Hello again just a quick question. If a say 1964 penny looks really sharp maybe BU red on obverse but the edges have just a plain dull copper look does that mean it has been cleaned or is that normal. I can send a picture later if needed, but I see it a lot so I think everyone knows what I am talking about.
I would say that's normal, fair wear of circulation. But if it's that good looking hang on to it or slab into a 2*2.
Your description of the color of the edge is rather hazy, but most likely, it was in a paper roll for a long time. The edge against the paper would react chemically whereas the faces much less. Jim
That sounds good desertgem. I didn't know it would do that. If that is what it is does it hurt the value? I will post a picture when I get home later today.
I'll expand on what @desertgem has said. I have fairly often looked at rolls in plastic tubes that have a quite brown edge, but the faces are downright GORGEOUS! The date range that I've often observed this is later 1950's, but some 1940's also. By the 1960's many collectors who saved rolls were no longer leaving them in paper for very long. Never assume a roll of brown-edged cents is made of circulated coins. Look at them. [Note: my experience is highly localized on this - mostly very northeastern states.]
There is little value to a 1964 cent. You can go into most any coin shop and buy a really nice one for 25 cents or less.
Yes I agree the value on say a 1964 isn't much , but I was just using that as an example. Here are some random coins to show. I need to figure out how to adjust my scope as it shows too much detail and takes away from the quality of the coins.
Those edges are a good sign. The metallic shine is still there through the color. The side to side line through the one on the left almost looks like the Sac/Prez edge segment line.
I shouldn't assume all new collectors know this - there was a time, especially the late 1950's through the 1970's, when collecting ROLLS of new coins was "a thing". You can make yourself sound erudite around the coin club by throwing around the term "roll collecting era". Its popularity faded during the 1980's and then the era of Coinstar and other such machines made finding solid rolls of ANYTHING a more special treat, but made collecting by rolls frustrating. There are a few guys around who still specialize in it, but I've noticed many selling off inventory at bargain basement prices, at least compared to what they used to ask.
Thanks again for all the good information. Maybe I will keep a roll or two of these for the heck of it.
My grandfather was a roll collector and I have a few cent rolls from 76 and 80 that he left me. I'm tempted to open and look through them, but then I lose that personal heirloom feel now that he's gone.
If they are in paper, that 1980 might have some interesting toning. For some odd reason, in 1980 they toned in a spotty pattern. Most are ugloids, but some are quite fetching. My theory is it has something to do with the hockey at Lake Placid that year.
