Complete Guide to World Coin Identification in 2025

Identifying world coins can be a challenging yet rewarding aspect of numismatics. With countless countries, historical periods, languages, and dating systems, it requires a keen eye and the right resources. This guide provides a framework for identifying coins from around the globe, turning a mystery coin into a known treasure.

Step 1: Analyze the Language and Script

The text on a coin is your primary clue.

• Latin Alphabet: If the script is familiar, you can often search for the words online to find the country of origin.
• Non-Latin Scripts: For coins with scripts like Cyrillic, Arabic, or Chinese, a visual identification tool is essential. The Coin Identifier - Coinly app's AI is trained on these scripts, allowing it to identify coins that are impossible to search for textually.
• No Text: Some coins have no text at all. In these cases, you must rely on symbols and portraits.

Step 2: Examine Portraits and Symbols

• Rulers and Monarchs: A portrait is a powerful clue. Recognizing a famous ruler like Queen Victoria or Louis XIV can instantly place a coin.
• National Symbols: Look for coats of arms, animals (like eagles or lions), and other symbols that are unique to a particular country.
• Denomination: The number on the coin indicating its value (e.g., "10," "25," or "1/2") can help narrow down the possibilities.

Step 3: Decipher the Date

Not all coins use the Gregorian calendar. You might encounter:

• Islamic (Hijri) Calendar: Used in many Middle Eastern and North African countries.
• Thai Solar Calendar: Used on coins from Thailand.
• Japanese Imperial Calendar: Dates are based on the reign of the current emperor.

Manually converting these dates is difficult. This is another area where Coinly shines. It automatically recognizes and converts these complex date systems, saving you time and effort.