Canadian cent: production ends in 2012. The longer portrait period is now clearly separated.
Read the updated reference →World Coin Book · The collector’s reference
Discover the world
through coins.
Explore coins and precious-metal bullion across countries and eras, and discover their history, designs and collecting knowledge.
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United States · Lincoln cent 
Mexico · 8 Reales 
Japan · 100 yen 
Canada · Silver Maple Leaf 
China · Gold Panda
Across countries and eras · From circulation to bullion
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01
How to Identify a North American Coin
Start with issuing country, denomination, date, language, portrait, mint mark, metal, weight, diameter, and edge.
Read the guide →02How to Read Coin Inscriptions
Use language, script, legend position, date systems, monarch titles, and repeated symbols to narrow attribution.
Read the guide →03How to Grade Coins
Compare wear, luster, strike, eye appeal, rim marks, and cleaning signs before assigning a grade range.
Read the guide →04How to Spot Fake Coins
Check weight, diameter, edge, magnetic response, casting texture, seam lines, details, and known counterfeit diagnostics.
Read the guide →05How to Store Coins
Choose inert holders, control humidity, avoid PVC, reduce handling, and keep records for provenance.
Read the guide →Reference updates
Recently revised
Grading guide: a practical exercise separates surface marks, luster and appearance.
Read the updated reference →Morgan dollars: historical value tables now explain their source and date limitations.
Read the updated reference →