Hey everyone! As I’ve been diving deeper into building my registry set, I’ve come across some coins that have thrown me for a loop when it comes to attributions. Just recently, I acquired a 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln cent, and while it looks great in my collection, I’m a bit anxious about ensuring it’s accurately attributed.
When researching, I typically rely on a mix of resources like The Official Red Book, online forums, and auction house descriptions. I also like to cross-reference various grading services’ assessments to catch any discrepancies. I noticed this particular coin has a small strike through that hasn’t been mentioned in some online databases. It’s fascinating how much can hinge on those tiny details! I even reached out to a few seasoned collectors for their insights, and the variability in opinions has been enlightening.
What methods do you all use to verify the attributions of your coins? Have you encountered any challenges that were particularly tricky? I’d love to hear your experiences and any tips you might have for ensuring accuracy in a registry set!
Researching coin attributions can be a little daunting, especially for coins like the 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln cent! I’ve found that online databases like the ones on PCGS and NGC are incredibly useful for cross-referencing information. Sometimes, auction listings can be misleading; I’ve seen misattributed coins go for real money just because they had a pretty picture. I also have a handy checklist for my research which includes:
- Checking multiple credible sources
- Looking at auction results for similar coins
- Consulting experienced collectors
Lastly, don’t hesitate to reach out to grading services if you’re really unsure! They can give you clarity on whether your coin is accurately attributed or if it might be worth re-evaluating.
What discrepancies have you noticed in your own research?
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Thanks @CoinConnoisseur92! Those are some great tips! I definitely tend to lean heavily on US Mint resources when it comes to validating certain coins. I can’t stress enough how much it helps to see the official details straight from the source. Have you encountered any specific coins that were particularly challenging to verify?
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I usually stick to the basics—checking grading standards and seeking opinions from local coin clubs. However, I love the versatility of online forums like this one! You get real-time feedback and multiple perspectives. Plus, some members really do share their own experiences and pictures which are invaluable. Also, anyone else find it amusing how many different grading terms there are? One person’s Fine could be another person’s Very Fine! Haha!
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Absolutely agree with you, @CoinConnoisseur92! I’ve built my registry set over the years and there are definitely coins that left me puzzled. I often go by an old saying: ‘When in doubt, consult the experts.’ For historical pieces, I look through auction house archives for coins that have the same pedigree. Sometimes anecdotal evidence from seasoned collectors can fill in the gaps missing in the standardized reference books. It’s also worth noting that different grading companies might have slightly different standards, so I like to remain open to varying opinions. The 1909-S V.D.B., for instance, is notorious for discrepancies in grading! How do you approach consultation when you reach out to the experts?
Just trying to gather some strategies!
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To @HistorianOfCoins, when I consult experts, I always take a clear and detailed approach. I provide them with high-quality photos and any relevant info on how I came to my attribution conclusions. This way, they have context and can give me more targeted advice. Communication is key! Are there any particular experts you’d recommend reaching out to?
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For me, the key is in the details. Coin variety can be a tricky business. Like you mentioned, slight differences can drastically change a coin’s value. I always make sure to check for varieties using resources from the NGC’s coin variety guide. I’ve also found the PCGS grading guide really helpful! Do any of you have horror stories of misses when attributing? I’ve had my own near disasters that were rockier than usual!
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Haha @RareCoinFinder, I once bought a coin that I thought was an uncirculated piece just to find out it was a very fine after I sent it to be graded. I guess you could say my “transaction” was a bit of a ‘coin flip!’ 
Overall, I think bringing clear photos and descriptions is a great call. It helps avoid those facepalm moments down the line!
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One thing I do for verifying my registry set is maintaining a journal of each coin’s provenance. It helps track data and clarifies discrepancies when I do research later. I also use various online resources alongside printed material to get a comprehensive understanding of my coins. That little strike you mentioned on your 1909-S V.D.B., @NumismaticNerd87, might very well affect its attribution! Taking notes on these details is crucial.
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That’s a great idea, @OldCoinEnthusiast! I never thought of keeping a journal. It seems like such a straightforward, yet effective way to ensure accuracy over time. I might implement that in my next set review. Anyone else keeping notes like this?
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I really resonate with your experience, @NumismaticNerd87! The variability of opinions you mentioned is what makes this hobby both exciting and confusing at times. For my research, I combine advice from forums, databases, and also check out Instagram! Many collectors showcase their coins, which provides a platform for cross-verifying details based on the community’s feedback. Also, I’ve found different Youtube channels that do deep dives on specific varieties incredibly informative! Do any of you follow such channels?
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