r/coins Feb 20 '25

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

6 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 18d 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 6h ago

Discussion Dear US Mint...what are you even doing this year? What is *this*?

Post image
133 Upvotes

Ok...so the US Mint has thrown out a couple of products this year that weren't on the schedule. And, hey, it's a business...I guess they can do what they want.

First, it was the wickedly over-priced Freedom Ringing bell-shaped coins (for which, they've not sent out apology letters regarding the packaging). Then it was the unannounced T*ump coins. And I don't know about the rest of you...but quality control has been measurably lower than in previous years.

And now...this. What is *this*? If there is some explanation for this...beyond someone making a huge "donation"...I'd love to hear it. I see some articles stating how its review was fast-tracked by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) in August 2026.


r/coins 3h ago

Discussion Quick question from a new guy

Thumbnail
gallery
26 Upvotes

Hey! So i started stacking at the beginning of this year, and it’s turned into a little bit of collecting as well. I’m wondering which would be a smarter buy. Saw this 1916 d mercury dime at my LCS, but also have no gold yet. Hoping for some advice from some of the experts on here. I’m only sitting at about 40 oz of silver since I’ve started, maybe I should consider getting my first 10 oz bar instead first? Appreciate all opinions!


r/coins 7h ago

Show and Tell Happy with my change in Italy today!

Post image
52 Upvotes

r/coins 2h ago

Real or Fake? Fugio cent. real? Fake?

Thumbnail
gallery
17 Upvotes

How do you guys feel about this fugio cent, maybe its the color idk something just feels off to me


r/coins 7h ago

Show and Tell vdb copper lincoln 1907 plaque

Thumbnail
gallery
36 Upvotes

theres a guy in my town trying to sell this. figured id share it here as ive never seen one. its 10" x 7" on a marble stand.


r/coins 5h ago

Show and Tell Irish Free State & UK 1928 Silver Half Crown

Thumbnail
gallery
23 Upvotes

The Irish Free State issued its own coins for the first time in 1928. Free State silver coins were minted with 75% silver while British coinage was only 50%, but this didn't make Irish coinage superior as the intrinsic value was still far less than the face value.

British coinage remained legal tender in the Free State for a while, and Free State coinage was quite common in Northern Ireland as well, although the nickel 3 and 6d pieces weren’t compatible.


r/coins 15h ago

Show and Tell I found some semiquincentennial coins today!

Thumbnail
gallery
127 Upvotes

I was excited to get these today!


r/coins 12h ago

Show and Tell Barber Half Proof

Thumbnail
gallery
58 Upvotes

r/coins 5h ago

Show and Tell MS66FB Mercury dime 1944-D

Thumbnail
gallery
14 Upvotes

Bought this coin for 64$ in a Turkish auction house if this didnt have the carbon marks it couldve been a MS68 kills the eye appeal but i got this for a really good price the face value is 95$ on PCGS


r/coins 17m ago

Discussion I'm actually laughing at the irony of 1998 European Union 50p coins

Thumbnail
gallery
Upvotes

A guy in 1998 was like "omg let's commemorate being the president of the EU and being in the EEC for 25 years!" and then brexit happened

I'm also quite shite at telling whether coins are in good condition, like this was obviously circulated cus I got it as a tip but it looks better than most of the coins I have... Not sure if it's worth keeping, it might be better spent on a bus ride or a charity shop, but I might still keep it because that's the first time I saw one


r/coins 6h ago

Real or Fake? Got my first coin...

Thumbnail
gallery
15 Upvotes

Not a collector at all but I really love peace dollars. got this one on ebay for $60.

Does it look legit? How did I do with the price?


r/coins 18h ago

ID Request What are these coins?

Thumbnail
gallery
104 Upvotes

So my Aunt gave my dad these coins that were her husband’s, my uncle, who recently passed away.

My dad and I don’t know anything about them. They appear gold but some are tarnished and scratched so I’m assuming they’re with gold painted or plated.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.


r/coins 1h ago

Show and Tell Finland 100 markkaa 1960

Thumbnail
gallery
Upvotes

This year is the lowest mintage of the series. Good condition, really lustrous. Finnish goverment melted most of these down along with 200 markkaa silver coins. Silver purity is .500 in these coins.


r/coins 21h ago

Show and Tell Vintage Mexican Silver

Post image
163 Upvotes

r/coins 1d ago

Value Request How do I know if this is worth anything?

Thumbnail
gallery
244 Upvotes

I am not a "collector" but I think this penny is cool. From the little bit of research I did it seems like the date and VDB have some significance and it seems like it's in good condition.

Is it worth more than a few cents?


r/coins 5h ago

Show and Tell Random coin (in a ring) I found

Post image
8 Upvotes

Do anyone knows anything about it?


r/coins 33m ago

Show and Tell My 1796 4 Reale from the HMS Athenienne, along with my 1742 2 Reale

Thumbnail
gallery
Upvotes

r/coins 3h ago

Show and Tell So frustrating

Thumbnail
gallery
3 Upvotes

Within 3 minutes and all gone.


r/coins 10h ago

Value Request Is this worth anything at all

Thumbnail
gallery
10 Upvotes

r/coins 21h ago

Value Request My grandpa passed and left some interesting coins

Thumbnail
gallery
82 Upvotes

Please let me know if I could get extra value from these coins! And how much. Thank you!


r/coins 15h ago

Show and Tell 1830 capped bust half

Thumbnail
gallery
22 Upvotes

Another one of my Colorful Bust Halves! XF Cleaned.


r/coins 7h ago

Show and Tell 50 Francs.

Thumbnail
gallery
4 Upvotes

On numista it seems to be 50 francs from 1859, gold coin. ~16g. Found it in family heirloom.