Finding Old School B&Ms in the Wild: A Cherry Picker’s Guide

Introduction: The Hunt for Hidden Treasures

The golden age of brick-and-mortar coin shops may be fading into memory, but the thrill of the hunt lives on for savvy collectors who know where to look. Those old-fashioned rotating trays, red boxes of 2×2 holders, and bins of circulated classics weren’t just charming relics—they were treasure troves waiting to be discovered. Today’s roll hunters and cherry pickers can still find incredible deals by understanding what made those old shops special and applying those principles to modern hunting grounds.

Understanding the Old School B&M Experience

The traditional coin shop of yesteryear was a wonderland for collectors. Imagine walking into a space filled with rotating glass carousels displaying coins in 2×2 holders, velvet-lined trays showcasing better pieces, and boxes you could take to a sitting area to examine at your leisure. These shops typically organized their inventory by grade and series, with separate bins for culls, Fine, and XF examples of Barbers, Mercury dimes, and other 20th-century classics.

What made these shops special was the tactile experience. You could pick up coins, examine them under magnification, and sometimes even get the proprietor to pull out pieces that weren’t on display. This hands-on approach allowed collectors to develop their eye and discover varieties or better dates hiding in common-date lots.

Where to Hunt Today: Modern Equivalents

While traditional B&Ms have largely disappeared, several modern venues offer similar opportunities for the patient collector:

Circulation Finds

Bank rolls remain one of the most accessible hunting grounds. Wheat cents, pre-1965 silver coins, and even occasional errors can still be found in everyday change. The key is developing a systematic approach—always check your change, ask for rolls at banks, and know what to look for.

Bulk Lots and Estate Sales

Online marketplaces, estate sales, and antique shops often contain overlooked treasures. Look for lots described as “mixed coins,” “coin collections,” or “estate accumulations.” These can contain everything from common-date silver to rare varieties that the seller doesn’t recognize.

Flea Markets and Antique Shops

Small-town antique shops and flea market booths often have coin-related items mixed in with other merchandise. Don’t overlook cigar boxes of old coins, coin albums with missing pieces, or jars of “junk silver” that might contain better dates.

Cherry Picking Strategies

The art of cherry picking—finding valuable coins in common lots—requires knowledge and patience. Here are proven strategies:

Know Your Key Dates and Varieties

Study key date lists for your favorite series. For example, in Lincoln cents, knowing that a 1914-D or 1931-S in any grade is worth significantly more than common dates can help you spot valuable coins in mixed lots.

Examine High-Grade Common Dates Carefully

Sometimes what appears to be a common date in excellent condition might actually be a better date or variety. A well-preserved 1922 cent without a mint mark, for instance, is worth far more than a typical 1922-D.

Look for Problem Coins with Hidden Value

Cleaned, damaged, or otherwise problem coins are often overlooked but can be valuable if they’re rare dates. A holed 1893-S Morgan dollar might be worth hundreds even with the damage.

Success Stories from the Field

The forum discussions contain numerous examples of successful cherry picking:

At an Arvada shop, one collector found multiple 1930-D cents in AU condition in a bowl of wheat cents priced at 10 cents each. After extensive searching, they discovered two 1922 no-D cents, one grading VF and the other F, along with numerous other semi-key dates.

Another collector found a 1924-D in a bowl of cents that were being sold for $2 a roll. The key was taking the time to thoroughly examine what others overlooked.

The Value of Patience

Many successful finds came from collectors who spent significant time examining lots that others passed over. One collector spent 40 minutes searching through a bowl of cents while others waited in line, ultimately finding multiple valuable coins.

Building Your Knowledge Base

Successful cherry picking requires continuous learning:

Study Price Guides and Population Reports

Understanding the relative rarity of different dates and grades helps you identify when something is priced too low. A coin that seems common might be scarce in higher grades.

Learn to Grade

Being able to accurately assess a coin’s condition helps you spot undergraded pieces. A coin in AU-58 might be worth significantly more than one in AU-50, even if they look similar to the untrained eye.

Network with Other Collectors

Joining local coin clubs or online communities can provide valuable information about where to find deals and what to look for.

Modern Tools for the Traditional Hunter

While the old shops are gone, modern tools can enhance your hunting:

Mobile Apps and Price Guides

Having quick access to current pricing information helps you make informed decisions on the spot.

Online Research

Being able to quickly research varieties or mint errors can help you identify valuable coins that sellers don’t recognize.

Social Media Groups

Online communities can provide real-time information about local estate sales, auctions, or other opportunities.

Conclusion: The Thrill Lives On

While the traditional B&M experience may be fading, the core principles that made those shops special—hands-on examination, organized inventory, and knowledgeable proprietors—can still be applied to modern hunting grounds. Whether you’re searching through bank rolls, estate sales, or online lots, the key is developing your knowledge, being patient, and knowing what to look for.

The next great find could be waiting in a jar of “junk silver” at a flea market, a roll of cents from the bank, or a mixed lot on an online auction site. The tools have changed, but the thrill of discovery remains the same. Happy hunting!

Related Resources

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