Market value vs melt value — what's the difference
Market value is what a collector would pay for a specific coin based on its rarity, condition, and demand. Melt value is the raw worth of the metal it contains — relevant for silver and gold coins regardless of their collectible status. A silver Washington Quarter, for example, has a melt value of around $4–5 regardless of its condition, but a rare date in mint state could be worth fifty times that.
The app shows both figures for each coin so you can make an informed decision about whether to sell to a dealer, keep for the collection, or hold as a precious metals investment.
How coin grading affects value
The same coin in different grades can vary in value by orders of magnitude. The Sheldon scale runs from Poor (P-1) to Perfect Mint State (MS-70), and each step up can meaningfully increase what a coin is worth. The app estimates the grade range from the photo — not a certified grade, but a useful starting point before deciding whether to send a coin in for professional grading.
For high-value coins, professional grading by PCGS or NGC is recommended before selling. The app's grade estimate helps you prioritize which coins are worth the cost of submission.
Live spot prices for precious metals
For silver, gold, and platinum coins, the melt value updates in real time based on live spot prices. This means when silver spikes, you'll immediately see how it affects the floor value of your silver coin collection without having to do any math.
The live pricing is especially useful for common silver coins like Morgan Dollars, Peace Dollars, and pre-1965 Roosevelt Dimes, where the melt value often exceeds any collectible premium.
Track your collection value over time
Add coins to your collection and the app tracks the total market and melt value of everything you own. As spot prices move and market values update, you'll see your portfolio value reflected in real time — a useful tool for anyone treating their coin collection as part of a broader investment strategy.
Set price alerts for specific coins or for the metals they contain so you know when the market reaches a price you care about.
Know What Your Coins Are Worth
Download Coin Value Identifier free on iOS and check any coin's market value, melt value, and grade instantly.
Download on the App Store — Free