Hey everyone ! Lately I've been seeing a lot of RPM's around . My question is how or if these are collectable and at what premium ? Thanks ! No pictures as you all know what this is .
Firstly, whatever someone wants to pay. Secondly, the reason is because it is a variety and could be on thousands of coins, although some are much harder to find than others, date and condition etc would be important
I'd say that definitely some of the RPMs are collectable. Some dates have dozens and dozens of minor RPMs, and those aren't really worth as much. Some dates have pretty major RPMs, showing clear, bold repunches or with a wide separation. Those are going to be more desirable. As with everything, some are scarce and some are common. Some have been well publicized and thus have higher demand. It's kind of like the 1955 DDO Lincoln. It isn't rare - any coin show you can easily find a least a couple. But, its in high demand so it sells for a premium. RPMs are the same. If you want to see what's out there, I'd recommend Variety Vista. Coppercoins.com also has an extensive list, and they include values.
The Cherrypicker's guides try to turn an art into a science (refined art?). Folks could get an idea about which items are more desirable than others...the 'vital' few may already be identified in the Red Book.
RPMs are very collectable, and have a wide range of value based on relative rarity and strength. The stronger ones are most valuable, and the rarer ones are interesting to specialists so also command a premium. Weaker ones are still of some interest, but command less premium. The Red Book has a few of the strongest ones listed. The CherryPicker's guide has an eclectic mix of interesting ones, but is not particularly consistent in that some of the CPG listings are neither rare nor particularly strong, but are still listed. PCGS will attribute Red Book and CPG varieties, but not others listed only by CONECA or other authorities. CONECA doesn't list the more minor varieties, and this fact has created some parallel authorities/attributors who list the minor varieties. It's all a bit complicated but in the end since even the more minor varieties get listed and recognized, specialists can determine what they have. Collecting RPMs, Double Dies, etc is a good example of true Numismatics, in that Error/Variety collectors need to have a good understanding of the minting process in order to appreciate the significance of their speciaty.
