How to Spot Rare Errors on Back To Business The New Long Beach Expo Report – February 2026

Introduction: The Hunt for Hidden Treasures

Most people overlook the tiny details that can transform a common coin into a rarity worth thousands. At the 2026 Long Beach Expo, the excitement wasn’t just about precious metals – it was about the subtle variations and errors that separate common coins from extraordinary finds.

Historical Significance of the Long Beach Expo

The Long Beach Expo has been a cornerstone of the numismatic community since 1964, making it the West Coast’s oldest and largest coin show. After a brief hiatus, its revival under Stack’s Bowers brought renewed energy to the collecting world. This historical context matters because many of the most valuable error coins and varieties were discovered at shows just like this one, where collectors could examine coins up close and spot those telltale signs that indicate rarity.

Identifying Key Markers: What to Look For

When examining coins for potential errors or varieties, several key markers can indicate something special:

Die Cracks and Cud Errors

Die cracks appear as raised lines on the coin’s surface where the die has fractured. These can range from tiny hairline cracks to dramatic raised features. Cud errors occur when a piece of the die breaks off completely, leaving a raised blob of metal on the coin. At the expo, collectors were examining coins closely for these features, particularly on Morgan dollars and other high-relief designs where die stress is more common.

Double Dies

Double die errors create a distinctive doubled appearance on lettering, numbers, or design elements. This happens when the die itself is struck more than once during creation, causing a slight shift between impressions. The most famous example is the 1955 doubled die Lincoln cent, but double dies exist across many denominations and years. When examining coins, use a magnifying glass to check for any doubling in the date, mint mark, or major design elements.

Mint Mark Variations

Mint mark variations can be incredibly valuable. The 1945-S Micro S Mercury dime mentioned in the expo report is a perfect example – the smaller mint mark was created using a different punch than the standard size. Other variations include over-mint marks (where one mint mark is punched over another), re-punched mint marks, and different mint mark styles used in different years. Always compare mint marks to reference images to spot these variations.

Repunched Dates and Mint Marks

Before modern technology, mint marks and dates were often punched into dies by hand. If the punch wasn’t aligned correctly the first time, it would be punched again, creating a shadow or outline of the original impression. These repunched varieties can be worth significant premiums, especially in early 20th century coins.

Specific Errors to Look For at Shows

The Long Beach Expo report mentioned several coins that exemplify different error and variety types:

1921-P Morgan Dollar: Zerbe Dies

The Zerbe dies were specially prepared for the 1921 Morgan dollars, featuring different design elements than standard production coins. These can be identified by examining the eagle’s wing details and the overall sharpness of the design. The report mentioned an ANACS MS64 example, highlighting how third-party grading services help authenticate these special varieties.

1921-D Morgan Dollar: Regency Presentation Piece

This coin represents one of the first 1921-D Morgan dollars struck, with special presentation features. The report noted it as the 9th minted, which would make it exceptionally rare. Presentation pieces often have special die preparation, sharper strikes, or unique surface characteristics that set them apart from regular production coins.

1983-S Roosevelt Dime: No S Proof

The 1983-S proof Roosevelt dime without a mint mark is one of the most famous modern errors. These coins were accidentally struck using dies that were intended for regular circulation production, where no mint mark was used. The absence of the ‘S’ mint mark on what should be a San Francisco proof coin makes these extremely valuable, with the PCGS PR70DCAM example mentioned in the report being particularly desirable.

Authentication and Certification

The report mentioned several certification services and their importance in the error coin market:

PCGS and NGC Certification

Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) are the two leading third-party grading services. Their certification provides authentication and grade verification, which is crucial for error coins where value can vary dramatically based on the type and severity of the error.

CAC Sticker Significance

The Certified Acceptance Corporation (CAC) sticker indicates that a coin is especially nice for its grade. The report noted that CAC-stickered coins were relatively scarce at the show, with only three gold CAC coins spotted. This scarcity can indicate market conditions or simply that high-quality error coins are being held by collectors rather than offered for sale.

Market Conditions and Collecting Strategies

The expo report provides valuable insights into current market conditions:

Bullion vs. Numismatic Demand

The report noted that bullion dealers were particularly busy, with silver selling rapidly. This creates opportunities for error coin hunters because dealers focused on bullion may overlook numismatic rarities in their inventory. The key is to check cases thoroughly, even those that appear to contain only common items.

Cherry-Picking Opportunities

The author mentioned successfully cherry-picking a 1944-S Mercury dime in a reholdered PCGS rattler holder. This strategy – finding overlooked coins at attractive prices – is particularly effective for error coins because many dealers may not recognize the significance of subtle varieties or minor errors.

Serial Number Significance

The discussion about the 109 serial number rattler holder highlights how certification details can provide clues about a coin’s history. While the 109 serial number wasn’t actually from a rattler holder (as clarified in the comments), understanding these details can help authenticate coins and potentially identify special varieties.

Tools and Techniques for Error Coin Hunting

Successful error coin hunting requires specific tools and approaches:

Essential Equipment

• High-quality magnifying glass or loupe (10x minimum)
• Proper lighting to examine coin surfaces
• Reference books on error coins and varieties
• Digital calipers for measuring mint mark sizes
• Smartphone with camera for documentation

Examination Techniques

When examining coins for errors, use a systematic approach:

1. Start with the date and mint mark – these are most likely to show doubling or repunching
2. Examine the major design elements for doubling or die cracks
3. Check the coin’s edges for any unusual features
4. Look at the coin’s surface under different lighting angles to spot die cracks
5. Compare suspect coins to known good examples of the same type

Conclusion: The Thrill of the Hunt

The 2026 Long Beach Expo report demonstrates that even in a market dominated by bullion demand, there are still opportunities to find rare errors and varieties. The key is knowing what to look for and being willing to examine coins carefully. Whether it’s a doubled die, a repunched mint mark, or a dramatic die break, these variations can transform a common coin into a valuable rarity. As the report shows, successful error coin hunting combines knowledge, patience, and the willingness to look beyond the obvious. The next time you’re at a coin show or examining your collection, remember that the next great find might be hiding in plain sight, waiting for someone with the right knowledge to recognize its true value.

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