Do you have a huge jug of spare change sitting at home? 
Most people feel overwhelmed when it comes to checking coins for value — not knowing what to look for, where to research, or which coins matter.
Good news! 
There’s a free app that makes identifying valuable coins incredibly easy — even for beginners. I’ve personally used it many times, and it can save you hours of guessing.
Let’s walk through it step by step 
Step 1: Download the FREE PCGS CoinFacts App
- Open the App Store
- Search for “PCGS CoinFacts”
- Download the app (
it’s completely FREE)
Once installed, open the app and you’ll see a massive database covering every denomination and type of U.S. coin ever made.
Step 2: Choose the Coin You Want to Check
The app lets you browse:
- Pennies
- Nickels
- Dimes
- Quarters
- Half Dollars
- And more!
Since pennies can be surprisingly valuable, let’s start there.
- Tap Half Cents & Cents
- Select Small Cents
- Choose 1982–2008 (Memorial Reverse)
Now you’ll see a year-by-year breakdown of known varieties and major errors.
Step 3: Look for Valuable Errors (Example: 1992-D Penny)
The app doesn’t list every error ever made — but it highlights the most famous and valuable ones.
Example:
- 1992 Close AM
- 1992-D Close AM
These pennies can still be found in regular pocket change and are worth serious money.
- Tap 1992-D
- You’re now on the detailed coin page
Step 4: Check Coin Values & Real Sales Prices
On the coin page:
- Tap PCGS Value View
- See values based on condition
- View population reports
- Browse real sold auctions
For the 1992-D Close AM Penny, the app shows:
- Clear photos of the error
- Verified auction results
One example shows this exact penny selling on eBay for $1,375!
Step 5: Search All Your Change
This is just one example. The app also helps you research:
- Quarters
- Nickels
- Dimes
- Half Dollars
No matter what coins you have, this app makes it easy to identify hidden treasures 
.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever felt confused or overwhelmed by coin collecting, PCGS CoinFacts is a game-changer.
It’s free, beginner-friendly, and could help you spot coins worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Happy hunting! 
