Automated computer-based method for determining the numismatic quality of coins, medals, etc., using a CCD camera for viewing the coins and image databases for comparison with sorted coins

摘要

Method for determining the numismatic quality of coins or similar, with the coins examined in bulk. The coins are viewed one by one on both sides and compared with standard images stored in a database. If a coin is recognized, then its year of production is read, while if the coin is not recognized then it is put aside for manual processing. Recognized coins are compared with a second database containing known striking errors for a year of production and coins finally classed accordingly. Independent claims are made for (1) a device for determining numismatic quality of coins having a CCD camera (2) a device for turning coins over for viewing (3) a controlling computer (4) a computer program product