Scanning & Identification
How do I scan a coin?
Open CoinScholar and tap the Scan button (the circular button in the centre of the tab bar). Position the front (obverse) of your coin within the circular frame — the outline turns green when a coin is detected. Tap to capture. You can then optionally capture the reverse for higher accuracy, or tap "Skip Reverse" to identify from the front only.
What types of coins can CoinScholar identify?
CoinScholar can identify a wide range of coins including U.S. coins (Morgan Dollars, Lincoln Cents, Buffalo Nickels, Walking Liberty Halves, and more), world coins, ancient coins, and numismatic rarities. Identification accuracy is highest for well-known series in good condition. Heavily worn or damaged coins may return lower-confidence results.
How many scans do I get per month?
Free members receive 5 scans per month. Silver members receive 25 scans per month. Gold members enjoy unlimited scans. Your scan count resets automatically on the first day of each calendar month.
Why did my scan fail or return an unexpected result?
For best results: ensure the coin is well-lit (natural or direct light works best), hold the camera 6–10 inches from the coin, keep the coin centred in the circular frame, and avoid reflective glare. Try rotating the coin slightly if the first attempt is unclear. Heavily cleaned or damaged coins may not identify reliably.
Where does the market valuation data come from?
Market valuations are sourced from numismatic market data and are provided as estimates for informational purposes. Values represent typical retail ranges (Low / Mid / High) and may not reflect the precise value of your specific coin, which can vary based on strike quality, eye appeal, and market conditions at time of sale.
Collection & Portfolio
How do I add a coin to my collection?
After scanning a coin, tap Add to Collection on the result screen. You can select whether the coin is Raw or Graded. Once added, visit the coin's detail page to edit grades, purchase price, purchase date, storage location, and notes.
How many coins can I store?
Free members cannot store coins. Silver members can store up to 200 coins. Gold members enjoy unlimited collection storage. Upgrade at any time from the Profile tab or by tapping "Add to Collection" as a Free member.
Can I record where I physically store my coins?
Yes. On each coin's detail page, tap the edit icon and you'll find a Storage Type field (Safe, Safe Deposit Box, Album, Binder, Display Case, Drawer, or Other) and a free-text Location Reference field where you can note the specific location, box number, album page, or any other reference.
How do I export my collection?
Gold members can export their entire collection as a CSV file. Open the Collection tab and tap the CSV button in the top-right corner. The file can be shared to any app on your device, including Files, Numbers, or Excel.
How does the Portfolio dashboard work?
The Portfolio tab shows the total current market value of all coins in your collection, your total gain/loss vs. purchase price, and a breakdown by series, metal composition, and grade. Silver members see current portfolio value. Gold members additionally see historical value charts over time.
Subscriptions & Billing
What is the 14-day free trial?
New CoinScholar members who have never held a paid subscription on their Apple ID are eligible for a 14-day free Gold trial. The trial is processed entirely through Apple's StoreKit — no credit card is charged until the trial ends. You can cancel at any time before the trial ends from your iPhone's Settings → Apple ID → Subscriptions.
How do I upgrade or change my plan?
Open the Profile tab in CoinScholar and tap Upgrade Plan, or tap any locked feature to be taken to the upgrade screen. You can switch between monthly and annual billing, or upgrade from Silver to Gold at any time. Billing changes take effect at the start of your next billing period.
How do I cancel my subscription?
Subscriptions are managed entirely by Apple. To cancel, go to Settings → [Your Name] → Subscriptions on your iPhone, tap CoinScholar, and select Cancel Subscription. Your access continues until the end of the current billing period. CoinScholar cannot issue refunds — please contact Apple Support for billing issues.
I already subscribed — how do I restore my purchase on a new device?
Open CoinScholar, go to the upgrade screen, and tap Restore Purchase at the bottom. Make sure you are signed in with the same Apple ID that was used to purchase the subscription.
Account & Security
How do I enable Face ID sign-in?
After signing in with your email and password, CoinScholar will offer to enable Face ID for faster future sign-ins. You can also enable or disable it at any time from the Profile → Security settings. Face ID is handled entirely by your device — CoinScholar never stores your biometric data.
I forgot my password. How do I reset it?
On the login screen, tap Forgot Password? and enter your email address. You'll receive a reset link by email. Follow the link to set a new password, then sign in as usual. Passwords must be at least 8 characters.
How do I delete my account?
Go to Profile → Delete Account. Account deletion is permanent and immediately removes all your data — including your collection, portfolio history, price alerts, and coin scan images. This action cannot be undone. Your active subscription (if any) must be cancelled separately via Apple Settings.
Is my collection data backed up?
Yes. Your collection is stored securely in the cloud — you can sign in on any iPhone and access your full collection. Your data is not stored locally only, so uninstalling the app does not delete it.
Price Alerts & Watchlist
How do price alerts work?
Price alerts notify you when a coin in your collection changes in value by a percentage you define. Go to Profile → Price Alerts, tap +, select a coin, set your target percentage, and choose whether you want to be notified on increases, decreases, or both. Silver members can hold up to 5 active alerts; Gold members have no limit.
What is the Watchlist?
The Watchlist lets you track coins you don't own yet. Search for any coin and add it to monitor its market value over time. Silver members can watch up to 10 coins; Gold members can watch unlimited coins. Access your Watchlist from the Collection tab.