Fact: coins are the most found item for metal detecting, and if you are starting on this, you have to have the expertise in identifying old coin found metal detecting.
We have developed this comprehensive guide for all those who are getting started with metal detecting and will find a lot of coins in their journey.
1.0 Why Identifying Old Coins Found Metal Detecting Is Important
Identifying old coins is crucial because they are only valuable if they are identified as important. There are three expected outcomes of this antique coin identification.
1.1 Historical Significance
Some old coins are priceless. They serve as windows into the past. These old coins offer insights into historical events, cultural practices, and economic conditions.
These coins offer more historical significance than any monetary value, and you should be absolutely proud of yourself for finding one of these.
1.2 Getting True Monetary Value
It’s obvious that it is compulsory for you to identify the coin you have found metal detecting. That is the only way to get the true monetary value from what you found, and importantly your hard work.
Not all old coins are worth the same. Some can be worth a few hundred and can be worth millions. Two coins of the same age but with different histories associated with them will not be worth the same. So the more you know about your coin, the more accurate your monetary value predictions will be.
1.3 Putting Effort Where It Worth More
There is more to this rather than just getting a proper valuation of your find. Your ability to identify old coins will help you to identify potential sites. If you do antique coin identification on the spot, then you can dig deeper because you might be standing right above hundreds of old coins worth millions.
Contrary to that, you can save time by not wasting it on sites that offer an ordinary coin that just looks old and antique to you. So it is quite important for you to identify old coin found metal detecting, because if you don’t why bother metal detecting at all?
2.0 How to Identify Old Coins Found Metal Detecting
As we have explained, on-site old coin identification is very important, and there are few indicators that can give an estimated guess that the coin you find is actually antique.
2.1 Coin Material and Composition
The first thing you notice after you find a coin is its material, and it’s one of the key indicators of coin age and value. If you find gold or silver coins, then it’s a direct indicator that the coin is old and has great monetary value.
It might have great historical value as these coins were not used for common trade even in old days. Similarly, bronze and copper coins are old and were used as common trade a few centuries back.
| Material | Historic Period | Common Use |
| Gold | Ancient to medieval times | High-value transactions |
| Silver | Ancient to 19th century | General trade |
| Copper | Roman Empire, Colonial periods | Low-value transactions |
2.2 Coin Shape and Size
The size and shape of a coin tell a lot about it. Coins old enough to have great monetary value are usually not of perfect shape and size. It’s because most were handmade in prehistoric times without machines. So if you dig some coins with each having a different shape or size, then you have something of value.
2.3 Determining the Coin’s Country of Origin
If the coin you find has any language written on it then you can very easily determine the coin’s country of origin. This can also indicate a region or even the era of the coin as some languages were spoken in particular times in particular regions.
2.4 Design and Engravings
Coins often feature monarchs, or national symbols, which can be decoded to trace their specific time period. Small letters or symbols (mint marks) on coins indicate where and when these coins were produced. These can also indicate any specific purpose of a coin, increasing its historical and monetary value.
2.5 Coin Dates
Coins with the dates are most easy to identify. These dates might be worn or in language, you do not read. So you might use tools to clean or use Google to understand common languages and how they use dates. If you cannot find language easily, then it might make me old enough to do some deep research on the coin.
3.0 Tools & Techniques for Identifying Old Coin
There are certain things that you can do on the spot, and there are certain things that can only be done at your home or workshop. Having complete knowledge about tools and techniques is crucial. We have listed some techniques for you to follow.
3.1 Leveraging Technology
In metal detecting, the best investment is in quality metal detecting tools, and a good metal detector can also help identify coins . If you have a metal detector whose setting can be adjusted to help you detect coin material, then this can help you a lot to filter treasure from trash in the first place.
3.2 Visual Examination
The first thing you do after you dig a coin is to do a visual examination. You can get most of the details like shape, size, and any specific design from the naked eye.
If the first examination looks promising, then you can do an onsite detailed examination using a magnifying glass and look for any mint marks.
If the coin is too worn out for a magnifying glass, then use any available microscope for detailed examination.
3.3 Use Online Resources
If you find any lead from the visual examination that you know nothing about, then using online resources like Numista and CoinArchives can provide you with comprehensive knowledge on the spot. You can also join any online forum or community like Reddit’s r/coins where instant expert input can be very helpful.
3.4 Printed Catalogs and Books
The best way to be 100 % sure that you identify the right coin, you need to refer to printed catalogs and books made to identify old coins found in metal detecting. Reference books, such as The Red Book (United States Coins) or Krause’s World Coins, are invaluable for identification, engraving, and mint of your coin from ones that have been previously found.
4.0 Determining the Value of Old Coins Found Metal Detecting
There is no fixed price tag on any old coin found metal detecting. The old coin you dig can be worth millions, but only to people who know what it is. This process is also influenced heavily by the following factors associated with old coins.
4.1 Rarity and Demand
Older the batter is the rule here. The older the coin is, the higher its value, as it’s all about the history attached to the coin. The second thing here is how rare your find is. If a coin you find is only among the few others found during metal detecting, its value is much more than a coin that has several hundreds of its copies already being dug out of the ground.
The third thing here is the demand for the coin. Your coin might not have any demand in your surroundings, but it might value hundreds of dollars in another part of the world. So the demand for what you find is also important.
4.2 Condition (Grading Systems)
If your coin condition is good like it is not damaged or has heavy wear, then you can expect good prices. Professional grading systems rank coins from “Good” (worn) to “Mint State” (pristine).
| Grade | Condition | Value Impact |
| Good | Heavy wear, visible details | Low |
| Find | Moderate wear, clear design | Medium |
| Mint State | Perfect, no visible wear | high |
4.3 Seeking Professional Appraisals
Putting a price tag on any old coin is about experience and expertise in this industry. If you do not have the experience, then it’s best to call an expert or a professional and seek their help. Pricing an old coin will be about accurately explaining the history and historical value associated with the coin and presenting it to people who actually care about those historical values.
5.0 Tips Preservation and Cleaning of Old Coins
It is highly unlikely that a few hundred-year-old coin when dug out of the ground is clean and perfectly preserved. There is a lot in this but we will offer you some tips on the preservation and cleaning of old coins
- With old and antique coins, only do spot cleaning if it’s absolutely necessary. Coin material, shape, and size will be enough to tell you it’s old and unique.
- If it is absolutely necessary to do on-spot cleaning, always clean with a soft brush and only use plain water, distilled water will be best.
- Avoid placing coins on hard or abrasive surfaces during transportation or when you move from the site to your workshop.
- Always use cotton cloth for storage, when handling especially valuable coins
- Do not scrub or polish coins as this can cause scratches or remove the patina. Patina is often desirable by collectors.
- Never use household cleaning products as they can corrode or discolor the coin.
- For long-term storage, use airtight containers with silica gel packets to control humidity.
- Avoid using PVC-based plastic holders, as they can release chemicals that damage coins over time.
6.0 Conclusion
Identifying old coin found metal detecting is all about experience and expertise. Coin material, shape, size, and engravings tell a lot about them. It’s best for you to have a community of people who know and value coins as these old coins are only valued by their associated history and even by a certain group of people.
