PCGS CoinFacts vs. Coin ID Scanner: Which App is the Best?

PCGS CoinFacts vs. Coin ID Scanner: Which App is the Best?

The eternal question: how to enhance your favorite endeavor, if you do not know where to start? Coin collecting is a cherished hobby, and the market dazzles with numerous offers from large companies that promise to help and support you on your numismatic way.

The eternal question: how to enhance your favorite endeavor, if you do not know where to start? Coin collecting is a cherished hobby, and the market dazzles with numerous offers from large companies that promise to help and support you on your numismatic way. 

Among the most popular coin identifiers are the PCGS CoinFacts mobile app and Coin ID Scanner (each with exclusive features aimed to enhance your collecting experience for good). But which one is truly useful and convenient? Let us see.

A person holding a coin in one hand and a smartphone in the other, displaying a coin identification app with the coin's image on the screen, while inspecting the details of the coin.

Key Features of the PCGS CoinFacts App

PCGS app is a first, yet powerful tool designed specifically to satisfy the demands of collectors, i.e., allow them to explore numismatic instances and learn more about price formation processes on their own. This instrument provides priceless insights into how to improve the collection, regardless of your level of experience.  


Feature

Description

Extensive Database

Comprehensive information on US coins, including mintage figures, grades,  historical context, shop dealer affiliates, and images.

Market Values

Up-to-date pricing data based on real market trends and auction results.

High-Quality Images

Professional-grade images for all conditions.

Auction Price Data

Current and historical records of auction prices.

Grading Resources

Visual guides and detailed grading standards to help collectors boost their grading skills.


Indeed, the PCGS coin app is a real learning center and a valuation tool for collectors. Should you try to identify a rare variety, determine its market value, or discover its background, PCGS CoinFacts is here to help you and provide all the information you require in a single, handy app.

Key Features of Coin ID Scanner

Coin ID Scanner is an innovative application that makes it easier for collectors to identify and assess coins on the spot. As such, the app relies on advanced image recognition technology to identify units of currency and retrieve essential data about their value and history. The software makes collecting easier and more organized as it includes recommendations from professional numismatists and connects one with a network of enthusiasts from all over the world.


Feature

Description

Image Recognition

AI-driven technology to identify coins instantly by scanning them with a smartphone camera.

Global Database

A real numismatic encyclopedia with instances from around the world 

Personal Collection Tracker

A feature that allows users to catalog and organize their collection within the app.

Coin Details

Essential information, including mint year, country of origin, and composition.

Guides & Checklists

Step-by-step guides for identification, grading, and care, along with checklists to track collection progress.


Coin ID Scanner is a great choice, indeed. It manages to keep people informed and involved in the community all the time. Such a treasure on the market.

PCGS CoinFacts vs. Coin ID Scanner: Which is Better for Valuation?

When it comes to valuing coins, both PCGS CoinFacts and Coin ID Scanner are fine, decent resources, but they approach the task differently. Firstly, it is vital to note that neither the PCGS Price Guide app nor Coin ID Scanner can directly evaluate items. Their advantage lies in providing users with crucial data on grades, historical values, and market trends, which can help promote personal evaluations or shape decisions to seek professional grading services. 

On the one hand, the PCGS mobile app reveals a remarkably comprehensive database that includes pricing data derived from actual auction results and market trends, as well as about the most valuable coins in circulation. Besides, it presents a thorough analysis of a value according to various grades, which is crucial for customers who want to know how a certain grade might affect a value. Therefore, it only includes past pricing statistics and mintage figures for each grade.  

A screenshot of the main screen from the PCGS CoinFacts app

Coin ID Scanner, on its part, may open a quicker, easier method, but it is not an assessment tool either. All you have to do in order to access important information about a coin, e.g., its country of origin, mint year, and common varieties, is to scan it. Based on demand and overall rarity, collectors can use this information to help them determine the value. Anyway, its valuation is a bit more basic than PCGS CoinFacts', though, as it does not go thoroughly into past auction data.

PCGS CoinFacts vs. Coin ID Scanner: Which is Better for Identification?

As for coin identification, these are much more interesting to compare and analyze.

Coin ID Scanner was made specifically to quickly identify coins with the use of a smartphone's camera only. The software uses image recognition technology to instantly identify coins. For collectors who are uncertain about a coin and require a prompt and precise response, this function is ideal (yet not the most accurate, though). The app is to instantly analyze the photo and send feedback with necessary details to note.

A screenshot from the Coin ID Scanner app demonstrating its identification features

At the same time, CoinFacts PCGS mobile app is not an obvious identification tool, but rather an informational resource to rely on. Although it is unable to provide rapid identification by photo scanning, users can search a large database of US coins. This is how users can analyze their own collections and make assumptions regarding the type and grade of the coin they are looking at. At last, it is an educational resource, not a practical one.

In terms of identification, Coin ID Scanner clearly takes the lead, yet the encyclopedic properties of the PCGS coin grading app make it the best resource for fundamental analysis. 

Pros and Cons of Each App

PCGS CoinFacts is an extensive resource for collectors. It is more suited for those who wish to delve deeper into the worth and history of coins;  though, it does not offer fast identification tools.


Pros of the PCGS app

Cons of the PCGS app

Comprehensive US database

No quick identification by photo

Provides historical context and mintage information

Limited to US instances only

Professional-grade images and detailed descriptions

Does not offer real-time valuation estimates

Auction price data

Requires manual search for identification


As for the last option, Coin ID Scanner offers an innovative, user-friendly approach that requires preparation and historical knowledge. 


Pros of Coin ID Scanner

Cons of Coin ID Scanner

Instant identification via image recognition

Basic valuation information, not detailed or historical

Covers coins from around the world and from all times, e.g., World War II coins

Dependent on camera quality for accurate identification

Personal collection tracking

No in-depth grading or historical context for rare coins

Offline mode available for scanning and cataloging

Not suitable for those seeking comprehensive analysis


Final Verdict: Which App Should You Choose?

Should you look for quick identification and convenience, Coin ID Scanner is the better choice with its image recognition feature and management tools. However, if you seek a comprehensive resource for in-depth US coin information and history, PCGS CoinFacts is the more valuable tool for serious collectors. Think twice and make a decision wisely!


Sources: 

  1. https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts 

  2. https://coin-identifier.com/ 

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