Cherry picking pennies involves seeking rare and valuable die varieties within common Lincoln Wheat cents.
Whitman Publishing’s Cherrypickers Guide, authored by Fivaz and Stanton,
is a crucial resource for identifying these hidden gems, aiding collectors in maximizing potential profits.
What is Cherry Picking?
Cherry picking, in numismatics, refers to the selective search for specific, valuable errors or varieties within a larger population of coins – in this case, Lincoln Wheat pennies. It’s not about the coin’s grade or metal content, but rather unique die variations.
The Cherrypickers Guide, a cornerstone resource, meticulously catalogs these die varieties, offering detailed descriptions and images for comparison. This guide empowers collectors to identify repunched mint marks, die cracks, doubled dies, and other anomalies. Essentially, it transforms a seemingly ordinary penny into a potentially significant find, requiring diligent study and a keen eye for detail, as highlighted by dedicated collectors on platforms like r/coincollecting;
Why Pennies? – Accessibility and Potential
Lincoln Wheat pennies present an ideal entry point for variety collecting due to their widespread availability and relatively low cost. Bank rolls and boxes offer access to thousands of coins, making the hunt affordable. Despite their commonality, certain die varieties command significant premiums, offering substantial potential returns.
The Cherrypickers Guide unlocks this potential by detailing these valuable errors. Even a broke college student, as shared on Reddit, can amass a collection of noteworthy finds with dedication and the right resources. The guide’s comprehensive nature, covering half cents through nickels, demonstrates the breadth of variety collecting possibilities, starting with the humble penny.
Essential Tools for Penny Cherry Picking
Successful cherry picking demands magnification – loupes or microscopes – alongside proper lighting to detect subtle die variations.
The Cherrypickers Guide also stresses selecting the optimal magnifier for detailed examination.
Magnification: Loupes and Microscopes
Effective penny cherry picking hinges on adequate magnification to discern minute die varieties. A quality loupe, typically 5x to 10x power, is a fundamental starting point for initial screening. However, more challenging varieties often necessitate a microscope, providing significantly greater detail.
The Cherrypickers Guide emphasizes the importance of choosing the right magnification level and quality. Higher magnification isn’t always better; clarity and proper lighting are equally crucial. Collectors often begin with a 10x loupe and progress to a stereo microscope for confirming suspected finds, allowing for detailed examination of die markers.
Lighting for Variety Detection
Optimal lighting is paramount when cherry picking pennies, revealing subtle die variations often missed under standard illumination. Diffused lighting minimizes glare, allowing for better observation of surface details and die markers. Collectors often employ adjustable LED lamps to control light intensity and angle.
The Cherrypickers Guide stresses that harsh, direct light can obscure crucial features. Side lighting, in particular, accentuates die cracks, repunched mint marks, and other anomalies. Experimenting with different light sources and angles is essential for maximizing visibility and accurately identifying potential varieties.
Reference Materials: The Cherrypickers Guide
The Cherrypickers Guide, currently in its fifth edition, is the definitive resource for wheat penny variety identification. Authored by Bill Fivaz and J.T. Stanton, it meticulously catalogs rare die varieties, offering detailed descriptions and illustrative images. Whitman Publishing produces this essential volume, continually updated with new discoveries and refined information.
This guide isn’t merely a listing; it provides crucial context, including explanations of the minting process and how to differentiate genuine errors from common alterations like machine doubling. It also includes an appendix on selecting the best magnification tools, vital for accurate assessment.
Understanding Wheat Penny Varieties
Wheat penny varieties, detailed in the Cherrypickers Guide, stem from die errors or unique minting characteristics.
Identifying key dates, mint marks, and die varieties is crucial for successful cherry picking.
Key Date and Mint Mark Considerations
Key dates and mint marks significantly impact a Wheat penny’s value, as outlined in the Cherrypickers Guide. Scarcity drives desirability; for example, the 1909-S VDB is highly sought after.
Understanding mint mark locations – Philadelphia (none), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S) – is vital. The Guide details how specific years from each mint experienced lower production, creating collectible rarities. Collectors must meticulously examine pennies for these marks, as even slight variations can dramatically alter a coin’s worth. Accurate identification, aided by the Cherrypickers Guide, is paramount for successful cherry picking.
The Importance of Die Varieties
Die varieties represent subtle differences in a coin’s design, created during the minting process, and are a core focus of the Cherrypickers Guide. These aren’t errors, but unique characteristics resulting from worn, altered, or repunched dies.
The Guide meticulously catalogs these varieties, detailing specific die markers to look for. Identifying doubled dies, repunched mint marks, and die cracks can transform a common penny into a valuable find. Collectors rely on the Cherrypickers Guide to confirm authenticity and accurately classify these nuances, significantly increasing a coin’s collectible value.
Common Wheat Penny Errors to Look For
The Cherrypickers Guide highlights several key Wheat Penny errors that collectors actively seek. These include doubled dies – where the design appears doubled due to a misaligned die – and repunched mint marks, visible as blurred or multiple impressions.
Die cracks, appearing as raised lines on the coin, and cud errors, resulting from a damaged die edge, are also valuable. The Guide provides detailed images and descriptions to differentiate genuine errors from common occurrences like machine doubling, ensuring accurate identification and maximizing potential value for collectors.
Specific Wheat Penny Varieties to Target
The Cherrypickers Guide directs attention to high-value varieties like the 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, and 1922 No “D” pennies,
demanding careful inspection for die variations and mint mark anomalies.
1909-S VDB Penny
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent is arguably the most iconic and sought-after Wheat penny variety. Its initial production run at the San Francisco Mint featured Victor David Brenner’s initials (“VDB”) on the reverse, prompting controversy and a swift removal.
Consequently, the 1909-S VDB is exceptionally rare, with a mintage of only 484,000 pieces. The Cherrypickers Guide emphasizes verifying the “S” mint mark and the presence of the VDB initials, noting subtle variations and potential counterfeits. Condition significantly impacts value; even well-worn examples command substantial premiums, while uncirculated specimens are highly prized.
1914-D Lincoln Cent
The 1914-D Lincoln cent represents another key date in the Wheat penny series, known for its low mintage of 1,193,735 coins produced at the Denver Mint. The Cherrypickers Guide details the importance of confirming the distinct “D” mint mark, advising collectors to be wary of altered common dates.
This variety’s scarcity stems from limited distribution and high melt-down rates during World War I. Value is heavily dependent on grade, with higher grades fetching significant prices. Collectors should meticulously examine the coin for wear and authenticity, utilizing the guide’s detailed imagery for comparison.
1922 No “D” Lincoln Cent
The 1922 No “D” Lincoln cent is a highly sought-after variety resulting from a die polishing incident at the Denver Mint, removing the “D” mint mark. The Cherrypickers Guide emphasizes careful examination of the reverse, noting the absence of the mint mark as the primary identifier.
This error occurred when a die was improperly polished, eliminating the “D” before coins were struck. Genuine examples command substantial premiums, making authentication crucial. Collectors should consult the guide’s detailed photographs and descriptions to avoid counterfeits and accurately assess the coin’s value.
Doubled Die Varieties in Wheat Pennies
Doubled Die varieties are among the most exciting finds for wheat penny cherry pickers, and The Cherrypickers Guide dedicates significant coverage to their identification. These errors occur during the die creation process, resulting in a doubling of design elements.
The guide stresses differentiating true doubled dies from machine doubling, a common post-strike effect. Careful observation of the doubling’s sharpness and location, as detailed in the guide, is essential. Collectors should utilize high magnification and compare their findings to the guide’s illustrations for accurate confirmation.
Advanced Cherry Picking Techniques
Mastering cherry picking requires utilizing resources like Variety Vista alongside The Cherrypickers Guide for definitive confirmation of die varieties and error identification.
Using Variety Vista for Confirmation
Variety Vista is an invaluable online tool for penny cherry pickers, serving as a crucial cross-reference to The Cherrypickers Guide. Experienced collectors, as noted in r/coincollecting, consistently utilize Variety Vista to meticulously compare die markers and images. This rigorous process ensures the accurate identification and labeling of discovered varieties, preventing misattribution.
The website provides detailed listings and high-resolution photographs, allowing for precise matching of features. It’s essential to avoid relying solely on initial impressions; Variety Vista offers the objective evidence needed to validate potential finds. Confirming legitimacy through this method safeguards against purchasing or grading misrepresented coins.
Identifying Repunched Mint Marks
Repunched Mint Marks (RPMs) occur when a mint mark is punched into a die more than once, creating a visible overlap or offset. The Cherrypickers Guide details numerous RPM varieties across Wheat pennies, making their identification a key skill. Look for doubling, ghosting, or a tilted appearance of the mint mark.
Careful magnification, as recommended in Numismatic News’ review of the guide, is crucial. Distinguishing RPMs from machine doubling requires close examination of the mint mark’s shape and position. Variety Vista provides comparative images, aiding in accurate confirmation and preventing misidentification of these sought-after errors.
Recognizing Die Cracks and Cud Errors
Die cracks appear as raised lines on a coin, originating from weaknesses in the die. Cud errors result from a portion of the die breaking off, creating a blank area on the coin. The Cherrypickers Guide meticulously catalogs these anomalies in Wheat pennies, offering visual references for identification.
These errors often manifest as distinct lines or missing details. Careful observation under magnification, as suggested by the guide’s appendix, is essential. Collectors should differentiate these genuine errors from post-mint damage. Variety Vista assists in verifying findings against documented examples, ensuring accurate attribution of these fascinating die imperfections.
Grading and Value of Cherry Picked Pennies
Coin grading, using established standards, significantly impacts value. The Cherrypickers Guide doesn’t directly grade, but understanding condition is vital for maximizing profits from discovered varieties.
Understanding Coin Grading Standards
Accurate coin grading is paramount when determining the value of cherry-picked pennies. Standards, like those used by PCGS and NGC, range from Poor (almost unrecognizable) to Mint State (uncirculated, perfect condition). Key factors include wear, luster, and surface preservation.
While The Cherrypickers Guide focuses on variety identification, it implicitly emphasizes the importance of condition. A rare variety in poor condition will be worth significantly less than the same variety in uncirculated condition. Understanding these grading nuances is crucial for collectors seeking to accurately assess and potentially sell their finds. Proper grading ensures fair market value.
Factors Affecting Penny Value
Several factors beyond rarity influence a cherry-picked penny’s value. Condition, as defined by grading standards, is primary; higher grades command premiums. Mint mark and date combinations, detailed in The Cherrypickers Guide, significantly impact worth. Demand within the numismatic community also plays a role – popular varieties fetch higher prices.
Additionally, eye appeal – the coin’s overall visual attractiveness – matters. Even with a confirmed variety, poor strikes or significant damage can diminish value. Finally, professional grading by PCGS or NGC often increases a coin’s marketability and price.
Professional Grading Services (PCGS, NGC)
Submitting cherry-picked pennies to Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) offers significant benefits. These services authenticate varieties identified using resources like The Cherrypickers Guide, ensuring legitimacy and bolstering buyer confidence. A professionally graded coin receives a standardized grade, removing subjectivity from valuation.
Slabbed coins, encased in protective holders, are more easily traded and often command higher prices. PCGS and NGC’s expertise minimizes the risk of misattribution, crucial for valuable die varieties. While incurring a fee, grading can substantially increase a penny’s resale value.
Where to Find Pennies for Cherry Picking
Sourcing pennies for variety hunting involves bank rolls, coin shops, and online auctions. A dedicated search, guided by The Cherrypickers Guide,
unlocks potential treasures within circulation and dealer inventories.
Bank Rolls and Boxes
Bank rolls and boxes represent the most accessible starting point for penny cherry picking. Collectors often request boxes of pennies directly from banks, hoping for unsearched material. The sheer volume allows for a greater chance of uncovering rare varieties, though it demands significant time and effort.
The Cherrypickers Guide becomes invaluable during this process, enabling quick identification of potential finds. Remember, patience is key; thousands of pennies may need examination. A Reddit user’s experience demonstrates success after searching through substantial quantities, highlighting the potential rewards of diligent searching and verification using resources like Variety Vista.
Coin Shops and Shows
Coin shops and shows offer a curated, albeit potentially more competitive, avenue for cherry picking. While pennies may be pre-searched, opportunities exist to find overlooked varieties or acquire bulk lots. Shows provide access to numerous dealers, increasing the chances of a valuable discovery.
Utilizing The Cherrypickers Guide while browsing is essential for quick assessment. A Reddit user’s story illustrates purchasing 300 pounds of wheat pennies from local shops, demonstrating the potential for significant finds. Remember to carefully inspect coins and verify any potential varieties against reliable references before making a purchase.
Online Auctions and Marketplaces
Online auctions and marketplaces, like eBay, present a vast inventory of pennies for cherry picking, but require diligent scrutiny. Competition can be fierce, and accurate grading is crucial. The Cherrypickers Guide becomes invaluable for verifying listings and identifying potential varieties before bidding.
Exercise caution, as misrepresented coins are common. Thoroughly examine images and descriptions, comparing them to known varieties detailed in the guide. A Reddit user successfully identified varieties using Variety Vista, emphasizing the importance of independent confirmation. Remember, patience and research are key to profitable online cherry picking.
Resources for Further Learning
Expand your knowledge with online forums like r/coincollecting and numismatic publications.
Whitman Publishing’s Cherrypickers Guide editions offer ongoing research and updates for variety identification.
Online Forums (r/coincollecting)
Reddit’s r/coincollecting provides a vibrant community for penny cherry pickers. Users frequently share their finds, seeking confirmation and guidance on potential varieties.
This platform is invaluable for comparing discoveries against known die markers detailed in resources like the Cherrypickers Guide.
Experienced collectors often assist in verifying legitimacy, referencing Variety Vista and offering insights into subtle differences.
Discussions cover everything from identifying repunched mint marks to differentiating genuine doubled dies from machine doubling.
The forum fosters learning, allowing newcomers to benefit from collective knowledge and avoid common pitfalls in the pursuit of rare pennies.
Numismatic News and Publications
Numismatic News regularly reviews essential resources for coin collectors, including updated editions of the Cherrypickers Guide.
These publications offer critical analyses of changes within each edition, highlighting eliminations based on collector interest and emphasizing the importance of proper magnification.
Articles often detail the book’s appendices, covering crucial topics like distinguishing genuine doubled dies from machine doubling and understanding the minting process.
Whitman Publishing, the guide’s publisher, provides access to the latest editions through their website, ensuring collectors have the most current information for successful penny cherry picking.
Whitman Publishing and Cherrypickers Guide Editions
Whitman Publishing is the proud publisher of the Cherrypickers Guide to Rare Die Varieties, a cornerstone resource for penny collectors.
Currently in its fifth edition for Half Cents through Nickels, the guide represents years of research by Bill Fivaz and J.T. Stanton, alongside contributions from the numismatic community.
These editions meticulously document U.S. coin varieties, offering detailed images and descriptions. Whitman consistently updates the guide, reflecting new discoveries and refining existing listings.
Collectors rely on these publications to accurately identify and value rare pennies, making it an indispensable tool for serious cherry pickers.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Carefully differentiate genuine die varieties from machine doubling, a frequent error. Utilize the Cherrypickers Guide and Variety Vista to confirm findings and avoid misidentification.
Misinterpreting Machine Doubling
A common pitfall for new cherry pickers is mistaking machine doubling for genuine doubled die varieties. Machine doubling occurs during the minting process, often appearing as a soft, shelf-like doubling on raised features.
The Cherrypickers Guide dedicates sections to differentiating these phenomena, emphasizing that true doubled dies exhibit sharper, more distinct doubling, often filling the fields. Careful observation and comparison with known doubled die examples, as detailed in the guide, are essential.
Utilizing proper magnification and understanding the minting process, as outlined in the guide’s appendices, will significantly reduce the risk of misinterpreting machine doubling as a valuable error.
Overlooking Subtle Die Varieties
Many valuable wheat penny varieties present with incredibly subtle die markers, easily missed by the untrained eye. The Cherrypickers Guide stresses the importance of meticulous examination and comparison to known examples. These subtle differences might include tiny die cracks, repunched mint marks, or slight variations in the design.
Collectors must utilize high-quality magnification and strong lighting to reveal these details. Relying on Variety Vista, as practiced by experienced cherry pickers, to confirm findings is crucial. The guide’s detailed descriptions and illustrations aid in recognizing these often-overlooked, yet potentially lucrative, varieties.
Incorrectly Identifying Mint Marks
Misinterpreting mint marks is a common pitfall for novice wheat penny cherry pickers. Variations in strike and wear can distort the appearance of mint marks, leading to false positives. The Cherrypickers Guide provides detailed illustrations showcasing legitimate mint mark characteristics and common alterations.
Careful comparison to known examples, utilizing the guide’s resources, is essential. Collectors should avoid assuming a mint mark’s presence based on vague impressions. Thoroughly researching the expected placement and style for each year and mint is vital to avoid costly misidentifications and ensure accurate variety attribution.
The Future of Penny Cherry Picking
Continued reliance on resources like the Cherrypickers Guide will be vital as new varieties emerge, even amidst coin shortages, for accurate identification.
Impact of Coin Shortages
Recent coin shortages significantly impact penny cherry picking, potentially limiting access to bulk rolls and boxes – traditionally the primary source for variety hunting.
However, dedicated searchers can adapt. Utilizing the Cherrypickers Guide becomes even more critical when dealing with smaller quantities of pennies obtained from alternative sources like coin shops or limited bank deposits.
The guide’s detailed die variety information allows for focused searching, maximizing the chances of finding valuable errors even within reduced circulation.
Despite challenges, the potential for discovering rare pennies remains, fueled by diligent study and the comprehensive knowledge provided by resources like Fivaz and Stanton’s publication.
Emerging Varieties and Discoveries
The field of wheat penny variety collecting is dynamic, with new discoveries continually challenging established knowledge. The Cherrypickers Guide, while comprehensive, isn’t exhaustive; collectors actively contribute to expanding our understanding.
Online forums, like r/coincollecting on Reddit, showcase recent finds and discussions, prompting further research and potential additions to future guide editions.
Staying current requires supplementing the guide with resources like Variety Vista for confirmation and engaging with the numismatic community.
The thrill of uncovering previously unknown die variations remains a powerful draw, fueled by dedicated searching and collaborative knowledge-sharing.