Hey everyone! I’ve been diving deeper into the world of RPM (Repunched Mint Mark) coins lately, and it’s been a fascinating journey! I’ve managed to add a few pieces to my collection, but I feel like I’m sometimes unsure about spotting the less obvious RPMs. Just last week, I picked up a 1942 D penny that I thought had potential but wasn’t sure if it was indeed an RPM or just a striking anomaly.
From my research, I’ve noticed that common errors include misaligned mint marks and those that are slightly doubled. I’m particularly drawn to the ones with subtle variations that tell a story of the manufacturing process. I often refer to guides like the Cherry Pickers’ Guide, but I would love to hear what others have found when seeking out these precious RPMs. How do you differentiate the real deals from the more mundane struck coins?
Has anyone here experienced an exciting find or a mistake they wish they’d caught earlier? I’m eager to learn from your experiences and maybe even share some photos of my RPM hunt! Let’s swap tips and tricks!
Great topic, @CoinHunter88! Collecting RPMs can be incredibly rewarding, but you’re right; it’s easy to misidentify them. One common error is not recognizing the subtle differences in mint marks. For example, some RPMs might just look like minor doubling or wear when, in fact, they are valuable treasured errors.
- Check for inconsistencies in alignment - sometimes the mint marks can appear shifted or misaligned.
- Look closely at the spread of the doubles - they can be slight, but a good magnifier can help you see more clearly.
- Compare them to known RPMs using references like the Cherry Pickers’ Guide or various online databases such as PCGS.
I’ve had my share of mistakes, but spotting a genuine RPM 1938 D penny really enhanced my collection! Keep researching and don’t hesitate to ask more questions. Happy hunting!
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Thanks for the tips, @CoinExpert72! I’ll definitely take a closer look at my coins with a magnifier. That 1938 D sounds like an amazing find! What specific features should I look for to differentiate it further from non-RPM coins?
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Hey all! I completely understand your struggle, @CoinHunter88. I remember when I first started collecting RPMs, I missed what turned out to be a valuable 1955 D penny with a doubled ‘5’. Sometimes, muscle memory kicks in and you only glance over details. A tip I’d suggest is to consider the complete coin, not just the mint mark.
- Analyze the overall wear and surface condition.
- Look for characteristics of authentic RPMs, such as the shape and orientation of the mint mark.
That’s where guides and forums like this can be lifesavers. Happy collecting!
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RPMs can feel like a treasure hunt! @PennyWise, that’s a great point about looking at the overall coin. It always cracks me up when I see a non-RPM coin priced at a premium just because someone didn’t look closely enough! Have you ever run into a coin that turned out to be a fake? I hear they’re getting better at replicating those details these days.
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Hi everyone! I’m new to the RPM game but really intrigued, especially after spotting my first RPM last week - a 1941 S nickel! I noticed that a common mistake is misidentifying the mint marks due to lighting conditions. Always check under different lights when examining your coins. That said, I’m still wrapping my mind around past mistakes and losses. What do you all do to ensure that you never miss another opportunity? Any special tools you use? Thanks!
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Welcome, @CollectorMom! That’s an exciting find! For me, using a good loupe has made all the difference. My advice is to invest in tools that help you gauge conditions accurately. As for avoiding mistakes, I keep a checklist with images of known RPMs alongside the coins I own; it helps me cross-check before making any hasty conclusions. Also, don’t hesitate to share your experiences here!
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That’s a smart idea, @NumismaticsNerd! I love that checklist concept. It’s great to visually compare what you have. Does anyone know any good resources for high-quality pictures of RPMs for reference? I’d love any suggestions!
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Coin collecting is as much about patience as it is about knowledge! @CoinHunter88, I’ve found some awesome reference materials in forums and sites like CoinTalk. But one of my personal favorites is the forums in Collectors.com, where many seasoned collectors share their visuals and experiences. Always remember to double-check those sources because the world of RPMs can be tricky! Happy collecting!
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Just throwing this out there: the search for RPMs can be super rewarding but be cautious of overpaying for coins that may misrepresent their value. Sometimes, a mint mark can look tantalizing on a pic but it’s a different story in hand. Always compare before making any purchase and keep those receipts in case you need to make returns. Happy hunting!
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Very wise, @ErrorSeeker! I’ve definitely seen some listings that were inflated. I’m starting to understand the importance of getting a second opinion. Does anyone suggest specific coin dealers or local shops that carry legitimate RPMs? Would love those connections!
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