Complete Beginner’s Guide: What You Need to Know About Cherry Picking Your Own Fake Bin

New to coin collecting? You’re in the right place. This beginner-friendly guide will show you how to spot hidden gems in what others dismiss as junk — specifically, “fake bins” full of so-called counterfeit coins. Sounds odd, right? How can a *fake* be valuable? Here’s the twist: In numismatics, **cherry picking** means finding the *right kind* of fake. Think of it like sifting through a pile of costume jewelry and discovering a vintage piece with a fascinating history. We’ll show you how to find historically important **reproductions, restrikes, and artisan-made copies** — the coins that look old, feel old, and *are* valuable, just not for the reason you think. Whether you’re just starting out, love history, or even work in tech (hello, CTOs building the next big thing for collectors!), this guide gives you the real, simple steps to begin your own cherry picking adventure.

What Is a ‘Fake Bin’—And Why Is It Valuable?

The term “fake bin” sounds like a trash can for worthless coins: counterfeits, fakes, or damaged pieces. But it’s not that simple.

In early American coin collecting, a fake bin is often a treasure chest in disguise. You’re not looking for modern scams. You’re hunting for historically significant reproductions — coins made with care, not with the intent to fool. One name to remember: John Adams Bolen. In the 1860s and 70s, this skilled die sinker crafted stunning copies of rare colonial coins like the Bar Cent, not to pass them off as real, but to share history, sell to collectors, or even donate to museums.

Understanding the Myth of the “Fake”

Most beginners think “fake = bad.” But in coin collecting, that’s not always true. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill knockoffs.

• Reproductions: Made later, using old-style dies or methods, usually with clear markings or known origins.

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• Restrikes: Official mints sometimes issued these later, using old designs — think of them as official reissues.

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• Historical copies: Crafted by artisans like Bolen to honor history, not hide it.

When you **cherry pick from a fake bin**, you’re not looking for fraud. You’re looking for coins made with skill, story, and respect for history — coins that were once mistaken for the real thing, but now stand on their own.

The Real Value of a “Fake”: Case Study – The Bolen Bar Cent

Meet the Bar Cent. Originally made in 1785 by the Massachusetts Bay Company (not the U.S. Mint), it was a token, not legal tender. Fast forward to the 1860s: John Adams Bolen, a respected craftsman, recreates it using original research and period tools. His copy is so good, one was submitted to NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) and graded NGC 61 BN — “About Uncirculated, Brown.”

Wait — a *fake* got a high grade? Yes. Here’s why this coin still has real value:

• It was made by a documented, skilled artisan.
• It uses historically accurate dies and techniques.
• It teaches us how 19th-century collectors engaged with history.

Today, Bolen’s copies are collectible — not because they’re rare originals, but because they *tell a story*. Their value comes from **craftsmanship and historical insight**, not deception.

Getting Started: How to Begin Cherry Picking Your Own Fake Bin

You don’t need a fortune or a basement full of coins. You can start small. Hit up local coin shops, estate sales, or online marketplaces. Even “junk bins” on eBay or bulk lots under $50 can be goldmines. The secret? Know what to look for — and what questions to ask.

Step 1: Learn the Basics of Early American Numismatics

Start with the fundamentals. You don’t need to be an expert. Just know the coin families and key details.

• Study these series: Bar Cents, Fugio Cents, Washington pieces, Connecticut Coppers.

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• Grading made simple: Good (G), Fine (F), Extremely Fine (XF), Uncirculated (MS). Higher = better condition.
• Die varieties matter: Look for die cracks, misaligned letters, or unique fonts — these can point to a specific maker like Bolen.

Use free tools: the Early American Coppers (EAC) website or grab a copy of “The Early Coins of America” by Sylvester S. Crosby. It’s a classic — and still one of the best.

Step 2: Know the Reproductions by Name

Many reproductions were made by specific people or companies. Remember these names — they’re your cheat codes.

• John Adams Bolen – Colonial coins, medals, and tokens.
• Joseph J. Mickley – Early restrikes and copies.
• William H. Strobridge – Known for Civil War-era restrikes.

When you see a coin labeled “fake,” ask: “Could this be a Bolen?” His work is well-documented. Compare it to reference catalogs — and you might just make a match.

Step 3: Look for “Red Flags” That Are Actually Green Flags

New collectors often throw away coins for the wrong reasons. Here’s what to actually *look for* — because sometimes, what looks “wrong” is exactly what makes it right.

Common Misconceptions About Fake Coins

Let’s bust the myths that keep beginners from finding real value.

Misconception #1: All Fake Coins Are Worthless

Not true. A 19th-century reproduction made by a known artisan is far from junk. It has numismatic, historical, and educational value. Bolen’s coins are recognized by grading services and can be encapsulated with a “reproduction” label — meaning it’s authentic *as a reproduction*.

“The value of a reproduction isn’t in pretending it’s original—it’s in understanding the story behind the copy.”

Misconception #2: Only Graded Coins Are Worth Collecting

Grading (NGC, PCGS) helps, but ungraded coins can be the best finds. Many Bolen copies were never submitted because they were known copies. That means you can buy them cheaper — then submit them for “Reproduction” or “Restrike” certification, adding real value through research.

Misconception #3: You Need Expensive Tools to Start

You really don’t. Here’s your starter kit:

• A 10x magnifying loupe (find one under $20).
• A white cotton glove to keep oils off the coin.
• A reference book or PDF (try Bolen’s Colonials by Q. David Bowers).
• Free online databases like Numista or Heritage Auctions’ price archives.

How to Verify and Attribute a Cherry-Picked Coin

Found a coin that looks promising? Here’s your step-by-step plan.

Step 1: Photography and Documentation

Take clear, well-lit photos:

• Obverse and reverse, straight-on.
• Close-ups of the rim, date, and key details.
• Use a lightbox or white paper to reduce glare.

Name your files clearly: BarCent_Bolen_Candidate_2024_Lot12.jpg — helps when you’re comparing later.

Step 2: Research the Die Varieties

Use the Bolen Die Register (check EAC or collector forums) to compare:

• Font of the word “BAR”.
• How the “1” in the date is shaped.
• Any die chips or cracks — these are like fingerprints.

Match a known Bolen die? Congratulations — you’ve found a true **cherry-picked gem**.

Step 3: Submit for Attribution (Optional)

You can send the coin to a grading service with a note: "Attributed reproduction by John A. Bolen, 1860s. Request Reproduction designation." This adds provenance, history, and market value — all from a coin someone else called “fake.”

Actionable Takeaways for Beginners

Ready to start? Here’s your simple action plan:

• Buy 3–5 “fake” lots on eBay or at local coin shows. Search for: “junk bin,” “bulk copper,” “ungraded.”
• Create a tracking sheet (Google Sheets works fine): photo, weight, dimensions, notes.
• Join Early American Coppers (EAC) — access to experts, journals, and real collector wisdom.
• Never clean a coin — it ruins patina and value.
• Read “The Early American Coin Collector” by Bill Subjack — it shows how collectors in the 1800s saw these pieces.

Conclusion: Fake Can Be Foundational

Cherry picking your own “fake bin” isn’t about trickery — it’s about **discovery, learning, and storytelling**. The Bolen Bar Cent proves that a coin once labeled “fake” can become a centerpiece. Not because it’s original, but because it’s *authentic to a different story*: the history of collecting itself.

By learning to tell the difference between fraudulent counterfeits and meaningful reproductions, you gain a deeper love for the hobby. You also unlock opportunities most collectors miss — because they’re still afraid of the word “fake.”

Remember: The best finds aren’t just about rarity. They’re about context, craftsmanship, and the human story behind the coin. Start small. Learn the names. Study the masters like Bolen. And don’t fear the fake bin. In fact, dig in — it might just hold your first real treasure.

Related Resources

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