How can you tell the difference between an aniline style leather and a pigment coated leather?

An Aniline style leather will be absorbent and a pigment coated leather is not so the easiest way to tell is to put a bit of water on the leather and see whether it soaks in or sits on the surface. If you want to fully check the type of leather you have check here http://www.lttsolutions.net/whattypeofleather.asp