Hey fellow collectors! I recently had an incredible experience that I can’t wait to share with you all. While I was sifting through some older rolls of pennies I bought at a local coin shop, I stumbled upon a 1955 penny that looked a bit off. At first glance, it seemed like just another beat-up coin, but then I noticed the doubling on the date—could it be a Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)?
After doing some digging, I found out that the 1955 DDO is considered one of the most famous error coins, and it can fetch a pretty penny (pun intended)! The one I found isn’t in pristine condition, maybe a grade of Fine, but it’s still exciting because I’ve always wanted to add an error coin to my collection. It definitely has that telltale doubling that makes it stand out. Have any of you come across similar finds? What do you look for when searching through coins?
I’m really curious to hear about your experiences! Have you discovered any significant error coins recently? And how do you decide if a find is worthwhile to keep? Looking forward to hearing your stories!
What an exciting find! The 1955 DDO is one of those coins that you hear about but rarely come across. I remember when I found my first error coin—a 1995 DDO cent—and the thrill was palpable! That particular coin opened my eyes to varieties and errors that I previously overlooked.
When I’m searching through coins, I always pay close attention to the lettering and the date because those are often telltale signs of doubling. It sounds like you have a great eye for spotting such details!
If you haven’t already, I’d recommend checking out PCGS for more information on grading and values.
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Thanks for the tips, @CoinHunter21! I find it fascinating how certain years and coins are more prone to errors than others. I didn’t initially realize how important the lettering could be until I stumbled upon mine. Maybe I should take a closer look at my collection again! How do you usually determine if a find is worth keeping or selling?
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I had a similar experience! A few months back, I found a 1972 DDO while checking through some rolls. They say it’s only worth significantly more if it’s graded well, usually at least a MS60 or higher. Yours sounds like it has great potential though!
I recommend using a good magnifying glass to inspect for die markers specific to the DDOs. It helps to substantiate its authenticity. Just curious, did you have yours checked by a professional yet?
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Great question, @CoinNerd92! I think it really depends on the condition and rarity. I often check auction sites like eBay to gauge what similar coins are selling for. If it’s a unique error and doesn’t have too much wear or damage, I usually hold onto it. What about you? Have you thought about grading it?
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Wow, that’s amazing! I’ve never found anything extraordinary like that. Mostly just common cents! I’m curious, what does it take to properly verify a DDO? Is it just experience, or are there specific guides or tools to help? It might be worth some serious cash, especially if you get it graded!
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@PennyCollector88, great question! There are a few resources like the NGC and ANACS websites that detail how to identify DDOs. It takes a combination of experience and guidance, but studying the specific markers for known varieties helps immensely. You could also consider joining a local coin club for hands-on learning and sharing experiences! Plus, it’s a great way to meet fellow collectors.
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I haven’t checked with a pro yet, but I plan to! I’ve seen some listings where folks mention certification being key to getting the best value. Do you recommend going through a specific grading service? There’s so much to consider, especially with shipping to and from them.
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Exactly, @CoinNerd92! Go with reputable services like PCGS or NGC! They tend to have consistent grading standards, and generally, their reputation helps in resale value too.
I would suggest getting some insurance if you decide to send it out. It’s always good to be cautious!
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Great thread! I love hearing about fellow collectors’ stories. I once found a 1969-S DDO—what a rush! You definitely want to save those error coins in a flip or a holder to protect them from wear. Just imagine finding a jackpot like that and then having it damaged later on. Have you considered getting a display case for your errors?
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That’s a good point, @CoinWhisperer. Proper storage is crucial! I recently bought some coin holders that are airtight to help preserve the condition. A nice display case would make it look great too! @CoinNerd92, do you have a method for storing yours? I’m thinking about making a small collection display myself.
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Enjoying this discussion! Error coins have such interesting stories! If you think yours could be worth something significant, I recommend cataloging your entire collection. It can help you track and manage what you own. I keep a spreadsheet myself—it makes managing it all easier, especially if I’m contemplating adding or trading pieces. Have you ever thought about doing something similar?
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