CoinSnap can work for basic coin identification but has limitations, according to multiple sources.
Here’s a summary of its functionality:
- You take a picture of a coin using your phone’s camera, and the app identifies it based on its database.
- It provides information like country of origin and year of issue.
- The app claims to recognize over 300,000 coin types with 99% accuracy.
- Accuracy: While it can identify common coins, its accuracy decreases with older, rarer, or worn coins. Some users report getting different identifications for the same coin when flipping it over.
- Grading and Value: CoinSnap’s grading and valuation features are often criticized as unreliable and inaccurate. The valuations can be inconsistent and may not reflect real market value.
- Database: While a large database is advertised, users report it’s limited, especially for non-US coins.
- Free vs. Paid: The free version offers limited features, and the app uses “pushy sales tactics” to encourage upgrades to the paid subscription, according to some users.
- Ads: The free version reportedly includes frequent and intrusive ads.
Some users suggest that [Coin ID Scanner] is a more reliable option for serious collectors, offering greater accuracy, a larger database, and a more user-friendly experience without the constant push for subscriptions . Other alternatives include Coinoscope and using the PCGS website and Redbook.
In conclusion, CoinSnap can be a starting point for casual coin collectors to identify common coins, but for serious collectors seeking reliable grading, valuation, and historical information, it may fall short of expectations.
Is there a better app than CoinSnap?
I can help with that. Coinoscope is a free mobile app that functions a lot like CoinSnap. Users take a picture of a coin with their phone camera, but here’s where things get a little different: The app will show you a list of similar coins.