6 Ways to Spot Errors in Your Coin Collection

Hey there, coin buddies! Ever wonder if that loose change in your pocket could be hiding a little treasure? Well, spotting errors in your coins (or even the ones you just get as change) is actually way easier and more fun than you might think! And guess what? It can even be pretty profitable. You just need to try these steps a few times, and soon you'll be instinctively checking every coin that comes your way. These simple tricks are proven ways to find those cool coin errors and varieties that are just hanging out in your pockets and everyone else's.

You'll only need a few things to get started: a magnifying glass (the stronger, the better, like 7x or more), a small pile of regular or old coins (think three to five bucks' worth), and a really sharp eye. Ready? Let's go in order:

Sort 'Em Out!: When you're looking for errors, always group your coins. So, put all your pennies in one pile, then your dimes in another, your nickels, and so on. Our eyes are super smart, so when you see a bunch of the same type of coin together, your brain will quickly memorize its features and angles. That way, you can scan much faster. When you move to the next set of identical coins, your eyes and mind will work together, scanning, figuring things out, and saving that info. It'll be way easier to spot even the tiniest difference when they're all grouped like this.

Check the Words (Inscriptions). Now, take a look at the letters on the "heads" side of each coin. See anything weird or unusual? Sometimes, "doubled die" varieties can show a doubling effect in just one part of a word. Stuff like polishing, greasy gunk build-up, or wear on the die (the mold that stamps the coin) can cause letters to not be stamped perfectly on the coin's surface. Flip the coin over, look at it carefully from all angles. Look for anything special like doubling, missing letters, or anything else odd in the words.

Peek at the Mintmark and Date!. Focusing on these little marks and dates is super important and can give you a great idea of what to look for. These are some of the most valuable mistakes you're likely to find in everyday circulation. Lots of interesting things can happen on this part of the coin, like dates or mintmarks that were stamped twice ("repunched"), different kinds of doubling, or even one mark stamped over another ("overpunches"), and much more.

Examine the Face (Portrait)!. The portraits on coins are often where you'll find some weird proportions or oddities. When you're looking at it, try to see the whole picture from every angle. Can you spot any obvious doubling? Look for important missing elements, "cuds" (a raised lump on the coin caused by a broken die), or "die cracks" (raised lines from a cracked die). Really focus on the portrait's ears, chin, eyes, and mouth, and look for any signs of doubling there.

Feel the Edge (This One's Tricky). Okay, this might sound a bit odd, but try rolling the coin on the surface of your palm. This helps you see if the edges are perfectly uniform. By doing this, you'll get a clear view of the edges and can easily spot any missing lines, seams, or those tiny ridges called "reeding."

Separate the Oddballs. By doing these simple things, you'll become a pro at inspecting coins and pointing out errors in just seconds. Once you've figured out which ones are a bit "off," take a super close look at them under your magnifying glass with really good lighting.

Get good at these steps, and you'll be spotting errors in your collection in just a few minutes! Happy hunting

SnugAcademy