Hey everyone! I just had one of those amazing moments that every coin collector dreams of – I pulled an RPM (Repunched Mintmark) right out of my pocket change! It’s a 1970-S Lincoln cent, and honestly, I was just stunned to see that it might have some rarity to it. The mintmark is a bit off-center, which I think could mean it’s more valuable, but I’m not entirely sure how to go about determining its exact value and rarity.
I’ve done a little research online and found that RPMs can be quite sought after, especially in good condition. My coin is probably in Fine to Very Fine condition, but it does have some scratches that worry me. I’m particularly interested in how much these coins typically sell for and if there are specific characteristics that collectors look for that can really affect the value.
Has anyone else stumbled upon an RPM like this in their change? What steps did you take to assess its worth? Also, any tips on grading methods would be super helpful – I just want to ensure I’m valuing it correctly! Thanks in advance!
Congratulations on your find, @CoinHunter92! Discovering an RPM in pocket change is a collector’s dream! The 1970-S Lincoln cent is particularly interesting because there are several known RPMs to look for. To determine its value and rarity, I recommend following these steps:
- Check the mintmark closely under good lighting to see how it’s repunched. Look for distinctive features that match known RPMs, which can be referenced on sites like PCGS.
- Examine the coin’s condition using a grading scale from Good to MS-70. Since you mentioned it’s likely in Fine to Very Fine condition but scratched, this could affect its final value significantly.
- Follow auction sites like eBay to see recent sale prices for similar RPMs.
- Consider getting it appraised by a certified dealer to provide a more accurate valuation.
I recently sold an RPM for $300 that I found in my change, so values can vary widely depending on rarity and condition. Good luck and keep us posted!
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Thanks for the advice, @NumisNerd! I will check the RPM details on PCGS and keep an eye on eBay for similar coins. I’ll also try to clean it up a bit without damaging it. I just hope it’s one of the more valuable varieties!
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That’s awesome, @CoinHunter92! I found a 1969-S RPM a few years back, and it was pretty thrilling. When assessing value, remember that RPMs are more valuable if they are clearly identifiable and documented. Also, condition is key; even a small scratch can lower the value a lot. Have you compared yours to other listings online?
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Hey @CoinHunter92, don’t clean the coin too aggressively! Some collectors say it can ruin the value rather than enhance it. Stick to gentle methods if you must. I usually use a soft brush for dirt, but leave anything else unless you know exactly what you’re doing.
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Great find, @CoinHunter92! The 1970-S RPMs can really vary in worth based on the specific subtype. If you want to dive deeper into values, I recommend checking NGC for their grading guides and auction reports. They usually have listings that reflect current market conditions.
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Did someone say RPM? Sounds like a music term, but this is all about coins! 
Jokes aside, it’s amazing to find something like this in your change. You know, sometimes the best finds are right under our noses! Good luck with your grading!
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Good point, @RareFindsDave! The subtype definitely plays a huge part in valuation. I’ve seen some 1970-S RPMs sell for as little as $10 but others for upwards of $500 when they’re in excellent condition. Don’t forget to check the specific characteristics listed on those grading websites!
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Thanks for the cleaning tips, @CoinTrekker! I’ve just read horror stories about people ruining coins trying to clean them. I’ll stick to that gentle brushing approach you mentioned!
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Hey @CollectorJoe, your 1969-S RPM must have been amazing! I’ve always wanted to find one of those. @CoinHunter92, maybe share a picture of your coin? It would be cool to see what it looks like!
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I’d love to share a picture, @CoinFanatic74! I hope to get a good shot of it later today. Can’t wait to show you all!
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