Hello all, I've been working on buying rolls of pennies(US) here and there for a while now, but no matter how much I look at these things I can't seem to determine if I'm looking at shadows or DD or OMM etc. I have a decent loupe that makes all the details quite easy to see, but as I said I can stare forever at these things and I just start to get confused and frustrated. So my question is; what is the best way to start educating myself on this subject, specifically 1 Cent (wheat or memorial) errors? What are the easy pitfalls and mistakes that a newb would make and what 'hardware' should I acquire to hunt successfully? I know I have a lot to learn but with so much information out there I'm overwhelmed and don't know what series of steps I should take to educate myself, gladly willing to hear all recommendations & constructive criticism. Thanks!
Get a USB microscope for your PC - you can get one for around 30$. I bought this one around a year ago and works great for Windows 7. Check out my post "1913 Buffalo MD??" (error coins forum) for a picture from it. https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Mic...0XNYXQHE?ie=UTF8&ref_=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top
First welcome to Cointalk! Second.. understand that there is a difference between an Error and a Variety Here are 2 websites that can help you I want to share these 2 webpage with you http://lincolncentresource.com/FAQ/errors_vs_varieties.html and http://www.error-ref.com/
Welcome. You have come to the right place as this site is full of very knowledgable people who will help you in a heartbeat when it comes to this great hobby. I myself have been a member a little over a month and I have learned a lot in the little time that I have been here. From my experience I would suggest a good reference book such as the MEGA RED BOOK. Available at wizardcoin.com for about $35. This book is loaded with lots of pictures on all different variety types which will help you a lot. I also suggest a good camera setup so you can take pictures and upload them to this site if there is a coin in question. There is even a great thread that was posted not to long ago on this site that teaches you about taking great pictures. Well that's all I can offer, let the experienced guys respond as they will give you some great info.
1. Get a copy of the Cherrypicker's Guide. 2. Get an Ott portable florescent lamp. It takes the shadow and glare/shadow off the coins so you can easily see what you are actually looking for.
Yes, welcome to the neighborhood! Acquiring a USB scope (or even a stereomicroscope) can be helpful for posting good, close-up images on sites like this, but you should also be aware that many of the varieties found using these "tools" are not usually attributable by the major grading services. Too often, we hear from newcomers who are anxious to submit such finds for grading, and more often than not, they've wasted their money. Chris
Well if it cost money to learn a lesson then that will be a permanent lesson learned (at least one would hope so!)
Thanks for the tid-bit there, I am interested in varieties then, not errors. Although if I were to come across an error I wouldn't shun it.
That's like telling someone, "If you want to find out what happens to that grenade when you pull the pin and let go of the grenade........" Naturally, there will be a few who can never be saved, but hopefully, most will heed good advice. Chris
Patience is free and you will need a lot of it, but in the end it is worth taking it slow and easy. For me errors and varieties go hand in hand only because it helps to sort out the difference. Both can be fascinating hobbies and you can always sell errors on ebay to help fund your interest in varieties. Read, read and read some more. Knowledge is the key to being successful in any hobby. And of course knowledge is power. As mentioned above, both the Cherrypickers Guide and the mega Red Book are both great investments. If a coin club is available to you, then join, you may well meet others who share your interest. Visiting a local coin shop and developing a good relationship with the owner will help also as they may sell varieties or have an interest such as yours. If you find something that frustrates you after awhile, set it down and aside and move on to the next coin and come back later for a fresh start on the one that bugged you. Hope this helps a bit. Tom
These three websites have extensive pictures, commentary, and some value information for Lincoln die varieties. I look at the pics, and try to memorize what I should be looking for with each year. http://www.varietyvista.com/index.htm http://doubleddie.com/228401.html http://coppercoins.com/advsearch.php
I had the same trouble. I found what I thought was a 1972 DDO four years ago and posted it here only to find out it was machine doubling. Then last year I found the real 1972 DDO and I immediately knew what it was. Here is a way to help without using pictures. Place your index finger onto the table in front of you. Now place your other index finger on top and move it slightly to the side. See how you can see both fingers, the curve and thickness? Now replace your bottom finger with a popsicle stick. See how it is flat compared to your finger? That would be machine doubling on a coin. Here are both of my 1972s.The bottom one is the DDO.
