Abstract: A method to generate an optical signature of a coin is disclosed. A plurality of parameters are generated and recorded related to rotational positions around the circumference of a coin. The data from these parameters are combined to produce a searchable value.

Abstract: An apparatus to locate a coin comprises a rotary platform configured to hold the coin and a plurality of coin contacting mechanisms, coupled to the rotary platform.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing scattering signatures from a coin comprises a platform configured to hold the coin and an electromagnetic radiation source configured to produce a beam directed toward a portion of at least one surface of the coin. The electromagnetic radiation source is arranged to produce a far-field scattering signature upon interaction the at least one surface of the coin. A plurality of collection elements is configured to produce an electrical signal based upon collecting at least a portion of the far-field scattering signature.

Abstract: In various exemplary embodiments, a coin storage device is disclosed. The coin storage device comprises an encapsulation portion configured to secure a coin therein and allow for visual inspection of the coin. A viewing port is arranged on an edge of the encapsulation portion and is configured to both allow a light source to impinge upon an edge of the coin and return a light signal from the edge of the coin.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing scattering signatures from a coin comprises a platform configured to hold the coin and an electromagnetic radiation source configured to produce a beam directed toward a portion of at least one surface of the coin. The electromagnetic radiation source is arranged to produce a far-field scattering signature upon interaction the at least one surface of the coin. A plurality of collection elements is configured to produce an electrical signal based upon collecting at least a portion of the far-field scattering signature.

Abstract: An apparatus to record images from a coin is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a stage configured to position and rotate the coin. The stage is further configured to produce an angular positional signal output to indicate a rotational position of the coin. A first and second reflecting device are configured to concurrently image near-edge portions of both obverse and reverse sides of the coin and a recording apparatus is directed simultaneously toward an edge of the coin and the first and second reflecting devices.

Abstract: A coin illumination source comprises a geometric feature configured to surround a coin under evaluation, a plurality of illumination sources mounted within the geometric feature, and a viewing aperture through which an imaging device can capture an image of the coin.

Abstract: An apparatus to locate a coin comprises a rotary platform configured to hold the coin and a plurality of coin contacting mechanisms, coupled to the rotary platform.

Abstract: A method to generate an optical signature of a coin is disclosed. A plurality of parameters are generated and recorded related to rotational positions around the circumference of a coin. The data from these parameters are combined to produce a searchable value.