The 5-Minute Guide to Spotting and Cherrypicking High-Value Coin Varieties (That Most Dealers Miss)
October 1, 20258 Advanced Cherry-Picking Techniques That Pros Use to Find Rare Coins in Plain Sight
October 1, 2025
I’ve made every one of these mistakes myself. Maybe you have too? Let’s talk about the five most common traps collectors fall into when hunting for those elusive cherrypicks—and how to spot them before they cost you.
Mistake 1: Ignoring Small Details During Inspection
You’re excited. You spot a coin that looks interesting. But zoom in—*really* zoom in. Most collectors miss huge opportunities because they rush. Details matter. A lot.
Warning Signs
- Missing doubling or repunched mint marks that aren’t obvious at first glance
- Skipping tools—no loupe, no second look
- Overlooking subtle toning or off-center strikes that scream “variety”
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What Not To Do
Don’t trust your eyes from a phone screen or a blurry photo. And don’t just take the seller’s word. I’ve bought coins labeled “rare” only to realize later they were misidentified. Your eyes—and tools—need to do the work.
Recovery Strategy
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- Grab a 10x loupe. Every time. Look for die markers, repunched mint marks, and doubling that the naked eye can’t catch.
- Compare side-by-side with reference coins. Use guides, forums, and images from PCGS or NGC.
- When in doubt, pause. Research before you buy. A five-minute check could save you hundreds.
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Mistake 2: Underestimating the Importance of Grading Services
Grading services like PCGS and NGC give us confidence. But they’re not infallible. I’ve seen slabbed coins graded MS65 that looked like they’d been through a war. Trust, but verify.
Warning Signs
- Slabs with mislabeled varieties
- Grades that don’t match the coin’s actual eye appeal or surface
- Ignoring population reports—rare doesn’t always mean valuable
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What Not To Do
Don’t treat the slab like gospel. And don’t skip raw coins just because they’re ungraded. Some of my best finds were raw—because a dealer or seller didn’t know what they had.
Recovery Strategy
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- Cross-check the slab label. Does the coin really match the grade? Use population reports to see how common (or rare) it really is.
- Get a second opinion. CACG or ANACS might see what the first service missed. I’ve had coins regrade two points higher after crossover.
- Study grading standards. Learn what “AU58” or “MS63” really looks like. The more you know, the less you’ll overpay.
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Mistake 3: Overlooking Market Trends and Dealer Behaviors
Markets shift. Fast. One year, it’s Lincoln cents. The next, it’s Walking Liberty halves. If you’re not paying attention, you’ll miss the wave—or buy at the peak.
Warning Signs
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- Dealers marking down coins with rare varieties because they don’t recognize them
- Bullion hype overshadowing key date and variety demand
- More coins graded “Gem” than ever—what’s really rare anymore?
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What Not To Do
Don’t assume every dealer knows what they’re selling. Some are great. Others just want to clear inventory. Smart collectors use that to their advantage.
Recovery Strategy
- Track auction results. GreatCollections and Stacks Bowers show real prices, not wishful thinking.
- Talk to specialists. Build a relationship with a dealer who knows varieties. They’ll call you first when something good comes in.
- Watch population trends. If a variety’s population spikes, its value might drop. Be the one who bought before the flood.
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Mistake 4: Ignoring the Importance of Proper Storage and Handling
You found a killer cherrypick. Now don’t ruin it. I once watched a friend wipe a 1916-D dime with a tissue. The fingerprint still haunts me.
Warning Signs
- Oily smudges, hairlines, or spotting on coins that should be pristine
- PVC damage from old flips or albums
- Storing coins in a hot attic or damp basement
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What Not To Do
No bare hands. No plastic bags. No paper envelopes. Skin oil, humidity, and sunlight are enemies. I learned that the hard way.
Recovery Strategy
- Always wear cotton gloves. Even for “just a quick look.”
- Use acid-free, PVC-free materials—Mylar flips, archival albums, or airtight capsules.
- Store in a dark, dry, temperature-stable place. A closet beats a garage. Every time.
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Mistake 5: Misjudging the Resubmission Value
Found a coin stuck in an old slab? It might be worth more than its sticker says. Resubmission isn’t gambling—it’s strategy.
Warning Signs
- Coins that look better than their grade suggests
- Unattributed varieties hiding in plain sight
- Multiple resubmissions with no change—something’s off
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What Not To Do
Don’t resubmit blindly. Don’t clean a coin hoping to “freshen” it up. And don’t expect miracles every time.
Recovery Strategy
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- Clean only if professionally advised. Most coins don’t need it—and improper cleaning kills value.
- Submit with photos, notes, and provenance. Highlight the variety. Explain why it should be reconsidered.
- Try crossover submission. A coin graded MS64 at PCGS might pop to MS66 at NGC. I’ve seen it happen.
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Conclusion
Finding cherrypicks isn’t about luck. It’s about patience, attention, and learning from others’ (and your own) mistakes. Watch the details. Question the slab. Know the market. Respect the coin. And don’t be afraid to resubmit.
The best finds aren’t always the rarest coins. They’re the ones you *spot* before anyone else does.
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