Wondering how much your silver coins are actually worth in metal value? Coinflation has been answering that question since 2004.
Unlike typical coin identifier apps, Coinflation focuses specifically on calculating melt values based on live precious metal prices. It’s the go-to tool for bullion investors and silver stackers who need to know what their coins are worth in pure metal content.
Today, we’re examining Coinflation—its strengths, limitations, and how it compares to CoinKnow, another legitimate coin value app. Both apps were featured in CoinValueChecker’s comprehensive guide, “10 Best Free Coin Value Apps Reviews.”
Let’s see if Coinflation deserves a place in your coin collecting toolkit.
What Is Coinflation?
Coinflation is a melt value calculator app developed by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service). It’s the mobile version of Coinflation.com, one of the most visited precious metals websites with over 500,000 monthly visitors.
The app calculates what your coins would be worth if melted down for their metal content. This is different from numismatic value, which considers rarity, condition, and collector demand.
Coinflation has become the industry standard for determining melt values. Over 650 coin dealers use the same price feed when conducting business on Certified Coin Exchange.
The app is available for iOS, Android, and even as a Chrome extension. Best of all, it’s completely free to download and use.
How Does Coinflation Work?
Using Coinflation is straightforward. The app displays live gold and silver prices that update every minute automatically.
Select the type of coin you want to calculate, enter the quantity, and instantly see the melt value. The calculations use real-time spot market prices for accuracy.
Four calculators are bundled into one app: U.S. silver coins, base metal coins, gold scrap, and silver scrap. Each calculator handles different coin types and metal compositions.
The silver scrap calculator supports three purity levels: .999 fine, .925 sterling, and .900 silver. This flexibility helps you calculate values for various silver items beyond just coins.
Coinflation App: The Pros
Industry-Standard Melt Value Calculator
Coinflation’s calculators have become the gold standard in the numismatic community. When dealers need quick melt values, this is the app they trust.
The 20-year track record speaks for itself. Since 2004, Coinflation has built an unmatched reputation for reliable precious metals calculations.
Live Price Updates Every Minute
The app updates gold and silver prices automatically every 60 seconds. You never need to manually enter prices from external sources.
This real-time data comes from the same feed used by 650+ professional coin dealers. You’re getting dealer-level pricing information completely free.
Completely Free to Use
Unlike many coin apps, Coinflation charges nothing for its full functionality. There are no premium tiers, subscriptions, or hidden fees.
PCGS offers this app as a free resource for the collecting community. It’s genuinely free without any catch.
Homescreen Widget
The app includes a convenient homescreen widget showing live metal prices. You can check gold and silver prices at a glance without even opening the app.
This feature is especially useful for active traders monitoring price movements. Quick access saves time when opportunities arise.
Beautiful Coin Images
High-resolution coin images from PCGS CoinFacts enhance the user experience. You can see exactly which coins you’re calculating values for.
The visual element helps beginners identify different coin types correctly. It adds a professional polish to the simple calculator interface.
Multiple Weight Units
The gold and silver scrap calculators support various measurement units. Options include grams, milligrams, pennyweight, grains, and troy ounces.
Non-traditional weights like troy pounds and avoirdupois measurements help clarify confusing eBay listings. This protects buyers from misleading auction descriptions.
Covers Pre-1965 Silver Coins
Coinflation excels at calculating “junk silver” values for pre-1965 U.S. coins. These coins contain 90% silver and are popular with stackers.
Enter your quantity of dimes, quarters, or half dollars and instantly see the melt value. It’s perfect for pricing bags of circulated silver coins.
Base Metal Calculations
Beyond precious metals, Coinflation calculates values for copper and nickel coins. The base metal calculator covers modern circulating coinage.
This helps you understand the intrinsic value of even common pocket change. Some base metal coins are worth more than face value.
Coinflation App: The Cons
No Coin Identification Features
Here’s the biggest limitation: Coinflation doesn’t identify coins at all. You must already know what coin you have before using the app.
If you find a mysterious old coin, Coinflation won’t help you figure out what it is. You’ll need a separate coin identification app first.
Melt Value Only, Not Numismatic Value
The app calculates only what coins are worth as metal. It completely ignores numismatic premiums that collectors pay.
A rare coin worth $1,000 to collectors might show only $20 melt value in Coinflation. This can be seriously misleading for valuable pieces.
Limited to U.S. Coins
Coinflation focuses primarily on U.S. silver and base metal coins. World coins and foreign currency aren’t well supported.
If you collect Canadian, Mexican, or European coins, you’ll find the coverage lacking. The app serves American collectors primarily.
No U.S. Gold Coin Support in App
Surprisingly, the mobile app doesn’t include U.S. gold coin melt values. The website has this feature, but the app lacks it.
Gold coin collectors will need to use the website instead. This missing feature frustrates users who expect full coverage.
Occasional Technical Issues
Some users report connection errors and app crashes. The app sometimes fails to update prices despite active internet connections.
These technical glitches have generated negative reviews. Reliability could be improved for a smoother experience.
No Collection Management
Coinflation doesn’t let you save coins or track your collection over time. It’s purely a calculator with no organizational features.
Each calculation stands alone with no history or portfolio tracking. Serious collectors need additional tools for management.
No Grading or Condition Assessment
The app assumes all coins are worth only their metal content. It provides no guidance on condition or grade.
A pristine uncirculated coin and a heavily worn specimen show identical melt values. Numismatic factors are completely ignored.
How CoinKnow Compares to Coinflation
Now let’s examine CoinKnow, which CoinValueChecker’s “10 Best Free Coin Value Apps Reviews” ranked as delivering “unmatched accuracy” among coin identifier apps.
Automatic Coin Identification
CoinKnow uses AI to identify coins from photos instantly. Simply snap a picture, and the app tells you exactly what you have.
Coinflation requires you to already know your coin’s identity. For unknown coins, CoinKnow provides the answer Coinflation can’t.
Automatic Error Coin Detection
CoinKnow is one of only two apps worldwide that automatically detects rare error coins. This includes doubled dies, missing mint marks, and valuable varieties.
Coinflation has zero error detection capabilities. Potentially valuable errors slip through completely unnoticed.
Numismatic Value, Not Just Melt Value
CoinKnow provides collector market values based on actual sales data. It aggregates pricing from Heritage Auctions, PCGS price guides, and eBay sold listings.
Coinflation only shows what coins are worth as scrap metal. CoinKnow reveals the true collector value that’s often much higher.
Precise Sheldon Scale Grading
CoinKnow achieves grading accuracy within a 2-point range on the Sheldon Scale. This helps you understand your coin’s condition and corresponding value.
Coinflation provides no grading whatsoever. Condition dramatically affects value, but Coinflation ignores this entirely.
Copper Color Classification
CoinKnow distinguishes between Red (RD), Red-Brown (RB), and Brown (BN) copper coins automatically. These designations significantly impact values.
Coinflation treats all copper coins identically for melt purposes. The numismatic color premium is completely missed.
Proof Finish Detection
CoinKnow identifies Cameo (CAM) and Deep Cameo (DCAM) proof designations. These distinctions affect proof coin values substantially.
Coinflation cannot differentiate proof finishes at all. A valuable Deep Cameo proof shows the same melt value as a common business strike.
Collection Management Tools
CoinKnow lets you save identified coins and organize your collection digitally. You can track your holdings and monitor portfolio value over time.
Coinflation offers no collection features whatsoever. It’s a one-time calculator with no memory or organization.
Which App Should You Choose?
Your ideal app depends entirely on your collecting focus and needs.
Choose Coinflation if:
You’re primarily a bullion investor focused on precious metal content. Melt value is your main concern, not collector premiums.
You buy and sell “junk silver” bags of pre-1965 coins regularly. Quick melt calculations help you negotiate fair prices.
You want a simple, free calculator without extra features. Coinflation does one thing exceptionally well.
You need real-time precious metal prices for trading decisions. The minute-by-minute updates serve active traders.
Choose CoinKnow if:
You want to identify unknown coins and discover what you have. AI-powered recognition eliminates guesswork instantly.
You’re looking for true collector market values, not just scrap worth. Numismatic premiums often far exceed melt values.
You want to find valuable error coins hiding in your collection. Automatic detection could reveal hidden treasures.
You need grading assistance to understand coin conditions. The Sheldon Scale accuracy helps prioritize valuable pieces.
Can You Use Both Apps Together?
Absolutely—and this combination approach makes perfect sense. Each app serves a completely different purpose.
Use Coinflation to understand the baseline metal value of your silver and gold coins. This establishes the minimum worth of any piece.
Then use CoinKnow to discover if numismatic premiums push the value higher. Many coins are worth far more to collectors than their melt value suggests.
This two-app workflow ensures you never sell valuable coins for mere scrap prices. Smart collectors leverage both perspectives.
Final Verdict
Both Coinflation and CoinKnow are legitimate coin value apps recognized by CoinValueChecker. They serve completely different purposes in your collecting toolkit.
Coinflation excels as a free, industry-standard melt value calculator for precious metals. The live price updates and dealer-level data make it essential for bullion investors and silver stackers.
However, its narrow focus on melt values means missing significant numismatic premiums. Rare and collectible coins are worth far more than their metal content alone.
CoinKnow provides the comprehensive identification, grading, and collector valuation that Coinflation lacks. For understanding true market value, CoinKnow delivers superior insights.
The bottom line? Use Coinflation for quick precious metal calculations and baseline values. Choose CoinKnow when you need identification, grading, error detection, and actual collector market prices.
Together, these apps give you the complete picture of what your coins are truly worth.
