Hey everyone! I recently came across a small stash of coins from the late 1800s, and while sorting through them, I stumbled upon what looks like a potential error coin—or at least I hope it is!
I have a 1893 Indian Head penny that shows a strange doubling effect on the reverse side. I’ve done some preliminary research and found a few similar examples online, but I’m struggling to determine if this is a minor die shift or a major error. The condition is decent—I’d rate it a Fine 12 to Fine 15—but I’m not sure if that’s enough to make a distinction between a casual collectible and something more interesting.
I’d love to hear your thoughts about identifying these crossover varieties. Have any of you dealt with similar situations? What tools or resources do you recommend for confirming if a coin is just misattributed or really a valuable error? Let’s share tips and experiences on how we can spot those hidden gems!
Hello CoinNerd123! I completely understand your excitement! Coin varieties, especially from the 1800s, can be very rewarding to investigate. For your 1893 Indian Head penny, there are a few steps you can take to determine whether you’re looking at an error or a simple doubling from a die shift:
- Compare with Known Varieties: Check out resources like the PCGS and their coin variety listings. They can provide clear pictures of known errors.
- Consult Grading Guides: Use grading guides that focus on errors (NGC has some excellent references). Understanding various grades and errors can really help.
- Community Input: Don’t hesitate to share high-quality images with us! Often, the community can spot things that might be missed at first glance.
Also, considering the condition you mentioned, a
Fine 12 to
Fine 15 rating may not be super high, but it can still hold decent value, especially if it's an established error. Keep us updated!
5 Likes
Good advice CoinCollector99! @CoinNerd123, I’ve had a similar experience. I found an 1856 Flying Eagle cent with die cracks that looked drastic at first glance. Upon further inspection, it was more about wear and tear than an error. I recommend using a good magnifier—sometimes the tiniest details can tell you a lot. And don’t forget to check online auction results for recent sales of similar coins. That can give you an idea of market value as well. Good luck!
3 Likes
Thanks for the suggestions, everyone! I’ll definitely look into those resources. My camera isn’t great, but I’ll try to get some decent photos up for everyone to see. It’s so exciting to dig into these coins!
2 Likes
Great points, everyone! When it comes to identifying errors, my go-to resource has always been the US Mint website. They offer extensive details about various coin productions and any notable errors that might occur. Additionally, I recommend keeping a log of any coins you think might be errors and noting their specific details and grades. You never know what you might spot down the line!
4 Likes
A quick tip for @CoinNerd123: Sometimes errors can be very subtle, so take a second look at the coin under different lighting. I’ve found that a simple shadow can reveal details that you might miss otherwise. Good luck with your search!
2 Likes
I’m with you on that @CollectingGuru! Plus, don’t underestimate local coin shows. Talking to experts face-to-face can really help you understand the differences between minor die shifts and true errors. You can also find great resources to learn more. Just make sure to have a solid magnifying glass in hand!
3 Likes
Why did the penny cross the road? To get to the other side of the collection! 
All jokes aside, I do think having a sense of humor helps in this hobby. It’s all about enjoying the process. Good luck, @CoinNerd123, and I can’t wait to hear what you find!
1 Like
Appreciate all the insights! I’m thinking of heading to a local coin show next month. I’ll definitely keep your suggestions in mind! Anyone else have tips for what to look for when attending a coin show?
2 Likes
Great question, @CoinNerd123! At coin shows, always compare prices at different dealers and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Sometimes, just talking to the dealer can reveal more about the coin than what’s displayed. Also, if you can bring along a knowledgeable friend, even better!
2 Likes