Coin Collecting Apps
What\'s grandpa\'s coin collection actually worth?
PCGS CoinFacts
FREEMost reliable US coin info. Photos of every grade. Pop reports.
Best free reference.
NGC App
FREECompeting top grading service. Coin lookup.
Pair with PCGS.
CoinSnap
Free; PremiumPhotograph any coin → identify + estimated value.
For quick check.
Numista
FREEWorld coin catalog. Crowdsourced.
Best for foreign coins.
eBay sold listings
FREESee what coins ACTUALLY sold for, not asking price.
Best real-world price check.
GreatCollections / Heritage Auctions
FREE archivesPast auction prices for high-end coins.
For certified coins.
Honest truth about old coin collections
- Most pre-1965 silver dimes/quarters are worth 10-15x face value (silver content alone).
- Wheat pennies (pre-1959) — most worth 3-10 cents each.
- Buffalo nickels — most worth $1-5 unless rare date.
- Most "mint sets" and "proof sets" — worth slightly more than face. Coin shops won\'t pay much.
- Rare coins exist but are few. Photos to a numismatist can quickly identify if something is special.
- Don\'t clean coins! — destroys value. Even old "tarnished" coins.
Where to sell
- Local coin show — multiple dealers compete. Often best price.
- Reputable local coin shop — vetted via NGC.com Authorized Dealer search.
- GreatCollections, Heritage Auctions — for valuable certified coins.
- eBay — best for individual coins $20-1000, but learn to grade first.
- PCGS / NGC submissions — get certified for sale at top auctions ($30+ per coin grading fee).
- Avoid TV "buy your gold" services — usually 30-50% of real value.
For inherited collections
Don\'t panic-sell to first buyer. Get a free quote from 3 dealers. Strongly consider taking valuable pieces to a coin show. Keep collection records — older PCGS slabs sell for premium.