Free British Coin Identifier
Identify British coins from Anglo-Saxon hammered coins to modern decimal — every monarch and every denomination. Powered by AI — completely free, no sign-up required.
About This Tool
British coinage has a history spanning over 1,300 years, from the earliest Anglo-Saxon pennies through hammered medieval coinage, the milled coins of the Tudor and Stuart periods, the Victorian proliferation, the 1971 decimalisation, and modern commemorative and bullion issues. Our British Coin Identifier covers every monarch from Offa of Mercia to King Charles III, every denomination from the farthing to the five-pound coin, and all pre-decimal denominations including the guinea, crown, half-crown, florin, shilling, sixpence, and threepence.
📸 Tips for Best Results
- ✓The monarch's portrait changes with every reign — identifying the monarch narrows the date range immediately
- ✓Pre-decimal coins (before 1971) use the old system: 12 pence to a shilling, 20 shillings to a pound
- ✓The reverse design varies by denomination and era — crowns and florins have distinctive reverses
- ✓Milled coins (from c.1660) have an edge inscription or reeding; hammered coins have irregular edges
- ✓Look for the mint mark or privy mark on hammered coins — these identify the mint and assay master
🏛️ Fascinating Facts
- •The British penny has been issued continuously for over 1,200 years — longer than any other coin in the world
- •The gold sovereign has been issued almost continuously since 1489
- •Decimalisation on 15 February 1971 replaced the £sd system used for over 1,200 years
- •The Kew Gardens 50p (2009) with a mintage of 210,000 is the rarest circulation 50p — worth over £100 in circulated condition
- •Queen Elizabeth II appeared on the coins of 35 different countries during her 70-year reign
Upload Photo
Photograph both sides of the coin on a dark background
AI Analyses
Our AI examines design, lettering, size, and metal
Full Details
Country, year, denomination, mint mark, and estimated value
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pre-decimal coin?
Pre-decimal British coins use pounds (£), shillings (s), and pence (d): 12 pennies = 1 shilling, 20 shillings = £1. Pre-decimal coins were used until 15 February 1971.
What is the most valuable British coin?
The 1703 VIGO Queen Anne Crown and certain Edward VIII pattern coins are among the most valuable. A 1933 penny — only 7 known — would be worth millions.
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