Finding Need opinion for grading in the Wild: A Cherry Picker’s Guide

The Thrill of the Hunt: Finding Valuable Coins in Circulation

Sometimes the most exciting discoveries happen right in your own pocket change or at a local estate sale. That’s the beauty of roll hunting and cherry picking varieties – the potential for finding something special is everywhere. You don’t always need a dealer to find valuable coins. The thrill of the hunt is what keeps collectors searching through countless rolls and bulk lots.

Take this 1972 Lincoln cent, for example. At first glance, it might look like just another copper coin from circulation. But upon closer inspection, it reveals something more interesting – a doubled die variety that could be worth more than face value to the right collector. The luster on this specimen suggests it’s been well-preserved, though the strike shows some weakness in the details.

Historical Significance of the 1972 Doubled Die

The 1972 Lincoln cent is particularly notable among doubled die varieties. While not as famous as the 1955 doubled die, the 1972 variety still represents an interesting error in the minting process where the die itself was doubled during creation, resulting in a noticeable doubling effect on the struck coins. This particular variety has an interesting provenance, as it was discovered during a time when collectors were becoming more sophisticated in their searches.

What makes the 1972 date especially intriguing is that multiple doubled die varieties exist, each with different levels of visibility and value. The most valuable are typically FS-101 and FS-104, but several other varieties including FS-107, FS-108, and FS-109 also exist. Each variety has its own distinct markers that experienced collectors learn to identify.

Identifying Key Markers

When searching through rolls or bulk lots, here’s what to look for:

• IN GOD WE TRUST – Check for doubling in the letters, particularly in “GOD” and “WE” – this is often the most prominent feature
• LIBERTY – Look for noticeable doubling in the letters, especially in “LIB” – the doubling should be visible to the naked eye
• Date – Examine the date for any signs of doubling – though this is often less pronounced than the lettering
• Other features – Check the ear, beard, and other facial features for doubling – these can help confirm the variety

Pro Tip: Use a good magnifying glass (10x minimum) and proper lighting when examining potential doubled dies. The doubling should be visible without extreme magnification. Look for strong, clear doubling rather than slight doubling that could be machine doubling.

Grading Considerations

Even if you find a doubled die variety, the coin’s grade significantly impacts its value. For this particular coin, forum members noted several condition issues that affect its eye appeal and ultimately its worth:

• Multiple severe marks on the surface – these detract from the overall appearance
• Flatness on the ear detail – suggesting some wear despite appearing uncirculated
• Possible rub or wear – which could prevent it from achieving a high grade
• A hole or mark above and behind the ear – a significant distraction

Based on these observations, the coin would likely grade at MS-65 or lower, despite having nice, clean fields. This grade limitation affects the overall value proposition. In mint state coins, even small imperfections can make a significant difference in value.

Value Assessment

Before sending any coin for grading, it’s crucial to do the math:

1. How much is the coin worth in its current raw state? Check recent auction results for comparable specimens.
2. How much would it be worth if professionally graded? Consider the premium for slabbed coins of this variety.
3. What are the grading costs (including shipping and insurance)? Factor in all expenses.

For common doubled dies like this one (potentially FS-107 based on the “pimple on the lip” marker mentioned in the discussion), the value might only be a couple dollars even in uncirculated condition. When grading costs are factored in, it rarely makes financial sense to submit such coins. The numismatic value simply doesn’t justify the expense for varieties of this scarcity.

Authentication and Variety Attribution

If you believe you’ve found a valuable variety, proper attribution is essential. The forum discussion highlighted the importance of:

• Comparing your coin to known varieties using resources like Variety Vista – this comprehensive catalog is invaluable
• Taking clear, focused photographs of key areas – good images are crucial for getting accurate opinions
• Being precise about which variety you believe it is – don’t just say “doubled die,” identify the specific FS number
• Understanding that not all doubling is valuable – some is common and expected, like machine doubling

For this particular coin, the consensus was that it’s likely FS-107, which isn’t valuable enough to justify grading costs. However, if it were a more valuable variety like FS-101 or FS-104, the calculus might change significantly. These key varieties can command substantial premiums even in circulated condition.

Where to Find These Coins

The beauty of searching for doubled dies and other varieties is that they can turn up almost anywhere:

• Circulation rolls – Banks and credit unions are great sources, and they’re free to search
• Bulk lots – Estate sales, auctions, and online marketplaces often sell unsorted coin lots at reasonable prices
• Coin shops – Sometimes dealers miss varieties in their inventory, especially in bargain bins
• Family collections – Inherited coins may contain hidden gems that previous generations overlooked

Final Thoughts on Cherry Picking

The discussion around this 1972 cent illustrates several important lessons for cherry pickers:

Patience is essential – Finding valuable varieties requires examining many coins. For every valuable find, you’ll examine hundreds or thousands of common pieces.

Knowledge matters – Understanding what varieties exist and their markers is crucial. Study reference books and online resources to build your expertise.

Condition counts – Even a rare variety in poor condition may not be worth grading. A common coin in gem condition is often more valuable than a rare coin in low grade.

Do the math – Always calculate potential return versus grading costs. Don’t let excitement override financial reality.

While this particular 1972 cent may not be worth sending for grading, the hunt itself is valuable. Each coin examined builds your expertise and sharpens your eye for spotting the next potential treasure. That’s the real reward of roll hunting and cherry picking – the thrill of the search and the knowledge gained along the way. The satisfaction of discovering something others have missed is what keeps collectors searching through countless rolls, year after year.

Related Resources

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