I just opened a coin tube of pretty cents I bought from the local Mom and Pop pawn shop. They are all from1975 and minted in Phillidelphia Organizing these has now become part of my unexpected new fun for the day. I love it!
Order them by date/time .... or more specifically, by Die State which will put them in order of time. edit: of course, they probably used well over 1,000 obverse dies ...
The 1975 Has some things going for it, Listed in the bluebook, one could fetch as high as 30 cents, Its apparently one of the best cent coins from the 70s, because they liked them so much, only one other had a higher mintage, don't be discouraged, there was one with Lincoln smoking a pipe, wait that was pmd, but you could find a clip or other errors.
A good way to practice the grading eye, Since they probably are from the same batch from the roll stage, line them up in order of grade. It sharpen the eye to see the slight difference in grade , such as marks, dings, mechanical doubling, etc. When you have them in order, mark them on the reverse with a sharpie 1,2....50, Do the 'shuffle' and rearrange them in order. If when you flip them they are in the same numerical order , give yourself a treat. You have a sharp eye . If they are way off , repeat until you can get them very close. Keep the best 5 or 10 and spend or give to young kids the rest. Jim ps. Acetone will take off the marker.
I am putting together a small special collection for my little niece. I am also doing part of what you suggest. I am teaching myself about grading as well. Edit: I would never put a sharpie to a coin.
Sounds like a great project for your niece. Also a great way to get her involved in coins or the hobby and the best thing is you get to spend time with her.
I voted “fun”, because I like shiny coins and would be upgrading the kids and grandkids albums with the nicest ones in your roll. Aaahhh, what satisfaction!
