Finding Cherry-Picked Treasures at Coin Shows: A Roll Hunter’s Guide

Introduction: The Hunt Begins

Finding treasure doesn’t always require a trip to a dealer. Here’s what to look for when searching through circulation or bulk lots—you might be surprised what’s hiding in plain sight.

The Modern Coin Show Experience

The Long Beach Coin Show has evolved significantly since Stack’s Bowers took the reins, reshaping the landscape for collectors and dealers alike. What was once a sprawling gathering featuring dozens of major dealers has been streamlined into a more focused experience—though it still offers plenty of opportunities for the discerning collector.

Pre-1965 Silver: The Circulation Hunter’s Gold

For roll hunters and circulation searchers, pre-1965 silver coins remain one of the most accessible ways to build a collection with intrinsic value. At shows like Long Beach, dealers actively purchase these coins, making them a reliable exit strategy for anyone who finds them in rolls or bulk lots.

When searching through bank rolls or estate accumulations, keep an eye out for:

• 90% silver dimes, quarters, and half dollars (1964 and earlier)
• 40% silver half dollars (1965-1970)
• War nickels (1942-1945) with 35% silver content

Prices vary between dealers, so it’s worth checking multiple buyers if you’re liquidating at a show. The key is knowing the spot price of silver and understanding that dealers will typically pay 85-95% of melt value, depending on their inventory needs and current market conditions.

Circulation Finds: Where Value Hides in Plain Sight

One of the most exciting aspects of coin collecting is discovering valuable pieces right in your pocket change. The Long Beach show highlighted several areas where careful searching can pay off handsomely.

Large Cents: The $10-25 Treasure Trove

Pierre Fricke’s approach to selling Large Cents in jars priced at $10, $20, and $25 represents a brilliant opportunity for cherry pickers. These circulated coins, often found in estates or old collections, can contain surprising dates and varieties.

When searching through similar lots, look for:

• Key dates like 1799, 1793, and 1804
• Varieties such as the 1794 Starred Reverse or 1795 Jefferson Head
• Coins in Fine to Very Fine condition that might be undergraded

The example of an 1847 Large Cent in a $25 jar that would grade VF-30 demonstrates how patient searching can uncover significant value. Always examine coins carefully—what looks like a common date might be a rare variety waiting to be discovered.

Indian Head Cents: The Roll Hunter’s Delight

Several dealers at Long Beach featured nice runs of Indian Head Cents in Red and Red-Brown Uncirculated condition. These coins frequently appear in rolls and estate collections, making them perfect targets for circulation hunters.

When searching rolls or bulk lots, prioritize:

• 1877 (the key date in any condition)
• 1909-S (the final year with the original design)
• High-grade examples with full mint luster
• Coins with interesting toning or patina

Morgans and Walkers: The MS65 Sweet Spot

The abundance of Morgan Dollars and Walking Liberty Half Dollars in MS65 condition at the show reflects their continued popularity and availability. These coins frequently appear in unsearched rolls and bulk lots from estates.

For cherry pickers, focus on:

• Key dates like 1889-CC, 1893-S, and 1895 Morgan Dollars
• Walking Liberty halves with full bell lines and attractive toning
• Coins that might upgrade to MS66 or higher

Modern Varieties: The Cherry Picker’s Edge

While not specifically mentioned at Long Beach, modern coin shows often feature dealers with extensive knowledge of die varieties and errors. This expertise translates to better opportunities for collectors who understand what to look for in circulation.

Key areas for modern cherry picking include:

• 1982 small date bronze cents (rare transitional variety)
• 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial cents with different reverse designs
• State quarters with doubled dies and other errors
• Presidential dollars with missing edge lettering

World Coins: Expanding Your Search

The increased presence of Mexican coins at Long Beach reflects growing interest in world numismatics. This trend extends to circulation finds, where Mexican pesos, Canadian coins, and other foreign currency often appear in mixed lots and estate accumulations.

When searching through foreign coins, look for:

• Silver content (many older Mexican and Canadian coins contain silver)
• Low mintage dates and varieties
• Coins in better condition than typically found in circulation

Authentication and Grading: Protecting Your Finds

The long lines at PCGS during the Long Beach show demonstrate the ongoing demand for professional authentication and grading. For circulation hunters, understanding when to submit coins for grading is crucial.

Consider professional grading for:

• Potentially valuable varieties or errors
• High-grade examples of common dates
• Coins you plan to sell to serious collectors

Building Relationships: The Collector’s Network

While the Long Beach show had fewer familiar faces than in previous years, the importance of building relationships with dealers and other collectors remains paramount. These connections often lead to inside information about upcoming estate sales, bulk lots, and other opportunities.

Conclusion: The Thrill of the Hunt

The revamped Long Beach Coin Show demonstrates that opportunities for collectors still abound, even in a changing market. Whether you’re searching through bank rolls, attending estate sales, or carefully examining bulk lots at shows, the principles of patient searching and educated cherry picking remain the same.

The key is developing a systematic approach: know what to look for, understand the market values, and be prepared to act when you find something special. The next great find might be hiding in plain sight, waiting for a knowledgeable collector to recognize its true value.

Remember, every coin has a story, and sometimes those stories include unexpected value. Happy hunting!

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