Smart Buying Guide: How to Buy Express Submissions Without Getting Ripped Off
March 14, 2026The Silver & Gold Content of EXPRESS or REGRESS Explained
March 14, 2026
Introduction: The Thrill of the Hunt
You don’t always need a dealer to find treasure. Here’s what to look for when searching through circulation or bulk lots.
The thrill of roll hunting isn’t just about finding silver coins or wheat cents anymore. Today’s savvy collectors know that varieties, errors, and overlooked treasures hide in plain sight. Whether you’re searching through bank rolls, estate sale boxes, or bulk auction lots, knowing what to look for can make the difference between finding a common coin and discovering something extraordinary.
Historical Significance of Cherry Picking
Cherry picking—the art of identifying valuable varieties that others miss—has been a cornerstone of serious collecting for decades. The practice gained momentum in the 1960s when collectors began discovering doubled dies and repunched mint marks in circulation. What started as a niche pursuit has evolved into a sophisticated strategy that combines knowledge, patience, and a keen eye for detail.
Where to Search: Beyond the Bank Roll
While traditional roll hunting at banks remains viable, modern collectors have expanded their hunting grounds significantly. Estate sales often contain decades-old collections where previous owners missed valuable varieties. Bulk lots from online auctions can yield surprising finds when you know what to look for. Even flea markets and antique shops can be treasure troves for those willing to dig through boxes of common coins.
Identifying Key Markers
The foundation of successful cherry picking lies in recognizing subtle differences that separate common coins from valuable varieties. Doubled dies, repunched mint marks, and die varieties require careful examination under good lighting. A 10x loupe is essential for spotting these details. Pay particular attention to dates, mint marks, and lettering where doubling often appears most prominently.
Common Varieties Worth Seeking
Certain varieties appear more frequently in circulation than others. The 1955 doubled die Lincoln cent remains one of the most famous and valuable varieties that occasionally surfaces. More recent finds include the 2004 Wisconsin quarter with an extra leaf, and various state quarter errors. Understanding which varieties are most likely to appear in your hunting grounds helps focus your efforts effectively.
Authentication and Verification
Once you’ve identified a potential variety, proper authentication becomes crucial. While professional grading services like PCGS and NGC provide expert verification, their turnaround times and processes have become points of frustration for many collectors. As one collector noted, “I would think submissions should be loaded into PCGS’s database in a timely manner, especially if you sent an EXPRESS submission and are paying the extra $$$ for an expedited experience.”
Modern Challenges in the Hobby
The coin collecting landscape continues to evolve, presenting new challenges for roll hunters. Changes in how grading services handle submissions, including reported delays in processing express submissions, have frustrated many collectors. As one frustrated collector observed, “Per PCGS, wrote in big block letters on the back and front of the package ‘EXPRESS’. PCGS signed for the package this past Monday, the 9th of March, 2026. It is now Friday afternoon the 13th of March, 2026 and nothing has been noted on my inbound submissions!??”
Tools of the Trade
Successful cherry picking requires more than just a good eye. Essential tools include quality magnifiers (10x to 20x power), good lighting, reference books specific to your area of interest, and proper storage for your finds. Digital microscopes have become increasingly popular for examining fine details that might indicate valuable varieties.
Value Guide: What to Expect
The value of cherry-picked varieties can vary dramatically based on rarity, condition, and demand. Common varieties might bring only a few dollars above face value, while rare doubled dies or error coins can command thousands. The Spanish One Peseta Francisco Franco dated 1947 Star 48 mentioned by one collector, described as having “a very strong Obverse Hub Doubled Die” and potentially being a “Discovery Coin,” illustrates how international varieties can also hold significant value.
Building Your Knowledge Base
The most successful cherry pickers invest time in education. Join online forums, attend coin shows, and study reference materials. Understanding the minting process helps you recognize what constitutes an error versus post-mint damage. As one collector wisely noted, “I’m of the opinion no matter what is humbly suggested to you right now will not decrease your anger no matter how effective that advice would be.” This highlights the importance of patience and continuous learning in this hobby.
Conclusion: The Rewards of Persistence
Cherry picking remains one of the most exciting aspects of coin collecting, offering the possibility of finding valuable varieties in unexpected places. While challenges exist—from grading service delays to the decreasing availability of older coins in circulation—the thrill of discovery continues to attract new collectors to this rewarding pursuit. Whether you’re examining rolls from the bank or sorting through estate sale boxes, remember that valuable varieties are still out there waiting to be found by those with the knowledge and patience to identify them.
“Every single one of your 39 posts is a complaint about something. Relax. Try to enjoy the hobby.” – Morgan White
This advice, while directed at frustrations with grading services, applies equally to cherry picking. The joy of the hunt, the satisfaction of discovery, and the knowledge gained through the process are what make this aspect of numismatics truly rewarding. Happy hunting!
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