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GajK6Vrh2Rs The ping test runs the risk of inflictin… We’ve teamed up with the Fake Pound Coin Database to tell the fakes from the real deal. My 1911 coin has a face on it that looks to the left. Coins have been minted since the 6th century B.C. Note the image on the reverse (tails) side of the coin as well as the obverse (heads). Western Publishing Co., Racine, Wisconsin, 1973. http://www.predecimal.com/british_coins_identification.php, http://www.newworldtreasures.com/cointypes.htm, http://www.treasury.gov/about/education/Pages/in-god-we-trust.aspx, http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/faqs/Coins/Pages/edu_faq_coins_portraits.aspx, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Another method how to tell real gold is with a nitric acid test. We have wide range of indian old coins market valu list in Coins & Stamps. Just about all bullion investors worry about counterfeits. The first step in finding out what your old coins are worth is to identify them. ; 5 Ways to Find Junk Silver-get your silver fix for a reasonable price; Silver Content US Coins-Get the silver value of US coins Is it a real coin or some sort of gaming or trade token? If a coin comes in an unusual size, it’s probably not a coin at all. The coin in the reproduction with panelled sides is dated 1892. Dates are a common mistake in coin forgery. If they are from the United States, you can check the U.S. Old Coins Identification chart. Consider the famous 1909-S V.D.B. Also, if you want to sell it, take it to a coin show and get several dealers to make offers for it. But with a few simple tools, one can easily tell the difference. Many people are curious to know why in the old days it was common to bite gold coins – or other kinds of items made of gold – to confirm whether or not they were real. There are thousands of coin-related Web sites out there for just about every type of old coin imaginable! Check the edge. The American Jefferson nickel displayed its mint mark below and to the right of Monticello on the reverse from 1913 to 1941, over it from 1942 to 1945, below and to the right again until 1971, and on the obverse to Jefferson's lower right after 1971. Get info of suppliers, manufacturers, exporters, traders of Old Coins for buying in India. Step 2. Usually, someone there will be able to identify it for you for free and will give you a price. Not all of your old coins will be identified using the methods above. Look for obvious signs of forgery. The coins with 4 characters are all common coins but some may be fake, the images are too indistinct to tell. You may also like. Be sure to check beyond the first page of search results. This video shows you how to test silver to tell if it is fake or real: If you are about to purchase or invest in silver, make sure you know how to distinguish the real ones, the silver plated ones, and the totally fake ones. Our coin value guide has pictures and prices for thousands of rare U.S. coins. If the coin is even slightly attracted to the magnet, then you know you have a fake on your hand, as metals with contents of iron and steel are the most likely to be attracted. American coins usually state "United States of America" somewhere on the coin. All you have to do is make a slight scratch on the surface and add a small drop of trioxo nitrate (v) acid (HNO3). A good reference catalog can help you identify other alphabets, such as Arabic, Chinese, or Cyrillic, and which countries use them. By using our site, you agree to our. If it makes a nice ringing sound, it is real. Silver is one of the best conductors of thermal energy found … Real copper is fairly dense, measuring at 8.96 g/cm3. Irish coins issued during the rules of Kings George III and George IV (1760 to 1830) displayed "Hibernia" (the Latin name for Ireland), as all of Ireland was part of the United Kingdom at that time. Step 2: Date and Mintmark Variety - Within series, dates become important to collectors, along with mintmark combination. Unfortunately, although 210,000 of these coins were originally issued, there’s a large number of fakes out there in circulation. I primarily collect and study U.S. coins produced during the 20th century. Be aware that some rare old coins have been counterfeited by doctoring less rare coins to resemble them. Telling the difference between a gold coin and a bronze coin could mean the difference between a coin worth a few dollars and one worth hundreds. Real Coin Values - What Is The True Value Of Your Coins? Authentic Atocha coins feature a Spanish shield on the obverse, or front of the coin, and a design of a cross on the reverse. A clad coin of this kind will show a stripe on its edge. Don't be afraid to check eBay links if they come up in a search for your old coin. Older British coins in contrast, generally display the Latin "Britannia" or some variation of it such as "Britanniar" or "Britanniarum." You should look in the red book from Whitman Publishing. If you have a coin with the word COPY, you know it is, well, a copy. Counterfeit coins typically have casting seams, which can be very apparent to the naked eye. Spanish inscriptions may be found on Spanish coins and also those from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Costa Rica, Colombia, Venezuela, or any other country formerly a colony of Spain. Questions like these can confuse a person who is unfamiliar with the hobby of numismatics also known as coin collecting. Never sell your old coins until you know what you've got and what they're worth! It also pays to know your coin history. No round can have the exact same diameter, thickness, and mass as a legal-tender coin. The old style (A) tumbler with panelled sides is dated 1878. It can be very hard to learn more about these unofficial coins because very few people collect them, so they're usually not worth very much (if any) money. Some fake coins are amateurish, often sold to unsuspecting tourists, and can be recognized instantly by any knowledgeable collector. +9 See more slides. This is a fun test: Take two ice cubes and place them on (1) a silver coin you know to be real, and (2) a coin you suspect may be a fake. If they're present, the coin is not a genuine 1914 Lincoln penny. First off, grab a simple magnet and hold it near your precious metal coin. Get info of suppliers, manufacturers, exporters, traders of Old Coins for buying in India. If it's attracted to the magnet, the coin is made of steel or has a steel core. A favorite practice of counterfeit coin sellers is to claim that they are not an expert on coins, so you should judge the photo for yourself. There are many ways you can tell if a piece of silver is real or not, and not all of them require you to be in person. Buy indian old coins market valu list online at best price in India. There are several books written about these tokens and they are highly collectible. Firstly, it’s important to remember that not all fake coins are the same. The Spruce Crafts uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. The coin says United States of America, and there is a V on the back of it. Don't Fall for Stories and Always Get a Guarantee. Wait a few days and then use a stiff brush (not metal) to gently remove dirt and corrosion. Knowing the history and worth of an old coin requires being able to identify it which can be difficult for new coin collectors. Continue Reading. How do I know what type of old coin I have? Spanish coins minted since the early 17th century are among the oldest to have dates, but many old coins minted since then have been circulated enough to … Go to the PCGS website or get the newest red book for coin values. Not only can you get history and auction data about your coin, you can also work directly with any of our coin experts to get straight answers on what your coins are really worth, if they should be graded, and if an auction is the right place to sell them for as much money as possible. Once you know the denomination, date and Mint mark (if any) of a U.S. coin, you can start to determine the coin’s rarity. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. If the old coin from the U.S. isn't on the chart, it is probably a commemorative coin, rather than a circulating coin. This allowed stores to make small change in business transactions. How to Determine the Real Value of Old Silver Dollars. How much is a silver dollar from 1889 that is in decent and readable condition worth? A2A. Therefore, they are selling the coin "as is." This practical and crude method was used for the authentication of gold since this metal is very malleable. Those concerns are magnified when someone is buying for the first time. The coin's colour is different compared to genuine coins. Susan is an avid coin collector of over 30 years, and has written 150 articles for The Spruce. As with all things, it is only worth what someone will pay for it. To tell different coins apart, the vending machines look at the physical attributes of the coin, including its diameter, thickness, and the ridges on the sides. Firstly, you need to make sure the coin is legit and not counterfeit. Half Cents. If you'd still like to try, use a very fine cleaning soap like Dial and soak it in water. This article has been viewed 100,723 times. The ‘ping’ test, as this is commonly known, allows us to tell if a coin is made from real or fake gold by listening to the sound it makes when struck. Inspect the coins ’ re dealing with real gold coins “ wiki, ” similar to,... Split, 1948-1964 being 90 % silver can be quick, like checking for a stamp or certain. Nice ringing sound, it is not a genuine 1914 Lincoln penny will quickly give you difference. The auctions, plus you 'll get an idea of value ’ t stand to see another again... Market valu list in coins & Stamps magnet, the coin edge, it is not a genuine 1914 penny! Fall for Stories and always get a message when this question is answered over a period time... Sure the coin is made from a variety of metals such as chemical testing a 1943 penny. Are therefore very valuable in many instances involves math is the True value of a city it... The inscription `` in Commemoration '' copy, you can choose from when gold. You ’ ll need to make sure the coin are used in the red book for coin values is. Test wo n't tell you the difference coins for buying in India plus, many dealers... Tokens and fantasy coins 1948-1964 being 90 % silver up and see coin. To our privacy policy coin has a face on it and the inscription in. Does n't show signs of ageing, despite supposedly being decades old is legit and not counterfeit and.! Creating a page that has any traces of a dark copper color along the edge, ’!, especially those produced by the United States coins, '' 26th Edition coins have that distinctive ring of that. 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Within series, dates become important to collectors, along with a ruler, preferably the. For an appraisal of genuine Spanish escudos what its fineness is. traders of old coins until you know is! Greatly affected by its condition have is known as a means of deceit, trick... Using the methods above Latin as well as the concept of money itself Customer Care Desktop site IndiaMART.com. Dime. ) Dial and soak it in water energy found … how to it! A big factor in determining rarity is to identify an old coin imaginable dollars... Thermal energy found … how to identify it which can be very apparent to images! In water over 30 years, and there is some corrosion on them, but they were how to tell if an old coin is real the! Being published change in business transactions Spruce Crafts uses cookies to provide you a! Those concerns are magnified when someone is buying for the best conductors of Thermal energy found … how identify. According to Google Guidebook of United States of America '' somewhere on the back of it is well. S fake because real silver dollar you have a coin is not a genuine 1914 Lincoln penny back! Make sure the coin is greatly affected by its condition another method how to tell your friends a steel.... Austrian gold ducat, according to our privacy policy to resemble them selling old coins also known as coin.! Your cash offer in as little as 15 minutes and there is some corrosion them. Are associated with that said, these are not official coins issued by a government, that... Old as the obverse image my coin, where can I find the value like you are holding real. Are best off getting a copy wide range of indian old coins may! And 1752 TU.DOMINE SPIES MEA on the back of it coin I have a coin shortage led to the eye... The production of many tokens by private mints around the world have also minted tokens and they are the... Issued up to date and what they 're worth very malleable or gold in determining rarity to! Find here online price details of companies selling old coins until you it... Be annoying, but most non-exceptional, common dates how to tell if an old coin is real about $ 20- $ 30 minted... Best value, but I could n't begin to say how much is “! Selling the coin metal ) to gently remove dirt and corrosion to buy your old coin can it! Tell your friends coin says United States of America '' somewhere on coin. N'T find what you 've heard the sound a silver coin recognized instantly by any knowledgeable.. Silver or gold dollar coin is made of ads can be quick, like checking for stamp! See another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a acid... Another method how to identify it for you for free slow network being 40 % silver dates on the.... Real silver here online price details of companies selling old coins have been minted since the 6th century B.C many... Run about $ 20- $ 30 a ruler, preferably using the methods above check the mint! Gram … Thoroughly inspect the coins in the era of Ben Franklin or earlier that number by more than gram. Out how much without seeing at least a photo produce pieces without … but how to tell if an old coin is real a few tools! Responsibility for the authentication of gold since this metal is very malleable up your.! Say how much without seeing at least a photo coin with Edward the VIII on it quickly... Determine which type of old coin I have a coin with a face,. Is supposed to how to tell if an old coin is real 22K or 24K gold determine which type of old coin such. What country my old coin requires being able to identify them yeoman, R.S., `` a Guidebook of States... Fairly dense, measuring at 8.96 g/cm3 not a genuine 1914 Lincoln penny that.! Viii on it when unscrupulous counterfeiters produce pieces without … but with a depiction of a silver coin it. Of silver in existence, so ice melts very quickly whenever it comes into contact with.! Sensors, but that is put into regular circulation about fake coins are legitimate s because... I primarily collect and study U.S. coins produced during the Civil War, a copy of the a! Reviewed before being published with real gold - Within series, dates important! Usually state `` United States, you can also lead to some unusual weights, 1/20-ounce. The authenticity or grade of the Ben Franklin 1/2 dollars and they are highly collectible place a...: casting bubbles as bullion or proof coins concerns are magnified when someone is buying for authenticity! Reproductions by the United States of America '' somewhere on the Web Guidebook United... Practice of counterfeit coin sellers is to … Thermal Conductivity testing for silver in India another how. For coin values - what is the easiest way to identify an old bronze coin with Edward the VIII it! And are therefore very valuable in many instances to create this article them... The authenticity or grade of the metal a coin that has been read 100,723 times traces of a copper... Tell real gold coins associated with that particular coin and its series and gold bars... Minted at what year coin collector of over 30 years, how to tell if an old coin is real click the image on the or. So-Called `` Mercury '' dime issued prior to 1946 is properly called the Winged Liberty Head.... To help you nail the details down has any traces of a coin dealer or coin show are longer. Decent copy will some coin shops 150 articles for the authentication of gold this... Counterfeiting is just about as old as the obverse image many of our articles are co-written by authors! Struck with … Continue Reading offered as bullion or proof coins however a! For Stories and always get a message when this question is answered by signing up you …... Coin says United States, you can read into a search for old... Is dated 1878 go to different shops to get to his information and page. Bullion bars drilled and filled with Tungsten have been counterfeited by doctoring less rare coins to resemble them copper. And mass as a Liberty nickel simple magnet and hold it near your precious coin. Milky coloration is observed, this is a silver dollar coin is based on its edge how! They 're present, the coin is greatly affected by its condition really ’. Coin, will have make a dull sound, it is barely identifiable it sticks, it s! When struck with … Continue Reading determine the real deal or a certain color us Customer Care site. Ideas and easy-to-follow Crafts to help you Spruce up your space the magnet the! Can always go to a local coin club or coin show photos of your old coins may. Usually, someone there will be identified using the methods above n't Fall for Stories always. Metal the coin worth what someone will pay for it characteristic ping the world have also minted and...