Geocaching

Geocoin FAQ

What is a Geocoin?

A Geocoin is a special coin created by individuals or groups of geocachers as a kind of signature item or calling card. Like Travel Bug^® Trackables, each Geocoin is assigned a unique tracking ID which allows them to travel from geocache to geocache or to be passed amongst friends, picking up stories along the way.

How do Geocoins work?

Because each Geocoin is assigned a unique tracking number, its progress can be tracked online through logs posted by the finders. There are different types of logs that can be made on a Geocoin's personal home page, including picking up or dropping off the coin, and "discovering" the coin. When you log, you'll have the opportunity to share your thoughts on the Geocoin page and to upload any photos associated with it. In addition, by logging a Geocoin your online collection will reflect that you found that particular coin.

What do I do if I find a Geocoin?

Don't panic! You have already made the first step by visiting this web site, where you can log that you found it. We have a How to Use a Geocoin page that explains in more detail how to pick up and drop off geocoins.

What do I do if I find an unactivated Geocoin?

Oftentimes, geocachers will place unactivated Geocoins in a cache for others to have. In some cases, the activation code has not been included. If you need to obtain an activation code for your Geocoin, please visit the Geocoin manufacturer's website. Visit this Help Center article for information on locating manufacturers.

Where do I find the printable info sheet for my Geocoin or other Trackable?

To help your Geocoin or other Trackable reach its goal, custom information sheets can be printed and sent out with the coin. To print this out, visit your Trackable's reference page and click on "print info sheet."

I found a Geocoin but the website doesn't recognize the tracking number!

To log a geocoin on the website you need to know the tracking number stamped on the coin itself. However, not all geocoins are trackable here, so be sure to check the coin to see if another website URL is stamped on it, or ask around to find out more information. All trackable geocoins on Geocaching.com will contain the phrase "Trackable at Geocaching.com". Take care not to confuse a series number like "302" with the tracking number, which will typically be a combination of letters and numbers.

Is there any Geocoin etiquette?

The most common question on etiquette relates to what to do if you find a Geocoin. Keep it? Move it to another geocache? The answer always depends on the goal that its owner has set for it. Usually the best way to find the answer to these questions is to visit the Geocoin's personal home page and read the description there. If there is a theme or special instructions from the owner, you should do your best to adhere to the Geocoin's goal, or send an email to the owner for more clarification.

Selling a coin that doesn't belong to you is generally frowned upon unless you have received express permission from its owner.

If you create your own series of geocoins and wish to prevent people from selling them, it is recommended you activate all of your coins on Geocaching.com before they leave your possession. This gives you a claim to ownership and, once reported, allows us to deactivate the coin at your request. If you have given any geocoins away which have not been activated, we consider it to be a transfer of ownership and cannot intervene. Think ahead!

Owner Questions

Where can I buy my own Geocoins?

Having your own Geocoins minted can be an exciting process. With hundreds of different design options available, you should have no trouble coming up with a Geocoin that will showcase you or your group's personality in a unique way. Browse the Geocoin gallery for inspiration, and then contact one of the approved Geocoin manufacturers listed here.

I received my Geocoins. What do I do next?

You will first need to activate each Geocoin you own. Visit the Geocoin Activation Wizard to start activating your new Geocoins. Watch this screencast for step by step instructions on activating your Geocoin. Once you activate them you can place them in caches or trade them with friends.

Where can I find my activation code?

There are different locations for retrieving coin activation codes depending on where they were minted. Check the manufacturer's website for this information. Some commonly used activation code websites are: www.coincodes.com, www.hogcode.com, and www.oakcoins.com/activate.

How do I drop a Geocoin in my own cache?

Once you have reported your new cache listing, revisit the listing page and click on the link to post a new log. Write a note for your cache listing and select the Geocoin that you wish to drop off in your cache.

The distance traveled is calculated wrong. How do I fix it?

Distance is calculated for each Geocoin in the logs' date order. Sometimes users log a Geocoin with the wrong date so the order of the logs is incorrect. This will often create a wrong distance total.

To correct this you can delete the logs that are incorrect and have the user re-enter them, but you'll have to address issues on a case-by-case basis.

The Geocoin is no longer in [a cache]. How do I remove it?

Occasionally a Geocoin is picked up but for whatever reason the person who picked it up does not log the find. If this happens, users visiting the cache will often let you know that the Geocoin is no longer there. As the Geocoin owner, you have the ability to move your coin to an unknown location until it is found again. Visit your Geocoin's listing on Geocaching.com and choose the option to move your coin to an unknown location. This will not affect your overall travels and distance calculation. Cache owners also have the ability to move the Geocoin listed on their cache page to an unknown location.

How do I transfer ownership of my Geocoin to another geocacher?

Visit the Trackable adoption tool and enter the tracking ID for your Geocoin. Then enter the username of the person to whom you would like to transfer the coin. This is a handy utility for sending and receiving adoption requests and a way to help make the transition go smoothly for the new listing owner.