A coin is not only a form of money or a piece of metal, but also a historically valuable object. For rare original specimens, numismatists are willing to pay colossal sums of money, reaching several million dollars. Collectors who do not have such amounts of money also strive to replenish their collection with unique coins. This is what scammers who have learned to professionally counterfeit metal money take advantage of. For this reason, all numismatists are wondering how to determine the authenticity of a coin.

Making counterfeits

Before you begin to consider methods for making fake coins, you should know the difference between counterfeit coins and counterfeits. Counterfeit coins are made for further use in monetary circulation. Counterfeits are created with the aim of defrauding coin collectors of money. Often, scammers offer fakes as remakes, but in reality there is nothing in common between them. For reference: a remake is a coin minted according to the prototype original coin for collecting. In most cases, remakes are minted with original dies.

Sestroretsk ruble - original

In Russia, high-quality production of counterfeit coins began in the seventeenth century. But today, counterfeit production methods have improved significantly, making counterfeit coins very difficult to distinguish from originals. The most common methods of making counterfeits include:

1. Casting: According to this method, the alloy for casting coins is poured into special molds that accurately imitate the obverse and reverse of the original coin. The use of electrolysis copying technology makes it possible to produce high-quality counterfeits.
2. Using a new stamp: for minting counterfeit coins, a new stamp is made that copies the design of the obverse and reverse of the original specimen.
3. Production of a galvanoplastic copy: first, copies of the reverse and obverse of the original are made from plastic or plaster. After this, a conductive layer was applied to the finished plates, and copper was deposited on it using the electrolysis method. The plates imitating the obverse and reverse were adjusted to each other and soldered so that the thickness of the counterfeit coin completely coincided with the thickness of the original coin.
4. Modification: According to this method, an ordinary genuine coin is taken and using special technologies necessary adjustments are made regarding the date, name mint etc. There is also the practice of restoring images and dates.
5. Copy Coining: In this method, the alloy is cast into a die created by laser cutting tools.

Despite the prevalence of cases of counterfeit coins being sold as originals, copy copies are also in demand among numismatists. For example, coins of Tsarist Russia made of silver, gold or base metal, very popular among collectors. The most sought-after royal coins are associated with the period from the eighteenth century to 1916. For a silver copy of the coin you will have to pay up to three thousand rubles, but a copy made of plain metal will cost a numismatist about 400 rubles.

How to distinguish a fake from the original?

Distinguishing an original coin from a fake is not as easy as it might seem, but all because copies can be of such high quality that even an expert will not be able to immediately determine the authenticity.

Among numismatists, there are ways to independently identify a counterfeit coin. How to check a coin for authenticity without being a professional:

1. If possible, you should take the coin and evaluate the color of its metal and patina (the layer that forms on the surface of the coin over time as a result of oxidation of the metal). It is worth noting that to give coins the effect of antiquity, craftsmen skillfully fake the patina using methods such as baking, painting, smoking with tobacco smoke, etc. It is not difficult to identify a fake patina. Firstly, it will spread across the metal in the form of round spots. Secondly, the patina will be located only on the surface of the coins, while there will be no patina on scratches and abrasions. Bright spots of patina on silver are also a sign of a fake.
2. In good daylight, the entire surface of the coin should be examined. If you can see other metal showing through the abrasions, then most likely the coin is a low-quality Chinese counterfeit.
3. The shine of the metal also requires special attention. If the coin is excessively shiny, this indicates that it was recently made. The dullness of the coin should also alert the numismatist, since it is typical for counterfeit gold coins that do not contain gold, and the dull coating is created by gilding. A greasy sheen indicates that a coin purporting to be made from a precious metal contains a large amount of zinc.
4. It is recommended to examine the coin with a magnifying glass. A non-uniform metal surface will indicate that the specimen is a fake.
5. When evaluating cast coins, it is important to pay attention to the quality of the cast coin circle. Ideally, it should have clear outlines, but the presence of a blunt edge, residual bubbles and foreign particles on the surface of the metal indicates that the coin is made of a low-quality alloy.
6. The parameters (diameter and thickness) of the purchased copy should be compared with the parameters of the original coin, if one is available. It is also important to compare the mass of the two coins.
7. You should also evaluate the quality of the small images minted on the coin and compare them with those depicted on the standard.
8. If the authenticity of coins made of silver or gold is being assessed, then you should take one copy and throw it on a hard horizontal surface, for example, a table. Upon impact with a surface precious metal will make a clear ringing sound.
9. If a coin consists of a certain two-component alloy, then its authenticity can be assessed using the hydrostatic weighing technique. Its essence is to determine the mass of a coin in air and water. The difference in mass in grams, if 2 originals are compared, will be equal to the volume of the coin being valued. However, if there is a third component in the alloy, then this method is not suitable for determining the authenticity of a coin consisting of a three-component metal alloy.

Every numismatist should also know which coins are most often counterfeited:

• hryvnia 1705;
• 1 ruble 1707;
• 1 ruble 1721;
• 1 ruble 1725;
• 20 kopecks 1764;
• 1 ruble 1834;
• coins of the Soviet period and others.

In order not to fall for the scammer’s bait, a numismatist should know how many originals and remakes of a particular coin exist in the world. You should also avoid buying collectibles from random people. It is recommended to purchase coins from experienced numismatist, because only in this case can you protect yourself from buying a fake.

I bet that you had no idea that there were SO many in the world unusual coins))

Central Bank of the Russian Federation. A three-kilogram silver coin and a kilogram gold coin.

Canada has begun issuing a series of unusual coins.
They feature real dinosaur fossils processed using a special technology patented by the Canadian Mint. On the surface of the first moenta is carved the image of the skeleton of Duckbill Parasaurolophus. Each coin is individual.
Technical parameters of the coin: Canada, 2007, silver 9999, 1 ounce, proof, mintage 20,000 copies

Canadian coins with enamel.

Heroes of children's fairy tales, the Three Little Pigs and Sleeping Beauty became the themes of the Isle of Man coins

There is a new addition to the family of small gold coins with symbolic meaning. This time Palau releases the Shooting Star coin.
One dollar, gold 9999 0.5 grams, Diamond Uncirculated

This small (half gram) 9999 gold coin is sure to captivate. Its shape, in the form of a four-leaf clover, is supposed to attract good luck, just like the previously mentioned coin with a natural four-leaf clover leaf.

An amazing series of coins from Niue, dedicated to great artists. Real works of art! Silver 925, face value 1 dollar, year of issue 2007

Coin - illusion "Cat in the window", 4000 kwacha, Zambia 2001

Coin dedicated to the visit of Pope Benedict XVI. A visit to the USA is quite unusual. Not only is it uniquely shaped like a map of the USA, it is also adorned with Swarovski crystals in the colors of the American flag. Cook Islands, 2008, $5, 999 silver, 25 g, edition of 5000, gold plated, Swarovski crystals in the colors of the flag USA, proof

Coins in the shape of the Australian continent

Among the new products of the coming 2010, the world's first coin with a three-dimensional hologram already stands out.
The coin is called "Tender Love" with the main design theme of three roses with a holographic coating.

The theme of the coins is the 175th anniversary of the publication of the first book of fairy tales by the great Hans Christian Andersen.
Samoa, 2010, 10 dollars, 925 silver, 25 g, diameter 38.61 mm, proof, edition of 2500 copies,

Titanium two-color coins. The British Virgin Islands have issued coins that, in addition to using a high-tech and unusual material - titanium, use its two oxides - gold and blue. The coins have different colors on the reverse and obverse.

Coins with inserts of precious and semi-precious stones

Square coins of Turkey

Oval coins "Flowers of Turkey"

100 Austrian schillings. Silver 900, inlay - titanium

Chinese fan-shaped coins. Series "Chinese calendar", Gold, Silver 999

"Miss You" Coin. Silver, enamel, Swarovski crystal

Australia, 2006, silver coin with capsule containing miniature replicas of six coins that were the means of payment before the introduction of decimal currency in Australia

The first coin from a series about the outstanding sculptures of the world with an insert of a miniature sculpture made of real marble

Coin with sound! "I'm proud to be a Berliner!" - when you press the button, the coin reproduces the historical phrase of John Kennedy.

Crystal Silver Coin

Cook Islands, for the 80th anniversary of Benedict XVI, 2007, denomination 5 dollars, silver 925, 25 g, gold plated - gold 999, Swarovski crystals

Coin in memory of John Paul II in the form of a cross with black Swarovski crystals, silver, gold plated and Continuing the relay of commemoration of John Paul II, the government of Liberia has issued a very unusual coin. The coin is completely black except for the gold bas-relief of the Pope.

Transformable coin "Sundial" and coin-compass

Set of four coins. The reverses of the coins together spell out the word "Cook". The circulation is 1779 sets i.e. year in which Cook was killed by natives in Hawaii

Illusion coin. A woman hiding in autumn leaves. Palau, 2008, 5 dollars, 925 silver

Coin with inserts of elements of a real meteorite. 925 silver, palladium plated

Continuation of the series of coins with inserts of elements of real meteorites. Martian meteorite. Cook Islands, 2009, 5 dollars, 925 silver, 25 g, diameter 38.61 mm, antique plating, copper plating, edition of 2500 copies,

A unique set dedicated to the main milestones in space exploration. The set, housed in a metal “astronaut” case made of aluminum, includes five coins and a capsule with a lunar meteorite particle.

The world's first coin in the shape of a pyramid with a capsule containing sand from the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, discovered in the Valley of the Pharaohs by the famous English archaeologist Carter in 1922

A unique coin with a thermal image. In its original state, the coin has a uniform red color. When you heat the coin with your hands, an image of a chicken appears

Cook Islands, Egyptian pyramids. Transformer coin. The insert can be installed vertically on the coin

Sierra Leone, $75. 24 carat gold, purple niobium.

Modern coins of Hungary

Two-color niobium coin

Unique spinning top coin

Marine calendar for 50 years.

Palau, 2009, $5, 999 Silver. Braille, raised dots on the coin spell out "2009".

Coin with a butterfly design

4 triangular coins arranged like a puzzle

The Central Bank of Congo has released three coins dedicated to the biblical story of the Three Wise Men bearing gifts to the newborn Jesus. These coins are unusual in that each of them has inserts corresponding to these gifts: gold, myrrh and frankincense.

A stunningly unusual coin issued in Niue. When you press the coin, the built-in light comes on, repeating the concept of the first incandescent electric lamp invented by Edison.
Coin with a built-in light source "Edison", face value $1, minted 2005, PROOF, mintage 2500, silver.925, weight 38.61

Coin with concave relief

"Commonwealth Games", three-metal coin: gold, silver, copper.

An unusual turquoise titanium coin commemorating the world's first misprint on a Western Australian postage stamp in 1855

Canadian coins with hologram

Coins with horse designs

For the upcoming year of the Tiger according to the eastern calendar, Liberya has released a set of colored rectangular coins. 4 coins, each: 5 dollars, silver 99.9, 20 g, size 56*25 mm, proof, circulation 8000 copies,

This coin is an amazing gift to remember your vacation! She smells like the sea!

A coin with the heavenly smell of the sea!

Palau, 2010, 5 dollars, 925 silver, 25 g, diameter 38.61 mm, proof, 2500 copies

Silver coin with a gold rectangular insert.

Series "Dangerous Animals" Tuvalu, 1 dollar, 999 silver

A coin that combines beauty, history, symbolism, and Orthodoxy. Icon of the Kazan Mother of God. Cook Islands, 2009, 5 dollars, silver 999, 25 g, size 30*38 mm, proof, edition 2500 copies,

Another case of using wood in the production of a coin.

Icon of the Vladimir Mother of God. Art by Andrey Rublev. A unique coin with a removable wooden icon plate. Cook Islands, 2008, $5, 999 silver, 25 g, size 30/38 mm, edition of 2500 copies, proof

Like the original, the icon of the Holy Trinity, and its embodiment in silver, evoke admiration for its polished beauty.

Cook Islands coin, 2010, 5 dollars, silver 999, 25 g, size 30*38 mm, proof, mintage only 2500. This coin will become a rarity in many ways.

Coin with a capsule containing holy water from the source of Lourdes.

Coin with carbon insert from a real Formula 1 car - Ferrari F2008. Cook Islands, 2009, 5 dollars, 500 silver, 25 g, diameter 38.61 mm, proof,

The Cook Islands have released a set of coins that can be called the smallest in the world. Three 999 silver and gold coins weigh 0.12 grams each

Australia has released a series of coins-amulet "Fortune". "Longevity". "Success". "Wealth".

Series of coins "Mythological Chinese characters". Australia 2009, 1 Australian Dollar, 99.9 Silver, 1 oz, size 47.60 x 27.40, 4mm thick, color image, coin comes in a bright booklet.

Today I present two stunning amber coins, true works of art

Australia gave collectors a stunning gift for the New Year. Two new loose coins precious stones the clear capsule now contains diamonds from Kimberley. The coin was issued in silver and gold, with proof quality.

And a little humor: the largest wooden monument to the ruble was cut out and installed in Russia. He appeared on June 10, 2008 in the city of Tomsk. A wooden ruble weighing 250 kilograms and measuring more than two meters was installed on one of the squares for a traditional city event - the Tomsk Carnival. The wooden ruble is made in a realistic manner on a scale of 1:100. The festival organizers have already submitted an application to have the wooden ruble included in the Guinness Book of Records.

An elegant and meaningful coin issued by Nauru - Guardian Angel

Canadian designers decided that single-color coins were a relic of the past, and created a series of unusual colored coins with holograms. This is a step into the future.

But the designers who worked on the image of Turkish coins decided that the main thing is not the color, but the shape, so their single-color coins are cut in the shape of squares and ovals with nice embossing on both sides.

Coins made of gold and silver, made in the shape of a fan, so popular in China. They belong to the "Chinese Calendar" series, each packaged in a separate box and then in a case.

And in Belarus, fans of the work of Alexandre Dumas will be able to find something to their liking. Namely, a series of souvenir coins based on The Three Musketeers. Yes, four silver coins depict four inseparable friends, each with a zirconium of a certain color attached to his sword, and behind his back is an enamel painting depicting what was dear to each of them. Interestingly, the set is packaged in a special book-shaped case. Certificate included.

New Zealand has its own favorite books. So, everyone knows that Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings” trilogy was filmed mainly in New Zealand, so the state decided to skim off all the cream that it could from this fact. Therefore, a series of souvenir coins was issued depicting the main characters of this trilogy. Both silver and gold coins were minted.

A souvenir coins It’s hard to even call Somalia coins. Souvenirs - that's all...

The same applies to coins made in the Congo. Both the wooden ones, issued with a slogan in defense of animals, and the silver ones, with inserts of gold, incense and myrrh, which symbolize the gifts brought to little Jesus by the three wise men.

Islands are small planets, separate worlds with their own laws and regulations, thinking and way of life. This is exactly what you think when looking at the amazingly unusual coins issued on the islands.

From here: 1, 2

The word “coin” was borrowed from the Polish language in the Peter the Great era. The Polish "moneta" is borrowed from the Latin "moneta" - coin, mint, warning. Moneta - epithet of Juno: the oldest mint of Rome was located at the temple of Juno Coins(Iuno Moneta) Moneta is a derivative of the verb moneo, monere “to warn.”

Origin of the coin

Coin form

The main coin shape is a coin circle, but coins can be quadrangular, polygonal, or irregular in shape.

Almost every coin has a front side, or obverse, and a reverse side, or reverse. The exception is single-sided coins, including bracteates (coins made from a thin silver plate from the 12th to 15th centuries). But compared to the huge mass of double-sided coins, there are relatively few of them.

There is no unity in the definition of the concepts of the front and back sides of coins. In old numismatic literature, the obverse side is with the image of the ruler. Now accepted at practical work front side coins are considered to be those that, with their image or legend, determine its nationality. If both the image and the legend indicate this, then when determining the sides, preference is given to the legend.

• Metal mismatch (in foreign metal)
• Minted outside the minted ring (offset image)
• Uncured (without edge)
• Minted with worn stamps (has unminted design elements, stripes caused by cracks in the stamp and other damage)
• Minted with dies from previous years
• Minted with a stamp of a different denomination

Coin safety

To characterize a coin and its collectible value, determining its safety and rarity is essential. The international numismatic market has developed names for the degrees of preservation of coins and their characteristics:

1. "Polished stamp" or "polished plate". This grade includes coins minted with a special stamp with a mirror surface, which must be smoothed all the time during the minting process so as not to lose its quality. Polished plate coins are modern coins intended for collectors. They usually have a mirror-like field surface and a matte, high-relief pattern. Both sides of the coin, as well as the edge, must not have any damage visible to the naked eye or minting defects.
2. "A polished plate with barely noticeable defects." The term is used only in English-language numismatic literature.
3. "Mirror shine" Highest degree safety of coins minted with ordinary stamps. They have not been in circulation, retain their original shine, and must not have any defects visible to the naked eye.
4. "Uncirculated Coins". Coins that were also not in circulation, but if the 3rd grade coins are the first 100-200 copies minted with a new die, then the 4th grade coins can be minted with older dies. If coins of the 1st and 3rd degrees are removed from under the stamp one by one, then coins of the 4th degree are removed automatically and, when counted, packaged and stored in bags, receive defects invisible to the naked eye from contact with other coins.
5. "Great". There should be no signs of wear visible to the naked eye, although the coins have been in circulation. The surface of the coins is clean, the original shine is retained in the recesses. Only minor defects arising during the minting process, during transportation or during circulation are allowed. Coins of this state of preservation are close to coins of the previous state. The highest degree of safety for ancient and medieval coins.
6. "Perfect". All details of the drawing are clearly visible, the legends are readable without difficulty, only the most prominent parts show slight signs of wear. There may be small scratches and gouges on the sides of the coin, as well as on the edge. In fact, the lowest degree of preservation is for coins of modern times.
7. "Wonderful". The coin shows significant wear, with details blurred but discernible. The legend is legible, although the letters may be smoothed out. Antique and medieval coins of such preservation are included in the collection unconditionally, coins of modern times - subject to their rarity, the newest - are rejected.
8. "Very good". Coins that have been in circulation for a long time and are very worn. There are scratches, gouges and other defects on the sides of the coin, as well as on the edge. The legends are still readable, but already partially erased. Mint marks are difficult to distinguish. Suitable for collections of ancient and medieval coins, and also important if these are rare coins.
9. "Fine". Coins of this state of preservation are very worn. Only the outlines of the image are visible. Legends are hard to read, dates are difficult to read. In a museum collection, defects have significance as historical and numismatic monuments if they are of interest in this regard.

In German and English (rarely in French) numismatic literature there are three more degrees of preservation of coins (coins of this quality are not supplied to numismatic stores and auctions, with very rare exceptions).

1. "Poorly preserved." The images are only partially preserved, the legends are difficult to read; scratches, gouges. Such coins may still have scientific, but not collection, value.
2. "Poorly preserved."
3. "Very poorly preserved." There are almost no images preserved on coins of this state of preservation; the legends are only partially readable. Coins in very poor condition may also have mechanical damage (holes, cuts), metal peeling, etching marks, etc. Even rare coins in poor and very poor condition are very cheap.

It should be understood that the “polished plate” is not in the true sense a degree of preservation, it is a production technology. Therefore, a polished plate with serious defects that do not allow it to be classified as a “polished plate with barely noticeable defects” does not go into the “mirror gloss” category.

Canadian gold coin one million dollar denomination

The most unusual coins of the world

The heaviest and largest in face value

The heaviest coin to date is the Million Dollar Gold Coin, produced by the Perth Mint in Australia. The 1000-kilogram coin, made of 999.9 fine gold, has a diameter of 80 cm and a thickness of 12 cm. Before it, the heaviest were the Canadian coin with a face value of 1 million dollars, weighing 100 kg, and the Austrian coin with a face value of 100 thousand euros, weighing 31.1 kg.

The most beautiful

The 2005 Mexican silver coin with images of the coat of arms of Mexico and the Aztec calendar was recognized as the most beautiful in the world. The decision was made by members of the World Mint Conference in South Korea in May 2008.

Russian Empire, USSR and Russian Federation

The country's largest coin in terms of purchasing power

• Commemorative coin with a face value of 50,000 rubles of the Russian Federation weighing five kilograms of pure gold - the 150th anniversary of the Bank of Russia, issued by the Bank of Russia on February 1, 2010 in a circulation of 50 copies. This coin is legal tender throughout the territory Russian Federation and must be accepted for payment at a nominal value of 50,000 rubles. The real value of this coin is orders of magnitude higher than the nominal value.

Before this, the largest was a three-kilogram commemorative coin with a face value of 25,000 rubles of the Russian Federation made of pure gold - the 190th anniversary of the Federal State Unitary Enterprise "Goznak", issued for circulation by the Bank of Russia on August 11, 2008 in a circulation of 50 copies.

Interesting fact: you can pay with a coin weighing five kg of gold in any store - for example, buy a gold chain weighing 50-60 g.

The largest coin in terms of denomination

The largest coins by denomination are: Russian Empire, so the USSR and the Russian Federation of mass production (not investment) - bimetallic one hundred rubles of the Russian Federation in 1992 and copper-nickel one hundred rubles of the Russian Federation in 1993.

The smallest coin in the country

The heaviest coins in the country

• Russian Empire: square copper plate 1 ruble of Catherine I with round seals - the coats of arms of Russia on four edges and with the denomination in the center. The inscription in the center in a circle: Price ruble. Ekaterinburg. 1725. The weight of the coin is slightly more than 1.6 kg. Ten coins weighed exactly a pound. Size 18x18 cm, thickness 5 mm. The coin was issued in 1725-1726 and is now extremely rare (its collectible value back in the 1960s exceeded two thousand rubles).
• Modern Russia: On November 22, the Bank of Russia issued a commemorative coin made of 900-carat silver “275th anniversary of the St. Petersburg Mint”, with a total circulation of 150 pieces, a denomination of 200 rubles and a weight of 3342 grams. It took 3 kilograms of pure silver to produce one coin. Afterwards, two more similar coins were issued (with a total circulation of 500 pieces): 300 coins made of 900-carat silver and 200 coins from 925-carat silver.

The heaviest nickel

See also

Notes

Links

• Information numismatic catalogue. Everything about euro coins (including gold and silver)
• Rare coins of the Northern Black Sea region from the collection of the Odessa Museum of Numismatics
• Monetary system, gold, silver and coins in Rus' and Europe in the 15th-16th centuries. and after
• Catalog of coins of modern Russia (from 1992 to the present day)
• Popular coin collections Coins of interest to Russian numismatists.

Sources

• Potin V. M. Coins. Treasures. Collections: Essays on Numismatics. - St. Petersburg: Art-SPB, 1992.
• Numismatist's Dictionary: Trans. with him. / H. Fengler, G. Girow, V. Unger/ 2nd ed., revised. and additional - M.: Radio and communication, 1993
• Karyshkovsky, Pyotr Osipovich. Coins of Olbia. Kyiv, 1988. ISBN 5-12-000104-1.

Among the coins modern Russia Issued in 1997–2013, numismatists most highly value specimens from small batches, for example, those minted during testing of equipment. Usually they are not officially put into circulation, but somehow they still seep into the wallets of citizens. In addition, coin collectors, like philatelists, value defective specimens. If you are lucky and, using our mini-directory, you discover a rarity, either look for buyers of rare coins using an Internet search engine, or put your find up for a numismatic auction. There are also plenty of links to such resources on the Internet.

50 kopecks 2001

Moscow Mint
Price: about 200 thousand rubles.
Only 2 copies are known. Numismatists are confident that no other coins from this batch exist. If you find the third one, consider yourself to have won the jackpot.

1 ruble 2001

Moscow Mint
Price: about 200 thousand rubles.
As in the case of 50 kopecks from 2001, only 2 copies are known, and experts believe that no others exist.

5 kopecks 2002 and 2003

Mint mark missing
Price: up to 300–500 rub.
These defective coins were released into circulation in small quantities due to an oversight. They are missing the mint mark on the obverse. There are few of them, and numismatists love rare series of coins.

5 rubles 1999

Price: about 250 thousand rubles.
The most expensive coin Russia. There is only 1 authentic copy known. There are rumors that after its minting the form was destroyed, but perhaps this is a lie, and after some time other similar coins will appear on the market.

1 ruble, 2 rubles and 5 rubles 2003

St. Petersburg Mint
Price: up to 15 thousand rubles.
According to one version, these coins were minted for collection sets in 2003 in a limited edition of 15 thousand copies, and then for some reason the sets did not go on sale, and these coins ended up in circulation.

2 rubles 2001

Moscow Mint
Price: about 150 thousand rubles.
Our experts know of one such coin, found in a 2002 collection set. However, there are persistent rumors among Russian numismatists that other two-ruble coins from this batch also came into circulation.

Please note that the value of a coin greatly depends on its condition. The most expensive are the new and shiny ones, the cheapest are the ones that are worn out and run over by a tram. Pay attention to the mint mark on the back (obverse) of the coin - these are letters either under the front leg of the horse of St. George the Victorious, or under the left paw of a double-headed eagle.

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While being a cop, we come across different coins: by face value, material, size and preservation. The better the preservation, the more pleasant the sensation of the recovered find. And you can sell it for much more at an auction, and spend the money on equipment or gasoline. Collectors and numismatists also look at the preservation of the coin they purchase. The higher he is, the more money he is willing to part with in order to get the desired coin for his collection.

At the moment, there are 7 safety categories: G, VG, F, VF, XF, UNC and Proof, but treasure hunters need only three of them - F, VF and XF, since the coin oxidizes in the ground and ends up there from circulation already with traces of walking. Preservation below F is already ardent poop, which you can’t even put in an album, and it’s a shame to throw it away. And the degree of preservation above XF mainly belongs to modern and Soviet anniversaries, in a bag condition, in capsules and holders, as well as minted with polished stamps.

F – good

In my opinion, the most frequently encountered coins. Especially small copper of the latest royal type. In such preservation, coins lie almost everywhere where people lived and worked in the old days. They don't look very good: worn out from long use, oxidized, scratched and beaten. But you can safely determine the denomination and year. If the coin is not worn out, but is mechanically damaged, it is also classified as F.

VF - very good

Also a frequently encountered save. We can say that coins in verified condition are found on par with fine. The coins found have a worn relief, and in particular small details of the design. It is difficult or impossible to see them. The field is damaged by scratches or small cavities. The bulk of the digging lots are exhibited in this state of preservation.

And here, within one degree of state, there is a gradation. You've probably noticed VF+ and VF-. What are these pros and cons? In force large quantity coins exhibited in VF, it is customary to divide them into:

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• More good, but not up to XF (+);
• The condition is worse, but still better F (-).

XF - excellent

They are the least likely to be caught by a cop. There can be no more than 20 of them per season. Why? Not everywhere there is favorable soil that would ensure careful storage without oxidation - sandy, dry soils, clay. And in the fields there are fertilizers that eat up coins. But even there I managed to find coins in amazing condition.

The coins from the treasure are also mostly in XF condition, as they lay motionless in the vessel for hundreds of years and mostly without direct contact with the ground. They did not come into contact with aggressive substances. And if they are hidden in the wall of the house or in the attic, then their condition will be exactly the same in which they were hidden a long time ago. They will only become covered with a beautiful patina, which will raise the price of such a find.

With experience, any digger will easily determine the degree of preservation of the dug up coins. And even make an approximate assessment of them. I also recommend installing an application on your phone - a catalog or printing it out so that it is always nearby and tells you more about the coins you find.

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