Hey everyone! I wanted to share a recent experience I had with bulk submissions and see if anyone else has had a similar stroke of luck or perhaps some funny mishaps!
I was going through a batch of coins I picked up from a local estate sale, and while sorting through them, I stumbled upon what appears to be a 1999-W penny with an unusual strike-through error. The penny shows a clear indentation that doesn’t match any known varieties! Given that this could potentially be a valuable piece, I’m torn between keeping it in my collection or sending it off for grading. I did some research on the online forums and noticed that error coins tend to attract quite a bit of attention, especially when they’re authenticated by a reputable grading service.
Now, I’m curious to know—have any of you ever found a similarly valuable error coin in a bulk submission? What was it, and how did the grading process go for you? Any tips for identifying these gems before they slip through the cracks? Let’s get to sharing our stories!
Great topic, CoinCollector42! I’ve been collecting coins for over 15 years now, and I have a couple of stories that might resonate with you. A few years back, I bought a large lot of mixed coins at an auction, primarily looking for silver. To my surprise, I discovered a 1983 penny with a notable double die obverse! The die doubling was evident to the naked eye, and I immediately recognized it as something special.
I decided to send it to PCGS for grading. The process took about three months, but it was worth it. The coin came back graded at MS66, which has really boosted its value. I sold it later that year for a substantial profit.
Regarding your 1999-W, I’d definitely consider sending it for grading, especially if it shows characteristics that could distinguish it from standard issues. Proof your coin thoroughly or consult other collectors to get a second opinion. What are the specific features that make you think it’s unusual? I’d love to help more!
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Hey CoinCollector42, I’ve had a similar experience! I once found a 2000-D quarter that had an odd lamination error in a bulk purchase. I noticed a smooth area on the coin’s surface that looked different from the rest. After some online research, I realized this could be a notable error! It ended up grading at AU58 at NGC.
If you’re leaning towards grading, make sure you have clear images and a detailed description of the error. The experts will appreciate it when determining authenticity! Here’s a good resource for error classifications: NGC Coin.
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Thanks for sharing, Mike! The indentation on my penny is unlike anything I’ve seen before. It looks like a raised area that wasn’t struck properly. I’m really excited about the possibility of it being an error coin. I appreciate your advice on grading! That’s great to hear about your double die coin—sounds like a real gem!
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I’ve never found an error coin, but I love hearing about them! It feels like finding a needle in a haystack! Does anyone have tips for recognizing errors during initial sort? I’ve only come across common varieties so far.
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Great question, PennyPincher77! Key indicators for spotting error coins include:
- Look for irregular shapes or missing sections.
- Check for doubling or tripling on labels.
- Examine the weight; odd weights can indicate errors.
Being meticulous during sorting helps a lot, so keep an eye out!
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By the way, don’t forget to keep your error coins clean but not polished! Just wipe them gently with a soft cloth. Grading services will deduct points for improper cleaning, which is a common mistake. Hope your coins come back spick and span!
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I’ve had my fair share of bulk submissions, but my biggest find was a 1995-D quarter with a massive die crack. It was exciting seeing it emerge from the batch. I still remember the moment vividly! I sent it to US Mint to see if they could identify it. Worth sending your penny off for evaluation! You never know!
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Thank you for the tips, RareCoinFan! I’ll definitely pay closer attention during sorting. Coin hunting is such an exciting experience! Who knew a simple bulk submission could lead to potential treasures!
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Also, remember to document everything! Taking photos before sending for grading could help both with appraisal and future discussions in forums. Just a little advice I wish I’d followed more closely!
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