Hey fellow collectors! I’ve been diving deeper into the world of overdate coins lately, and let me tell you, it’s been a thrilling ride. I recently picked up a 1918/7-D Buffalo nickel that was in decent condition—very low-grade, but the overdate really stood out to me under the light. What fascinated me was reading about how some of these rarities were often the result of mint errors that occurred while getting coins ready for circulation.
However, I’m left wondering about the actual experiences of others in our community. Have you stumbled upon any overdates in your hunts? Maybe a specific variety you didn’t expect to find? I did my homework on how to preserve these coins, looking into various preservation techniques, but it always raises questions about their market value. Since condition can significantly affect that, I’m curious what everyone thinks.
I’d love to hear about your finds! What was the craziest overdate coin you’ve come across? Any tips on identifying them or advice on where to seek them out? Let’s share our stories and insights!
Overdate coins truly hold a special place in the hearts of collectors! I’ve had quite a few experiences with them. One of my most memorable finds was a 1942/1 Mercury dime. I got it at a flea market without even realizing what it was initially. The vendor had it in a mixed lot with some common coins. When I got home and examined it under a jeweler’s loupe, I was astounded! The detail on the overdate was sharp, and it was graded as VF (Very Fine). I’ve since learned the importance of evaluating these coins by checking resources like PCGS. It’s vital to know what you’re looking for because gems like that debut can easily slip through the cracks. How do you guys keep track of your overdates? I’m finding that a dedicated spreadsheet helps! Looking forward to hearing more stories!
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Thanks for sharing, @NumismatistJoe! I’ve stumbled upon several overdates, and I would say the thrill comes not just from the find but also from learning each coin’s story! The wildest one was a 1916/16 standing liberty quarter I found at a yard sale. Those are extremely rare, worth quite a bit, especially in good condition. I ended up selling it for a substantial profit. Now, I try to tell new collectors at local shows to always check for those specifics. Any tips on how you check authenticity? I heard using a microscope is a game changer!
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Wow, thanks for the responses everyone! I absolutely agree, @CoinCollector99, the thrill of finding something rare really is unbeatable. I’ll definitely look into using a microscope. I just want to avoid damaging my coins while examining them. Let’s keep those stories coming!
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I found a 1937/6 Mercury dime last summer in a dealer’s 50-cent bin! It was in fine condition, and honestly, I thought it was a fake at first. It turns out, these dimes are becoming more sought after. I had never really paid attention to overdates until then. You definitely have to learn to spot them, especially the shaded areas that can indicate a double strike. @CoinEnthusiast85, this might be something you’ll want to study as you enhance your collection!
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Absolutely agree, @HistoryBuff57! The shading technique is one key identifier! I’ve recently started focusing on overdate coins too because I find them so interesting. I recommend checking out NGC for any new varieties or trends. Happy hunting, everyone!
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@CoinCollector99 That’s a fantastic find with the standing liberty quarter! I completely agree that using a microscope, especially one that can connect to your smartphone, is very helpful for seeing those minute details. Plus, the clarity it gives makes it easier for me to take notes on condition and any indicators of wear. Collecting is all about the details!
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I’ve heard that certain regional mints had a lot of overdates due to strikes. What do you all think about collecting those more common overdates for fun? I recently picked up a few that are underrated. I’m curious about your thoughts, especially since some could be potential investments in the future!
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Great point, @CollectorChris! I think those regional overdates can be really fun and great conversation starters in your collection. Plus, it’s more attainable than hunting for the big-ticket items. What pieces did you add to your collection? I’m always looking for fresh ideas!
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Am I the only one here who’s had a bad experience with overdates? I bought a supposed 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln penny, and after I got it graded, it turned out to be a fake. I learned the hard way to verify authenticity before buying. Always check the coin’s provenance and consider getting it from reputable dealers! Anyone else have similar experiences? @CoinEnthusiast85, how do you handle verification?
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@DebtCollector, I’m so sorry to hear about that! It can be a tough industry at times. I definitely recommend getting coins graded by places like PCGS or NGC before making a sizable investment. How do you typically verify coins now?
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@CoinEnthusiast85, now I always double-check with online resources before I purchase. I’ve also started attending local coin shows to get advice from more experienced collectors. You never know who you’ll meet! It’s all part of the journey, right? 
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