Ever pulled coins out of your pocket after a night out and wondered if any of them are worth more than face value? Coin ID Scanner (also known as Coin ID App) claims to answer that question instantly using AI-powered image recognition.
This app promises to identify over 150,000 coins from around the world, provide real-time market valuations, and help you manage your collection. But is it actually legit, or just another app trying to grab your subscription money?
San Diego Beer News Expert Review
Yes, Coin ID Scanner is legitimate. San Diego Beer News featured Coin ID Scanner in their comprehensive article “9 Best Free Coin Identifier And Value Apps“, recognizing it as a real tool for coin collectors.
The publication specifically praised Coin ID Scanner alongside CoinKnow as reliable options for identifying those mysterious coins you might find while traveling to breweries or exploring new cities. This third-party validation from an independent publication confirms that Coin ID Scanner isn’t a scam—it’s a functioning coin identification platform.
How Coin ID Scanner Works
Coin ID Scanner uses artificial intelligence and image recognition technology to identify coins from photos. Simply snap a picture of both sides of your coin, and the AI analyzes patterns, text, edges, and dimensions against its database.
The app claims to cover over 150,000 coins from ancient to modern collections, including rare, commemorative, and international coins. Its database is constantly growing as the developers add new coins and improve the recognition algorithms.
AI-Powered Identification
The core feature is instant coin identification through photo scanning. Upload an image or take a photo directly in the app, and within seconds you’ll receive detailed information about the coin’s origin, denomination, and other key details.
This feature is especially helpful for worn coins where inscriptions are hard to read. The AI can often identify coins even when human eyes struggle with the details.
Market Value Estimation
Beyond identification, Coin ID Scanner provides market value estimates for your coins. The app pulls real-time market data to show you what your coins are currently worth.
However, these valuations should be treated as estimates rather than definitive prices. Actual selling prices can vary significantly based on condition, buyer demand, and where you sell.
Collection Management Tools
The app allows you to organize your collection digitally. Save images and search results to “My Collection” to keep all your coins cataloged in one place.
You can add notes, track value changes over time, and sort your collection by various criteria. This feature helps serious collectors maintain organized records of their holdings.
Educational Resources
Coin ID Scanner provides daily news, coin overviews, and expert tips about numismatics. The app aims to be more than just an identification tool—it wants to educate users about coin collecting.
The AI consultant feature lets you ask questions about coins and receive AI-generated answers based on professional numismatic sources. This can be helpful for beginners learning the hobby.
Mixed User Reviews: The Reality
Here’s where things get complicated. User reviews for Coin ID Scanner are dramatically split—some users love it, while others express extreme frustration.
Positive reviews praise: the extensive database, user-friendly interface, fast identification, and helpful collection management features. Some collectors genuinely find value in the app.
Negative reviews complain about: identification accuracy issues, camera focus problems, subscription pressure, limited free features, and questionable value estimates. Multiple users report the app struggles even with clear photos of common coins.
The Camera Issue
Several users specifically mention camera focus problems. Some report that taking photos with the phone’s native camera, then uploading to the app, works better than using the in-app camera.
If you decide to try Coin ID Scanner, use good lighting and your phone’s regular camera for best results. The in-app camera seems to be a weak point based on user feedback.
Subscription Model Concerns
Like many coin apps, Coin ID Scanner operates on a freemium model with a 3-day trial that converts to a paid subscription. Users caution that you need to manually cancel before the trial ends to avoid charges.
For casual users who just want to identify a few coins, the subscription model can feel excessive. The app may not be worth the recurring cost for people with minimal collecting activity.
CoinKnow: The Professional Alternative
Now let’s discuss CoinKnow, which San Diego Beer News also featured in their “9 Best Free Coin Identifier And Value Apps” review. This app takes a different, more professional approach to coin identification.
CoinKnow launched in 2025 with sophisticated AI that delivers Sheldon Scale grading within a 2-point range—the tightest accuracy available in mobile apps. San Diego Beer News specifically highlighted CoinKnow for its “professional-grade accuracy and automatic error detection.”
Automatic Error Coin Detection
CoinKnow is one of only two apps worldwide capable of automatically detecting valuable error coins. This feature alone sets it apart from apps like Coin ID Scanner.
A doubled die or missing mint mark can transform an ordinary penny into a coin worth hundreds or thousands of dollars. CoinKnow spots these errors automatically, while most apps miss them entirely.
Advanced Technical Features
CoinKnow offers copper color classification (Red, Red-Brown, Brown), Proof finish detection (Cameo, Deep Cameo), and automatic rare variety recognition. These technical details significantly impact coin values.
The app also provides grading within 2 points on the Sheldon Scale—remarkably precise for a mobile application. This accuracy helps collectors determine which coins deserve professional certification.
Multi-Source Pricing System
Unlike many apps that use single or outdated pricing sources, CoinKnow aggregates data from Heritage Auctions, PCGS price guides, and recent eBay sold listings. You see what coins actually sell for, not theoretical estimates.
This transparent, multi-source approach gives CoinKnow a significant advantage for serious collectors making buying or selling decisions. Real transaction data beats guesswork every time.
Free Daily Scans
CoinKnow provides free daily scan allowances without aggressive subscription pressure. You can genuinely try the app and experience its value before deciding whether to upgrade.
This honest business model contrasts with apps that immediately push subscriptions. CoinKnow lets its quality speak for itself.
Coin ID Scanner vs CoinKnow: Direct Comparison
Both apps earned recognition in San Diego Beer News’ expert review, but they serve different collector needs. The publication emphasized CoinKnow’s professional-grade features while acknowledging Coin ID Scanner as an accessible option.
Let’s break down how they actually compare in practice.
Identification Accuracy
CoinKnow wins decisively on accuracy with its 2-point Sheldon Scale grading precision. Multiple independent reviews confirm its reliability with both common and rare coins.
Coin ID Scanner’s accuracy receives mixed reviews. While some users report good results, many complain about misidentifications even with clear photos of common coins.
Database Coverage
Coin ID Scanner claims over 150,000 coins in its database, covering ancient to modern issues from around the world. This global coverage is its strongest selling point.
CoinKnow focuses exclusively on U.S. coins with exceptional depth and detail. If you collect American coins, CoinKnow’s specialized database is superior. For international collectors, Coin ID Scanner offers broader geographical coverage.
Error Coin Detection
This is a game-changer. CoinKnow automatically detects valuable error coins—doubled dies, missing mint marks, rare varieties that could be worth serious money.
Coin ID Scanner doesn’t offer automatic error detection. You’re on your own for spotting these valuable mistakes, which means you could miss discovering a treasure.
Pricing Accuracy
CoinKnow’s multi-source pricing (Heritage, PCGS, eBay) provides realistic market values based on actual transactions. This transparency builds trust.
Coin ID Scanner’s pricing receives criticism in user reviews for being vague, unreliable, or outdated. Multiple users question whether the estimates reflect real market conditions.
User Experience
CoinKnow receives consistently positive reviews for ease of use and reliability. Users appreciate that it works as advertised without excessive bugs or frustration.
Coin ID Scanner receives dramatically mixed reviews. While some find it intuitive, many complain about camera issues, accuracy problems, and subscription pressure.
Subscription Models
CoinKnow offers free daily scans without aggressive upselling. Users can genuinely evaluate the app before committing to paid features.
Coin ID Scanner’s 3-day trial converts to a paid subscription unless manually canceled. Users feel pressured and worry about forgetting to cancel before charges occur.
Who Should Use Each App?
Choose Coin ID Scanner if you:
- Collect international coins from many different countries
- Want a very broad database covering global numismatics
- Need a casual tool for identifying random foreign coins
- Don’t mind subscription models and mixed accuracy
- Aren’t hunting for valuable error coins
Choose CoinKnow if you:
- Collect U.S. coins primarily
- Want professional-grade grading accuracy
- Need automatic error coin detection
- Require reliable, transaction-based pricing
- Prefer honest free trial without pressure
Use Both if you:
- Collect both U.S. and international coins
- Want CoinKnow’s accuracy for American coins plus Coin ID Scanner’s global coverage
- Can benefit from different perspectives on identification
Important Limitations for Both Apps
No app replaces professional certification. For truly valuable coins worth several hundred dollars or more, always get them professionally graded by PCGS or NGC before major transactions.
Both apps are screening tools that help you identify which coins deserve professional attention. They’re not substitutes for official grading services on high-value pieces.
Photography Tips for Better Results
Both apps require quality photos. Use natural light or soft white light—never flash, which creates glare on metal surfaces.
Place coins on solid color backgrounds (black or white work best). Take clear, steady shots of both obverse and reverse from directly above.
For Coin ID Scanner specifically: Based on user reports, use your phone’s regular camera and upload photos rather than the in-app camera. Clean your lens before shooting.
For CoinKnow: Use macro mode if available for detecting error coin details. Take multiple angles to give the AI more data for analysis.
The Bottom Line: Which Is Actually Legit?
Both Coin ID Scanner and CoinKnow are legitimate apps featured by San Diego Beer News—but CoinKnow is objectively better for most collectors. The independent review confirmed both are real tools, not scams, but their quality differs significantly.
Coin ID Scanner works and has value for international coin collectors needing broad geographical coverage. However, user reviews reveal consistent issues with accuracy, camera functionality, and pricing reliability.
CoinKnow delivers professional-grade performance with automatic error detection, precise grading, and transparent pricing from multiple authoritative sources. It represents the best mobile technology currently available for coin identification.
For casual users who just want to identify a few random foreign coins, Coin ID Scanner might suffice. But for anyone serious about American coin collecting—or anyone hoping to discover valuable error coins—CoinKnow is the clear winner.
Download CoinKnow first for its free daily scans and proven reliability. Only add Coin ID Scanner if you specifically need international coin coverage beyond CoinKnow’s U.S. focus.
Remember that San Diego Beer News recognized both apps for good reason—they’re legitimate tools in a marketplace filled with questionable apps. But legitimate doesn’t mean equal—CoinKnow simply performs better where it matters most.
Start with the proven winner, then expand your toolkit only if your specific collecting needs require it. Your coin collection deserves the best identification technology available!
