So I just started looking into coins and seeing if I could be lucky enough to find one that might actually be of value. I have three pennies that im curious as to whether I should get them graded or not. Would like some opinions and specifics if you know what these coins are, errors, messed up over time, worth the effort? Any advice, anything will be helpful. I’m very new to this.
These are damaged circulated cents. The Shield Cent was caught between the rotating drum in a washer and the fixed section. As the laundry spins the coin wears. Welcome to CT!
What about the 61’, that looks like a stamp error. Can make out an O and part of the N from the “ONE” on the front?…no? And thank you!
The O is incuse. It was pressed into the coin. Stacked cents crushed together. Damage. You’ll see this a lot during CRH events.
Keep this in mind.. Not everything that looks different, strange or weird is automatically a mint error. There are so many way coins become damaged or altered post mint. But it's great you are asking so you can learn. Worry only about identifying what true errors are first. Many minor errors found in circulation have very little or no premiums at all. Don't get caught up with way overvalued coins seen on eBay or Etsy. I've seen a lot of ridiculous listings for Damaged coins that should be only worth face value If you do find a minor mint error many times it's not really necessary to send them to a grading company. You also need to know that you have to pay two fees. One for grading and another for attribution. Attribution is when they verify if you have a error or variety coin. It can get costly! Welcome to CoinTalk Mr. Ed - Specializing in collecting mint errors since 1986.
@Frogman79 Welcome to CoinTalk. A few things that might be helpful: For the best results, you should post "in focus," FULL IMAGE photos (after you upload your photo, two buttons appear: Thumbnail and Full Image, click Full Image and your photo appears full size on your post and are easily enlarged by clicking on it). Photograph coins on neutral backgrounds like black, grey, or white. Crop out superfluous background so just the coin shows (you can use https://www.remove.bg for free), and post photos with correct orientation so members don't have to turn their computer in some awkward fashion to view it properly. While it isn’t always necessary, it is nice to show both the obverse and reverse, even if your question is just about one side. Members can often give more valuable information having both sides to evaluate. Add close ups of areas you have questions about and make your questions as definitive as possible so we know what you are asking for. And try to have the best lighting possible to show the most favorable photo of the coin. Hope this helps in the future. Good luck. If you don't already have a Red Book, please buy one (used is okay as the price guide is long behind at printing) and read it. Being honest as I can, if you are looking to "get rich," from finding coins in circulation, don't quit your day job. While it can happen, it's pretty rare and would take so much time. Last, when you spot a coin that looks "different" ask yourself how that could have happened during the minting process. If you can't find an answer, it isn't an error, and usually will only have face value.
