Finding One of One or PMD in the Wild: A Cherry Picker’s Guide

Uncovering Hidden Treasures in Circulation

You don’t always need a dealer to find this. Here is what to look for when searching through circulation or bulk lots.

The Thrill of the Hunt

Roll hunting and cherry picking represent some of the most accessible and exciting aspects of coin collecting. Unlike purchasing certified coins from dealers or auctions, these methods allow collectors to potentially discover valuable varieties and errors hiding in plain sight. The 1963-D Lincoln cent with unusual raised symbols on both sides exemplifies exactly what roll hunters dream of finding.

Understanding What You’re Looking For

When searching through rolls, bulk lots, or estate sale coin collections, certain characteristics should immediately catch your attention. Unusual markings, raised elements, or anything that deviates from standard coin appearance warrants closer examination. The key is developing an eye for what’s genuinely different versus what’s merely worn or damaged.

Distinguishing Between Errors and Alterations

One of the most challenging aspects of roll hunting is determining whether an unusual feature represents a genuine mint error or post-mint damage (PMD). As experienced collectors in the discussion noted, there are infinite ways coins can be altered after leaving the mint. However, genuine errors often show specific characteristics that set them apart.

The 1963-D cent in question initially appeared intriguing because the symbols were raised rather than indented. This distinction is crucial. When a coin is struck, the design elements are raised because the die impresses the image into the metal. Conversely, if someone uses a punch or stamp on a finished coin, it typically creates an indentation on one side with a corresponding raised area on the opposite side due to metal displacement.

Technical Analysis of the Find

Upon closer examination under magnification, several key observations emerged. The symbols appeared raised on both sides of the coin, which initially suggested something unusual. However, experienced collectors pointed out that the metal displacement pattern was consistent with counterstamping – a form of PMD where a punch is used to create a design on a coin.

The presence of a flattened area on the reverse, opposite where the punch landed on the obverse, provided crucial evidence. This flattening occurs because the force of the punch pushes metal downward, creating a raised area where the punch contacts the coin and displacing metal to create a flat spot on the opposite side.

Common PMD Techniques to Watch For

Several methods can create raised designs on coins:

• Counterstamping with letter punches or specialized tools
• Using a punch on soft steel with the coin placed over the punched area
• Applying force with a hammer and punch combination

As one experienced collector demonstrated, recreating similar effects is relatively straightforward with basic tools. This accessibility explains why counterstamped coins appear frequently in circulation.

Where to Search for Hidden Gems

The best sources for potential finds include:

• Bank rolls of cents, particularly pre-1982 copper cents
• Bulk lots from estate sales and auctions
• Coin shops’ cull bins and bargain boxes
• Online marketplaces selling unsearched lots

Key Markers to Examine

When evaluating potential finds, examine these specific features:

• The depth and uniformity of any unusual markings
• Whether designs are raised or incuse (recessed)
• The presence of metal displacement or stress patterns
• Consistency with known minting processes

Value Considerations

While counterstamped coins like the 1963-D cent discussed are considered PMD and typically don’t carry significant numismatic premium, they remain interesting collectibles. Their value lies primarily in their uniqueness and the story they tell about how they were altered. Some collectors specifically seek out counterstamped coins as a specialized collecting area.

Learning from the Experience

The collector’s journey with this 1963-D cent demonstrates the importance of community knowledge and careful analysis. Initial excitement about a potential rarity gave way to a deeper understanding of how coins can be altered. This process of learning and discovery is central to the roll hunting experience.

Resources for Further Study

To improve your ability to identify genuine errors versus alterations, consult these resources:

• Specialized error reference websites and guides
• Educational videos about minting processes and common alterations
• Online forums and communities of experienced collectors
• Books on mint errors and varieties

Conclusion: The Ongoing Adventure

While the 1963-D cent with raised symbols ultimately proved to be a counterstamp rather than a rare mint error, the discovery process exemplifies why roll hunting remains so appealing. Each coin examined represents a potential treasure, and even when finds turn out to be alterations rather than errors, they contribute to a collector’s education and experience. The key is maintaining curiosity, developing expertise, and understanding that every examination – whether it reveals a valuable error or an interesting alteration – adds to your knowledge as a collector.

Remember that the most successful roll hunters combine patience, knowledge, and attention to detail. By understanding what to look for and how to distinguish between different types of unusual features, you increase your chances of discovering genuinely valuable pieces hiding in everyday circulation.