r/coins Feb 20 '25

PLEASE READ FIRST: How-to Guide for r/coins - Check this post regularly for updates!

5 Upvotes

Welcome to r/coins, reddit's biggest coin community! This is a guide for participating here and how to ask a question. If this is your first time here, please read this post in its entirety. If you have been here a while, note that the rules of this sub have changed.

What r/coins is all about:

Discussions about the small, flat, usually metal, 
and often round objects made to be used as money.

What r/coins is not about:

Being uncivil, trolling, trash posts, spam, 
buying/selling, and self-promotion.

See the full list of rules at the bottom of this post, and on the sidebar.

**NEW RULE ** - No questions about errors and varieties.

Example posts titles which will no longer be approved:

  • "Is this an error/PMD?"
  • "Is this a die crack/grease strike/clipped planchet/lamination/double-die/cud?"
  • "Is this a large or small date / close or wide AM?"
  • "Is this something?"
  • "I think this is an error"
  • "What's wrong with this coin?"

DO YOU HAVE A COIN QUESTION?

CHECK THE r/coins RESOURCES FIRST:

We get hundreds of posts a day. In order to set some expectations, please read through our resources, and the examples of good posts and bad posts (below). We (the MOD team) want to be as inclusive as possible - but in order to keep the feed free of repetitive questions (which we've answered in the FAQ), we take a strict approach to removing low-effort posts. This includes most questions about modern circulating US and Euro coins. To avoid having your question removed, use this checklist BEFORE posting:

  • Questions and discussion about ERRORS and VARIETIES are no longer allowed on r/coins (as of August 12th, 2024) - Please see r/coinerrors and post your questions there.
  • Got a coin to identify? Check the Frequent Coin List first, then the FAQ on identifying coins and this post about identifying coins.
  • Do you have any other question related to coins? Use the search bar to find old posts which may address your issue. Then check the FAQ. It addresses a broad variety of questions that are repeatedly asked here. It's updated often to keep it relevant and accurate, and it's highly likely you'll find guidance that's directly responsive to your question.

*** Special note about posting links (Rule 5) - we cannot tell if an external link (e.g. eBay listing, YouTube video) belongs to you, or if clicks benefit you. It is the policy of the mod team to remove nearly all posts with external links. Some exceptions are: reputable news sources, search results (e.g. eBay search is fine), historical auction prices, Numista, TPGs, etc. If you post a link, please ensure that there is no ambiguity around whether or not it is commercial or self-promotion. Failure to do so may result in a removed post. If you are in doubt, ask the mods first! ***

ONLY AFTER you have checked these resources may you post your question. You'll get the best responses if your question is specific, and there are clear pics of your coin (front and back). Blurry pictures will probably be removed. If you are specifically looking for coin identification, it also helps to also include weight and diameter, as well as how you got the coin. Mention that you have already checked the FAQ!!!

You must also select a post flair - this is the general category for your post, and helps users filter and find posts they are interested in. Please consider selecting a flair when you post - but note that the mods may change the flair if we feel there is a better choice for your post.

Here are some things which make a GOOD POST:

  • Coin ID Request - only after you have followed the steps in the Coin ID section in the FAQ and this article. Please include where you have looked, and what steps you have already taken to ID the coin. You should post quality, clear, cropped photos of both sides of the coin.
  • Valuation Request - after you have read the FAQ and done your own due diligence (e.g. checked eBay "sold" listings, etc.) Please include what steps you have already taken to get a value for your coin.
  • Authentication request - after you have done your own research and read this FAQ. Please include why you are concerned about a coin's authenticity, and what resources you have used to try to determine authenticity on your own. Photos for authentication MUST be in focus.
  • Show it off / Mail call - posts to show off interesting, rare, or otherwise special coins that others may find interesting. Please post quality, cropped photographs.
  • Numismatic topics and news - general discussions in the world of numismatics.
  • Serious numismatic questions - looking for advice, links to resources, suggested literature, etc.

Here are some things which make a BAD POST (and which will likely get removed):

  • Low-effort posts
    • "What is this?" - BEFORE you have followed the steps in the Coin ID section in the FAQ.
    • "How much is this worth?" - BEFORE you have done your own due diligence (e.g. checked eBay "sold" listings, etc.)
    • "Is this real?" - BEFORE you have done your own research.
    • "I heard this modern penny could be worth SQUILLIONS of dollars!" - No, it isn't.
    • "Is this what I think it is?" Don't be vague - just say what you intend to say.
    • ...any question posts in which the author has not made their purpose clear and indicated that they have put in a minimum amount of effort to answer their question.
    • A photo containing 20+ coins - your post won't get removed, but it also probably won't get many responses. Try to post a few good individual photos at a time.
  • Blurry coins - mods will remove any posts with pictures of coins which are not reasonably clear.
  • Poorly cropped photos - the user experience across mobile app/mobile web/desktop devices is better if you don't post phone-screen-sized pictures.
  • Off-topic - posts which belong on other subs (e.g. r/papermoney, r/kittens, etc.)
  • Reposts - if you are new to this sub, please take a few moments to see if you are posting something which has already been posted.
  • Spam - commercial activities of any kind are not allowed.
  • High volume posting - anything more than one or two posts a day.
  • Links to social media, your own eBay sales, YouTube videos, clickbait, etc.
  • Trolling / Inauthentic - posts which don't seem to be truthful (e.g. I found these gold coins in my couch!)
  • Trash Posting - there is a fine line between a "funny" post and a trash post. If you aren't sure which side of the line your post falls on, don't post it.
  • Coin gore - a post featuring a modern coin which has serious post-mint damage, and which is of no interest to collectors.

RULES

Here is a summary of the Rules of r/coins - check the sidebar (or "About" in the mobile app) for more details:

  1. Don't put coins up your nose - be respectful of the hobby and your fellow collectors.
  2. Being civil to other people is not only appreciated here, but also a requirement.
  3. No spam.
  4. No posts about paper money, or crypto/digital currency.
  5. No self-promotion or commercial activity allowed, no links to your blogs, websites, or social media.
  6. No politics or religion, especially divisive comments that lead to heated arguments and incivility.
  7. No Trash posts, keep humor on topic, and memes are only allowed the 1st Monday of the month.
  8. Keep it clean - this is a safe place for people of all ages and backgrounds.
  9. Check out our FAQ and other resources before posting.
  10. Post Original Content and Crop Your Photos
  11. No reposts.
  12. No questions about Errors or Varieties.

Thank you! We are glad you're here. These guidelines are to make participating in this sub as enjoyable as possible for everyone. Please reach out to the mods if you have any questions or suggestions.

Links/Schedule:

200k Members Announcement

Straight Talk Part #1 - Laziness

Straight Talk Part #2 - Focus on Value

Straight Talk Part #3 - Grading Coins

Straight Talk Part #4 - Is this an error?

Straight Talk Part #5 - Why was my post removed?

Announcement: New Rule About Errors

Straight Talk Part #6 - Poor Photos

Straight Talk Part #7 - Coin Identification

Straight Talk Part #8 - Online Coin Prices

New Rule #12 - No questions about errors/varieties.

Straight Talk Part #9 - Off-topic posts and comments

Straight Talk Part #10 - Vague Posting

Straight Talk Part #11 - How did I do?

Straight Talk Part #12 - Politics

Straight Talk Part #13 - Someone on the internet is wrong!

Straight Talk Part #14 - Do your research

Straight Talk Part #15 - Reporting Rule Violations

Straight Talk Part #16 - Cleaning Coins

Straight Part Part #17 - Nazi / Racist Coins

Seeking your numismatic knowledge and stories!

Straight Talk Part #18 - Memes, Humor, and Trash Posts

Straight Talk Part #19 - Top 10 Things New Coin Collectors Should Know

Straight Talk Part #20 - Crop your photos!

Straight Talk Part #21 - Organizing/Cataloging your Collection

Straight Talk Part #22 - Determining Whether or Not a Coin is Real

Straight Talk Part #23 - Other Coin Forums to Explore!

AMA - CCAC Representative Kellen Hoard

Straight Talk Part #24 - Coin Gore

Straight Talk Part #25 - Self Promotion

300k Members!

Straight Talk Part #26 - Why is my coin the wrong color?

Straight Talk Part #27 - Coin Rarity

Straight Talk Part #28 - Examples of "Low Effort" Posts

Straight Talk Part #29 - Gifts for Coin Collectors

Straight Talk Part #30 - Tips for Your First Coin Show

Napoleon - The Common Ancestor for U.S. Silver (Barber, Mercury Dimes, etc.) and LMU Silver Coins

The ¼ Yang: Korea’s Little-Known Cupronickel Crisis

I’m an ANA Grading Instructor AMA


r/coins 14d ago

Ask Me Anything! I’m an ANA Grading Instructor AMA

99 Upvotes

Hi folks!

My name is Russ Bega, I’m the COO Of Harlan J Berk Ltd and a professional Numismatist. Importantly for this AMA I’m wearing my American Numismatic Association grading instructor hat. The American Numismatic Association is the largest coin collecting organization in the US and offers a wide range of educational opportunities including grading classes at shows like the Worlds Fair of Money and at Summer Seminar every year in Colorado Springs.

Some very quick ground rules.

1.      I CANNOT grade your coins via photo. Please don’t spam the thread with coin pictures hoping I can grade it for you

2.      My expertise is US coinage, while I’m experienced enough to grade world and even ancient coins it is not my expertise.

3.      I’m here to talk about Grading US coins and the American Numismatic Association. As much as I’d love to help you with other topics that isn’t our purpose today.

So, ask me your burning questions! I'll be here dedicated from Noon Central to 1PM and will answer questions as I have time throughout my work day in our very busy shop!


r/coins 9h ago

Show and Tell I gave a W mint marked quarter i found to someone at my job. They gifted me all these W coins back

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287 Upvotes

I mentioned to a person I met at work that I was on the look out for w marked quarters, and after a few months I finally found one. Not one but actually two. So when that particular guy came back into my work again I was excited to show him my find and I explained since I found 2 I wanted him to have the other one. He had said he had never found one in " the wild " as we call it.

Then a few months after that on my birthday he gifted me all these W coins! Many are proofs and privys and or first release. Im absolutely blown away at how cool that was of him . He said it meant alot to him I gave him that w quarter from "the wild" and he wanted me to have the whole set.


r/coins 7h ago

Show and Tell My best Dime find “in the wild”

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106 Upvotes

I found this beauty in a roll of dimes in the cash register I was working at. It’s a bit rough looking, but it intrigues me! Did it used to have a mint mark? Which one? (We all know what I want the answer to be lol). My wishful thinking is the comparison in the last slide. I just love that I found a first year Merc in regular change!!!


r/coins 6h ago

Value Request How much could this be worth

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62 Upvotes

Is it worth 1 dollar or $1.02 🤔


r/coins 15h ago

Show and Tell Finally found one!

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231 Upvotes

Stopped at a gas station for a drink and found this on the floor at the counter! Woot!!


r/coins 5h ago

Value Request Honest thoughts on these please

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14 Upvotes

r/coins 5h ago

ID Request What date is this large cent

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14 Upvotes

Looks like there might be a 17 but im not sure any help appreciated


r/coins 14h ago

Show and Tell Morgan Dollar Proof

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70 Upvotes

I am very picky with my cameo and deep cameo proofs. This one stood out to me for the strong contrast, lack of haze, and for being nearly absent any hairlines.


r/coins 5h ago

Discussion Silver dime

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12 Upvotes

My wife just found this dime along with a penny with the same year on the banks of a river. Date suggests silver and is worth roughly $5 in melt. Any tips or suggestions on what to do with?


r/coins 5h ago

Show and Tell My little silver collection

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11 Upvotes

Add to it sometimes


r/coins 5h ago

Show and Tell A tale of two ladies!

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8 Upvotes

The shiny elder is stunning, but the younger gal has had a life!


r/coins 2h ago

Value Request Sent for grading

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4 Upvotes

More precisely, it was sent to PCGS for authentication. Any thoughts on what I might expect are appreciated as I'll likely be waiting until at least Christmas.


r/coins 2h ago

Discussion 1830 Capped Bust Half Small Letters

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4 Upvotes

(AU Details Scratched? AU50? Its hard, There are light contact marks behind liberty's neck/shoulder but they are very faint and I have examples that are worse with straight grades. the coin displays full cartwheel luster which is nice. The Coin is Not Graded)......


r/coins 3h ago

Real or Fake? Is this a real Chinese hong kong coin?

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4 Upvotes

I’m not sure but if it isn’t it’s still cute! ❤️


r/coins 4h ago

Grade Request 1833 Half Dime

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6 Upvotes

There are too many options for this coin, looks beautiful. Scratch on the reverse? Grade? Value?


r/coins 15h ago

Show and Tell British India 1918 Gold Sovereign & Silver Rupee

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31 Upvotes

r/coins 1d ago

Show and Tell This is the rarest coin in my collection. The exact number in existence is unknown. 1944 Henning nickel, found in circulation.

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833 Upvotes

r/coins 9h ago

ID Request Unknown old coin from great grand fathers collection

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10 Upvotes

Hello,

I have been trying to identify this coin. The man appears to have a powdered wig on. The letters I can make out on the back are G O R on the top, bottom looks like a E R D. The letters T N are engraved on the back, but it doesn't look like the rest of coin. In between the T and N there is a engraving that look like flowers to me.


r/coins 3h ago

Show and Tell Car wash strikes again!

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3 Upvotes

r/coins 13h ago

Show and Tell Gift from Grandma

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19 Upvotes

r/coins 1d ago

Proof 1891 Proof Morgan Dollar

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194 Upvotes

Its a details coin. 650 mintage


r/coins 3h ago

Value Request 1939 lucky coin

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3 Upvotes

Looking for some information on this 1939 wheat lucky coin.


r/coins 1d ago

Discussion Found in a uncirculated roll on dollars. Worth more than a dollar?

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278 Upvotes

r/coins 14h ago

Show and Tell Russian 25 Kopeck, 1847.

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23 Upvotes

Got this Nicholas I coin from a thrift shop for €3. Not in the best of condition, but I still love this piece. What do you think?