Im a new collector and I want more knowledge. Can anyone give me advice on what exactly to look for in error coins? Does anyone know specific dates on specific coins? Whats common and whats not? I hope Im not asking too much.
Study the coin-making process. If you don't understand how coins are made you will have a hard time understanding how error coins are made. Similarly, you need to understand how coin dies are made (and what can go wrong in that process) to understand how varieties are made.
All good advice. Btw the Cherry pickers guide is a two volume book of known errors and die varieties by date and mintmark. If you wish to pursue errors and varieties it is WELL worth the money. Knowledge is power and money in this hobby, usually the most knowledgable collectors win. Study hard, but its not that bad, all you have to do is read a lot about coins, and that is always fun.
The recommendation of getting The Cherrypicker's Guide by Fivas & Stanton is a good one. The original Cherrypickers was a single volume covering cents through dollars. Today it is published in two volumes. The Cherrypicker's Guide show details of the specific dates & varieties that are known & sought-after by collectors. I would recommend The Error Coin Encyclopedia (the plaid book). The most recent version is by Arnold Margolis & Fred Weinberg. This book better describes the minting process & the different types of errors & varieties IMO. However, it does not catalog all the specific coins like the Cherrypicker's Guide. There are also great Websites listing varieties. You might want to visit this one: http://www.varietyvista.com/
I almost forgot to say WELCOME TO THE COINTALK FORUM. If questions arise, please post them here at CT.
A buddy of mine suggested "Strike It Rich with Pocket Change". I got the kindle version for $9.99. I'm about 15 pages into it and I'm far knowledgeable regarding terminology, grades, and the minting process than I was when I woke up this morning. I plan on getting the Cherry Pickers guides as well... but this was cheaper and on kindle, so I had to nab it. From what I've seen so far, it's gives a good 101 style introduction to all the basics you'd like to know.
