§ 01
Identification clues
Where to look first. These details help someone understand what an object is before any conversation about it.
Reading a coin, a note and a holder
Plate · SVG diagram
ObverseA
The date is often near the rim; designs vary by country.
ReverseB
One possible mint mark position; locations differ by issue.
BanknoteC
Serial number and series lines; colors noted in words.
Certified holderD
Label with company, grade and certification number.
Mint set packagingE
Original packaging keeps a set together.
- A: Country, denomination and date
- B: Mint mark: a small letter or symbol, often near the date or on the reverse
- C: For notes: series year, serial number, signatures and seal colors
- D: For certified pieces: holder company, grade and certification number
- E: Original government or mint packaging for sets
Generic portrait coin, reverse, banknote and certified holder. No real country, date, serial or grade. Not evidence of identity, grade or authenticity.
§ 02
Information worth recording
Checklist · for your notes or inquiry
- Country, denomination, date and any visible mint mark, for key pieces
- Whether pieces are loose, in folders, albums, rolls, sets or certified holders
- Approximate count and total by type for large groups
- Visible issues: scratches, holes, bends, tears, tape, stains
- Anything that looks unusual, without assuming it is an error or a rarity
Copy marks and numbers exactly as they appear, even if they are worn or you are unsure what they mean.
Keep facts, records and stories distinct
Observed
Copy exactly as seen
- Country, denomination and date
- Mint mark: a small letter or symbol, often near the date or on the reverse
- For notes: series year, serial number, signatures and seal colors
Documented
Identify the existing record
- Certification records or submission invoices
- Mint or government packaging and certificates for sets
- Inventory lists made by the collector
Reported history
Name the source, not a certainty
- Who told you the story?
- What did they say, and roughly when?
- Keep family recollections separate from records and visible details.
Not knowable from photos
Leave as open questions
- Photographs cannot establish grade, authenticity or metal purity.
- Precious-metal content needs testing; appearance and weight are indications, not proof.
- Apparent errors and varieties need physical examination to confirm.
§ 03
Useful photo views
01Obverse, straight on
Shows the main design, date and portrait
02Reverse, straight on
Mint marks and denominations often appear here
03Holder label
Certification details must be readable
04Albums or folders open
Shows completeness and the scale of a collection
§ 04
Paperwork to gather
Share what already exists. Nothing needs to be created, and an inquiry does not require documents.
- Certification records or submission invoices
- Mint or government packaging and certificates for sets
- Inventory lists made by the collector
- Purchase receipts or dealer invoices
§ 05
Careful handling
- 01Never clean, polish, dip or rub coins or notes. Cleaning permanently damages surfaces.
- 02Hold coins by the edges, ideally over a soft surface.
- 03Leave pieces in their existing holders, flips, albums or sleeves.
- 04Do not unfold, flatten or repair notes; do not remove tape.
- 05Store away from damp, heat and PVC plastics where possible.
Brass strokes mark what to avoid or where to look.
§ 06
What cannot be known from photos
§ 07
Common questions
My coins are dirty. Can I clean them before photographing?
Please do not. Photograph them exactly as they are. Cleaning is one of the most common ways coins lose collector interest.
Are bullion coins and bars part of this area?
You can describe them in an inquiry. Metal content and purity cannot be confirmed from photographs.
I think I have an error coin. What should I record?
Describe what looks different and photograph both sides clearly, but avoid labeling it an error until it has been examined.
Terms used here