Coin Pickup

Listen & Download

What Is This Sound?

This is a synthesized coin collect sound effect built entirely with web audio synthesis — no recordings or samples used. The bright, sparkling double-tone you hear is generated in real-time by your browser, recreating the satisfying “bling” that has rewarded players in video games for over four decades.

The coin pickup sound is one of the most psychologically powerful audio cues in gaming. It triggers an instant dopamine response, reinforcing the player’s action and encouraging continued engagement. This version captures that rewarding sparkle using pure synthesis.

How Is the Coin Sound Created with Code?

The coin sound is built from two overlapping high-pitched tones that create a bright, shimmering quality. Here is the Tone.js implementation:

Step 1: Set Up the Square Wave Synth

We use a square wave oscillator with a very fast attack and moderate decay to produce crisp, bell-like tones:

const synth = new Tone.Synth({
  oscillator: { type: "square" },
  envelope: {
    attack: 0.005,
    decay: 0.3,
    sustain: 0,
    release: 0.1,
  },
});
synth.toDestination();

Step 2: Trigger Overlapping Notes

The magic of the coin sound comes from two notes played in quick succession with a slight overlap. The first note (B5) begins, and before it fully decays, the second note (E6) starts 70 milliseconds later. This overlap creates the characteristic shimmer:

const now = Tone.now();
synth.triggerAttackRelease("B5", "16n", now);
synth.triggerAttackRelease("E6", "16n", now + 0.07);

Step 3: Signal Chain

The signal path is: Square Oscillator → Fast Envelope → Speakers. The near-instant 5ms attack gives the sound a sharp transient that grabs attention, while the 300ms decay lets the tone ring out just enough to feel satisfying without lingering.

The Science Behind the Coin Sound

Why Do Overlapping High Tones Sound Like a Reward?

The coin sound exploits several psychoacoustic principles simultaneously. First, high-frequency tones (B5 at 987.77 Hz and E6 at 1318.51 Hz) are inherently attention-grabbing because human hearing is most sensitive in the 1–4 kHz range. Second, the ascending interval between the two notes (a perfect fourth) creates a sense of resolution and brightness that the brain interprets as positive.

The overlapping onset is critical. When two tones sound nearly simultaneously with a slight offset, they create brief constructive and destructive interference patterns that produce a shimmering, sparkle-like quality. This is the same acoustic principle that makes bells and chimes sound bright and celebratory.

The Reward Circuit Connection

Game audio researchers have shown that short, high-pitched, ascending sounds activate the brain’s reward prediction circuitry more effectively than other sound profiles. The coin sound has been refined over decades of game design to maximize this response — its brevity ensures it never becomes annoying even when collected hundreds of times per session.

Frequency Spectrum

Common Uses

• Game Collectibles — The definitive audio cue for picking up coins, gems, stars, rings, or any in-game collectible item
• Achievement Unlocks — A satisfying confirmation sound when players earn achievements, badges, or experience points
• E-Commerce & Fintech — Subtle audio feedback for successful transactions or payments in financial apps
• Gamification Systems — Reward sounds for completing tasks, earning points, or leveling up in productivity and education apps
• Slot Machines & Casino Games — Winning and payout audio cues
• Mobile Notifications — A pleasant, non-intrusive alert sound for positive events like receiving a payment or completing a goal

Technical Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this sound in my game?

Yes. The sound is generated by code running in your browser. The downloaded WAV file is yours to use in any personal or commercial project, including mobile games, console titles, and web applications.

How can I make the coin sound brighter?

Raise both notes by an octave — try B6 and E7. You can also shorten the decay to 0.15 seconds for a tighter, more percussive sparkle. Adding a tiny bit of reverb in post-processing can enhance the shimmer effect.

Why are the notes B5 and E6 specifically?

The B5-to-E6 interval is a perfect fourth, which is one of the most consonant and bright-sounding intervals in music. This specific register sits right in the sweet spot of human hearing sensitivity, maximizing perceived brightness without being shrill.

Can I layer this with other sounds?

Absolutely. Coin sounds are commonly layered with a short burst of white noise or a subtle metallic reverb tail to add texture. You can also pitch-shift the sound slightly for variation when multiple coins are collected in rapid succession.