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Non-bankable coins include those whose shape or weight has been disturbed beyond a coin counter's ability to recognize its denomination.
A coin's shape mostly pertains to its width and diameter.
Bent coins are effectively wider than flat coins so will be rejected by coin counters and vending machines.
The same is true for coins that are stretched or have a deformed circumference that exceeds allowable tolerances for their diameter.
Weight requirements are violated when a coin is so corroded that it no longer falls within standard limits.
Coins can also be rejected for cosmetic reasons such as being so defaced that its nature can no longer be discerned.
Finally, coins can be of the wrong type.
For example, foreign currency, and tokens (arcade, parking, etc.) are non-bankable.
Here are some pictures of non-bankable coins we've seen:
| Picture | Description |
|---|
 | Bent Quarter. This is the type of situation that would prevent a coin from passing through a coin counter or vending machine because the thickness is too large. This quarter was struck in the middle hard enough to bend it out of shape. |
 | Stretched Coin. Notice the edge near Lincoln's right shoulder is stretched out of shape. This will prevent the penny from passing through a slot sized for a penny. |
 | Pitted Penny. This penny is corroded so bad that pitting ultimately burrowed all the way through making a hole. When this much metal is lost from a coin, it will most likely be rejected on the basis of low weight. We find that many modern American pennies corrode more quickly than older pennies which were comprised of more copper. |
 | Foreign Currency. Most foreign coins we receive are Canadian. This is a cupronickel (copper-nickel) 50 fils coin from Kuwait. |
 | Token. Here's an arcade token we commonly receive. Pennies are the most common coin thrown into a fountain or wishing well. It's interesting that pennies and tokens are used as this goes against the legend. Hoping for good fortune or that a specific wish be granted, ancient people offered items of value to gods believed to inhabit life-giving water of the well. Items of low value may irritate the gods and result in ill fortune. |
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