Frequently Asked Questions

What is NumisLens?

NumisLens is a personal collection management tool for coin and banknote collectors. It lets you record what you own with photos, catalog references, grades, valuations, and condition notes, all in one place. The app also includes a searchable catalog of 81,000+ coin types drawn from the major numismatic reference systems (RIC, BMC, SEAR, RPC, and others), and tools to generate structured collection documentation for insurance or estate purposes.

Who is NumisLens for?

NumisLens is for collectors who want a more reliable record of their collection than scattered spreadsheets, phone photos, and notebooks. It is particularly well-suited for serious collectors of ancient, world, or U.S. coinage who maintain detailed attributions, but it works equally well for tracking a banknote collection or a mixed holding of coins and paper money across any era or geography.

Is NumisLens an appraisal or pricing tool?

No. NumisLens does not appraise coins or provide guaranteed market values. Any values entered in the app are supplied by you, based on purchase price, recent auction results, or dealer estimates, and exist for personal reference only. For current market pricing on major ancient series, the reference guides on this site include auction-based pricing context, but these are informational and not appraisals.

Does NumisLens replace tools like Numista or grading registries?

No. Numista, the PCGS population report, NGC registry, and OCRE serve as reference databases and grading records. NumisLens is a personal ownership record: it tracks what you actually own, how you acquired it, what condition it is in, and what documentation you have. These are complementary tools. Many collectors use NumisLens alongside Numista or RIC lookups without any conflict.

Can I use NumisLens for insurance documentation?

NumisLens can help you organize your collection records and generate export documentation that collectors typically present to insurers. The insurance export produces a ZIP package containing a CSV schedule of your items (descriptions, catalog references, grades, and stated values) alongside your stored photos. Whether a specific insurer accepts this format is their decision. NumisLens does not guarantee acceptance by any insurance provider.

Does NumisLens track market prices?

No. NumisLens does not pull live market prices or model value changes over time. The valuation fields in the app are for user-entered data: your purchase price, an estimate based on recent auction research, or a dealer's stated value. For current pricing context on major ancient coin series such as Roman Imperial or Greek coinage, the reference guides on this site include recent auction-based market data.

Are my coins or banknotes verified by NumisLens?

No. NumisLens does not authenticate, grade, or verify items. The catalog and identification tool help attribute coin types based on reference system data, but this is an attribution aid, not a guarantee of authenticity or condition. For formal authentication and grading, consult a recognized third-party service such as PCGS, NGC, or a specialist numismatist.

Is my data shared with anyone?

No. Your collection data (photos, descriptions, valuations, catalog references, and notes) is private and stored securely in your account. NumisLens does not sell, share, or publish your collection records. You control what you export. Exports are produced on demand and delivered directly to you; nothing from your collection is transmitted to third parties as part of the export process.

Can I export my collection?

Yes. NumisLens supports two export types. The standard CSV export contains all your collection data in a structured spreadsheet format (item names, catalog references, grades, metal, mint, dates, and valuations) suitable for use in Excel or any spreadsheet application. The insurance export produces a ZIP archive containing that CSV schedule alongside your stored coin photos, formatted for presentation to an insurance provider.

Is NumisLens free?

NumisLens offers free access to core features, including the coin catalog and identification tool. Collection management features (recording coins, storing photos, and generating exports) are available to registered users. See the app for current plan details and any applicable limitations. Feature access and pricing may be updated over time.