I wanted to ask some for some people's opinions on searching bank/fed wrapped BU rolls of pennies, specifically the memorial cents for varieties and/or errors? I collect rolls of 60's, 70's, 80's, and some newer dates of pennies just because I enjoy having unopened rolls of pennies in very nice conditions, and I think its just a cool novelty. I have only opened a few, with hopes of finding some possible doubled die varieties or other errors for that year. I did find some 1964 DDO pennies in a BU roll I opened, but I was not sure if I just got lucky or not. I am assuming the chances of finding a variety in a roll depends heavily on the date and how many varieties are associated with it, but that is only a guess. Does anyone have more experience with this type of thing, or know what the chances are to being successful in finding varieties or errors in these types of rolls? Thanks!
It depends what you're looking for. There's plenty of minor varieties that very few people care about that you can find regularly if you're looking for them, but the big easy to see ones that are worth a lot take some luck as most people look for those
My view is it's more fun to keep them intact and keep the mystery alive by not opening or going through them. It's also nice to consider keeping these rolls intact for future generations to enjoy. And if you find a variety or what have you in a roll and permanently take the coin out, you are either left with a short roll or you are obliged to replace it with a coin from another source (thereby negating its being an original roll and putting in a coin that will have a different edge flow or toning to it).
These are really good points you raised. I do keep most of them unopened, but if I have several of the same year, I may crack one or two open. But on the other hand, I am a collector and keeping them unopened can be more enjoyable, so I definitely agree in that regard. Thanks for your input!
I have purchased lots of uncirculated rolls over the years to search for varieties. It's hit-or-miss as you might suspect. Personally, I'd open the rolls in favor of better storage in tubes you can seal closed. Left in wrappers, they end up tarnishing over time. This way, you get to search and better store your coins later. Win-win.
Sometimes that can be a positive with beautiful toning but of course it can also be very ugly as well
Yes...sometimes it can be beneficial. But from my experience, its rather infrequent. I suppose it depends on how the seller stored the coins. Mostly, the edges oxidize and turn dull...not brown and not red either. Something RB but powdery dull. Then the rims are odd, not particularly matching the fields or details. Respectfully, to each their own, so I hope I'm not discouraging folks who like this particular phenomenon. Not fond of that myself. I'd rather it not have that powdery effect. I've seen this with nickel rolls I've acquired as well.
It definitely is rather rare, you almost have to be comfortable ruining quite a few to get the one really nice one
Thanks for the input! I did not think about storage for long term, so that is definitely something that I should consider. I am happy to hear though that it is hit or miss, rather than it being something that doesn't happen.
I picked twelve rolls of the 2009 Formative Years Bicentennial cent rolls off of Ebay last month. I went through the first roll and came up with 23 WDDR-001s and 8 WDDR0-002s in just one roll. I haven't cracked open any others yet. You never know what you will find. I'll keep some rolls intact.
That's crazy! That is also one of my favorite varieties, so I am jealous haha. I have found a few, but to get almost a whole roll is something else. Thanks for the input!
It's a smart idea! If you come across multiple CPG-listed varieties in MS, you'll be able to sell them for a nice bit of money.
I've been searching a good number 1964-D rolls from a particular source that has some killer rolls, and just made my first discovery out of it. I will wait for it to be uploaded to Mr. Wexler's site whenever his next update is before posting about it though. I've also found quite a few RPM's in those rolls as well as laminations and struck through errors. Long story short, there are varieties out there in rolls, both new and old, waiting to be found!