 [ Symptoms ] should i be worried if my 5 yr old has possibly swallowed a coin or is his gi tract large enough for it to just pass [ Disease ] what kind of coin a 50 cent piece or a quarter may be more problematic than a dime but basically a coin will usually pass harmlessly the only way to be sure if a child swallowed a coin is with an abdominal x ray but more recently i saw someone use a metal detector the kind used for searching for coins on a beach assuming he is well not vomiting passing stools the coin may emerge in a day or so yes you need to look and probe around to see if you find a coin not a pleasant job but one that only a parent can do if he is having gastrointestinal issues consulting his medical provider is prudent i once x rayed a child with a half dozen coins in the gi tract it must have sounded like a slot machine when he went to the toilet