Numismaster, how they work?

As we know, since Krause stopped assigning KM codes, the Numismaster website has been responsible for assigning KM codes to newly issued coins (or older coins that didn't have them). 

My question is simple: does anyone know how they work, what sources they use to add new (or old) coins and assign the corresponding code KM?

Many thanks, Oscar

You could try https://numismaster.com/footer/contact-us or e-mail one of the editors directly (for example, Sophia Mattimiro (Numismatics Senior Editor) at smattimiro@aimmedia.com) or the entire editorial team at numismatics@aimmedia.com

The sources are the same as they have already been: submissions from individuals (collectors, dealers, or anyone else, really) or any data compiled by the editorial team from various sources like mint announcements, auction sales, historical and archival records, TPGs, etc.

KM numbers are assigned “sequentially by country, primarily based on the, denomination, and design, typically in chronological order of issue."  "A decimal point with a number (e.g., KM# 150.1, 150.2) indicates a minor variation or design change, while a letter suffix (e.g., KM# 1a) indicates a change in metal composition."

For new submissions, be sure to include:

• High-Resolution Photos: Clear, well-lit images of both the obverse (front) and reverse (back) of the coin.
• Technical Specifications: The coin's country of origin, year, denomination, metal composition, weight (in grams), and diameter (in millimeters).
• Discovery Details: Note any unique features, mint marks, or edge lettering that distinguish it from known KM types.

Thank you very much for your reply and the information. You've already explained what types of sources they usually consult.

My point is that I have the feeling that before, with the Krause editions, most numismatic websites got their information from their publications (KM codes) to built our online catalogs.

My feeling is that now, with Numismaster, it's completely the opposite; this website, which assigns the new KM codes, uses websites like Numista as a source for new coins or old coins without an assigned code.

Do you have the same feeling?

I think it's a 2-way street, with data moving in both directions and I don't see anything wrong with that. It has always been about collaboration and cross-referencing.

Houseofham

I think it's a 2-way street, with data moving in both directions and I don't see anything wrong with that. It has always been about collaboration and cross-referencing.

No, no, of course there's nothing wrong with that; I hope it didn't sound that way. 

I just wanted to point out that I believe Numista is becoming an increasingly important reference and source of information in the numismatic world. I simply wanted to highlight this. 

It is a source of pride for all of us who collaborate to create a better website every day.

Oh, well, yeah, no question about that. Once the SCWC had disappeared as a published catalog (in paper/cd format), the obvious advantages of online catalogs became even more apparent – more editors and contributors, much faster updates, better organized and more detailed listing, search features, being able to catalog your collection and access/export/share it, and all of it free of charge. Plus, various community features like forums and exchanging coins, etc.

When I go to a money show, dealers may still have a stack of old copies of the SCWC on their table, but I just open up Numista on my phone and have access to all the same info and more without having to drag a bunch of paper weights around or flipping through hundreds of pages.

oynbcn

My feeling is that now, with Numismaster, it's completely the opposite; this website, which assigns the new KM codes, uses websites like Numista as a source for new coins or old coins without an assigned code.

 

Do you have the same feeling?

Yes, absolutly. For example new KM numbers for Alderey coins were assigned to most of the Alderney 2017-2024 coins that existed in Numista somewhere in summer 2024, however they skiped some old coins existing in Numista without KM numbers. 

Coins that I added later (even from earlier years) have no KM# numbers. 

I noticed similar case for some other issuers that I'm the referee too.

MMowiec

oynbcn

My feeling is that now, with Numismaster, it's completely the opposite; this website, which assigns the new KM codes, uses websites like Numista as a source for new coins or old coins without an assigned code.

 

Do you have the same feeling?

Yes, absolutly. For example new KM numbers for Alderey coins were assigned to most of the Alderney 2017-2024 coins that existed in Numista somewhere in summer 2024, however they skiped some old coins existing in Numista without KM numbers. 

Coins that I added later (even from earlier years) have no KM# numbers. 

I noticed similar case for some other issuers that I'm the referee too.

For Liberia, exactly the same. Nearly 900 new KM codes were assigned in the last month to coins that had not had a code assigned since 2001. They match 100% with the coins existing in the Numista catalog since that year.