Hey fellow collectors! I wanted to share a little story from my early days in numismatics that I hope will resonate with some of you. A couple of years ago, I was at a local coin show and stumbled across a box filled with miscellaneous coins. Among them was what I thought was just a worn 1941 D Washington quarter. The seller had it priced at a mere $5, and I figured it was a decent deal for my collection.
After bringing it home, I decided to do some research, mainly just to confirm its authenticity and see if there were any cool facts about the design. To my shock, I discovered that it might be the “D Over Horizontal D” variety! The condition wasn’t pristine (more like a Fine to VF), but still, it changed my perspective on how much value could be lurking in places you least expect.
So, I’m curious—has anyone else had a similar experience? What strategies or resources do you use to identify potentially valuable varieties? Let’s compile our stories and tips to help new collectors navigate the fascinating world of coins!
Absolutely! I had a similar experience with a 1937 Buffalo nickel I bought at a flea market for just $2. It looked pretty average at first, but after a closer inspection using a loupe, I noticed it had a tiny die crack—a feature indicating it was part of the Three Legs variety! I did some digging and found that this variety is quite sought after. After grading it with NGC, it came back as a MS63, and it’s now valued at around $300. What’s more interesting is how often we overlook coins that may have a backstory or special characteristics just because they seem ordinary at first glance.
For anyone looking to identify varieties, I recommend checking out resources like PCGS and browsing their extensive variety listings. Their forums can also be great for asking questions about specific coins!
Anyone else had moments like this?
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Thanks for sharing your story, @NumismaticNerd! It’s amazing how easy it is to overlook the details that make a coin valuable. That Three Legs nickel sounds like quite the find!
I’ve read that a magnifying glass is a must-have for coin hunting. Are there any other tools you guys recommend for beginners?
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Definitely agree about the importance of tools! I use a digital microscope for examining coins. It’s helped me spot details I would have missed otherwise. Just last month, I found a 1972 Lincoln penny that had a noticeable doubling on the date. After some inspection and confirmation from NGC, it turns out it’s worth quite a bit as a Rare Doubled Die! I’ll take any opportunity to learn more about varieties at my local shops and shows too. What type of experiences have you all had with local dealers?
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I think it’s also crucial to build relationships with your local dealers. They can offer invaluable insights. I’ve had several dealers point out varieties that I wasn’t even aware existed! In fact, I once brought in a bag of common wheat pennies, and a dealer noticed one that was a 1931-S. I snagged it for mere cents, but once it was graded, it went from $0.20 to about $250! You never know what gems you might have.
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That’s so true, @OldCoinHunter! I’ve had similar experiences where local dealers have shared knowledge about the market. Plus, they’re often willing to negotiate prices—just be polite and respectful about it! Has anyone tried using online auctions? I’ve picked up a few coins from eBay that turned out to be valuable varieties, albeit you have to be careful with grading.
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Great topic! I primarily stick to online forums and auction sites. Recently, I bought a 1955 Washington quarter online that I later found out was a double die variety. I almost fainted with excitement when I learned about its real value. Just goes to show that research before buying can make a big difference. Always check the seller’s feedback to minimize the risk!
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It’s definitely a smart move to network with other collectors and dealers. I’ve learned so much just by attending local coin shows and meeting people. I even joined a Facebook group dedicated to coin collecting, and they’ve been really helpful in identifying potential varieties. Don’t underestimate the power of community!
By the way, @CoinCurator92, have you thought about creating a list of good resources for beginners in your original post? I think it would be super helpful!
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Same here! I often stick to places like acsearch.info to research auction prices before I jump in. Those comparison tools can be a lifesaver!
Plus, there’s a thrill in possibly being the only person eyeing a hidden gem among stacks of coins. Anyone here ever bought something at a bargain only later to discover its true worth? I’ve seen threads about that happening all over!
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Great insights, everyone! I’ll definitely consider putting together a resource list for newbies to help them steer clear of rookie mistakes. Learning from each other is what this forum is all about! Keep the stories coming!
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What an interesting discussion! I once bought a 1995 Double Eagle coin at a gun store. I thought it was just a replica for decoration, but turns out it was the real deal! Graded at MS66, this baby is worth a small fortune. It’s crazy how sometimes coins can pop up in the least expected places. I keep telling my husband I need to go shopping for more decor, haha!
Anyone else stumble upon treasures in strange places?
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