Help with the coin problem!?

You have 12 identical-looking coins but one is actually counterfeit. The coin that is counterfeit is either heavier or lighter that the other eleven coins that all weight the same amount.
The challenge is: Using one balance scale {JUST THREE} times, you must identify the coin that is counterfeit, and whether it is a heavier or lighter coin that the other eleven coins.

How do I solve this problem?
Help please?!

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