Finding Sample Slabs in the Wild: A Cherry Picker’s Guide

The Hidden Treasures in Bulk Lots

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

What Are Sample Slabs?

Sample slabs are promotional or educational holders that were never intended for certified grading purposes. These distinctive holders often feature unusual fonts, layouts, or labeling that immediately sets them apart from professional grading service slabs. The specimens in question appear to be promotional pieces that came as part of collector’s kits rather than authentic certified coins.

Historical Context: The Whitman Connection

The mystery of these sample slabs was solved when PerryHall identified them as part of Whitman’s collector’s kits from decades past. These comprehensive kits were designed to introduce newcomers to numismatics and typically included essential tools: a reference book, magnifying glass, coin folders, and educational materials. The inclusion of a slabbed coin served as both a teaching tool about coin preservation and an exciting premium item for beginners.

The Time Period

Based on collector recollections and the style of the kits shown in period photographs, these sample slabs date to the early to mid-1990s. This was a significant era for coin collecting, as the hobby was experiencing renewed interest and companies like Whitman were actively working to attract new generations of collectors. The mid-1990s saw a boom in entry-level collecting products designed for accessibility.

Identifying Key Markers

When hunting through bulk lots, estate sales, or mixed accumulations, several distinctive features can help identify these sample slabs:

• Font irregularities – The text layout and typography often appear slightly off compared to professional grading slabs, as several collectors noted
• Generic labeling – These typically don’t feature specific grade designations or certification numbers
• Kit association – They were paired with educational materials rather than being standalone certified coins
• Common date coins – Usually housed common date Lincoln cents rather than rare or valuable specimens

Circulation Finds and Bulk Hunting Strategies

While these sample slabs weren’t released into circulation, they do appear in places where bulk lots and estate accumulations surface. Estate sales represent prime hunting grounds, as former collectors’ holdings often include these educational pieces alongside their more serious collecting materials. Similarly, bulk lots purchased from auction houses or online marketplaces may contain these hidden gems mixed among other numismatic items.

When examining bulk lots, pay special attention to any slabbed coins that seem out of place or have unusual labeling. The font irregularities mentioned by collectors are often the first giveaway that you’re looking at something different from standard certified coins. These pieces were produced in limited quantities as promotional items, making them relatively scarce compared to their common date contents.

Value Considerations

Based on collector discussions, these sample slabs typically trade in the $20 range when sold individually. This modest valuation reflects their nature as promotional items rather than genuine certified specimens. However, their value extends beyond mere monetary worth. For collectors specializing in numismatic ephemera or the history of coin collecting as a hobby, these pieces represent an important era in how the hobby was marketed and taught to newcomers.

The fact that they housed Lincoln cents is particularly noteworthy. The Lincoln cent series has long been the gateway coin for American collectors, and these sample slabs represent a specific moment in how that introduction was packaged and presented to the public.

Cherry Picking Opportunities

For the astute cherry picker, these sample slabs present several opportunities. First, their distinctive appearance makes them relatively easy to spot when examining mixed lots. Second, their modest market value means they’re often overlooked by dealers focused on certified rarities. Third, their historical significance as educational tools adds a layer of collectibility beyond the coin itself.

When evaluating potential acquisitions, consider the condition of both the slab and the enclosed coin. While the slabs were designed for educational purposes rather than long-term preservation, finding examples in good condition can be challenging given their age. The coin inside, typically a common date Lincoln cent, may have additional value if it’s in exceptional condition or has other desirable attributes.

Authentication and Caution

While these sample slabs are legitimate promotional items from a reputable company, their appearance has led some collectors to question their authenticity. The font irregularities and unusual labeling that make them identifiable also raise questions for those unfamiliar with their origin. When encountering these pieces, it’s helpful to reference the Whitman connection and the specific time period of their production.

Be cautious of modern reproductions or fantasy pieces that might attempt to capitalize on the interest in these vintage promotional items. The specific characteristics of genuine examples from the 1990s Whitman kits should serve as your guide for authentication.

Building a Collection

For collectors interested in these sample slabs, consider focusing on acquiring examples from different time periods or with different coin types. While the discussions centered on Lincoln cents, Whitman produced various collector’s kits over the years that might have included different coin types in their promotional slabs. Tracking down these variations could make for an interesting specialized collection within the broader context of numismatic promotional materials.

The educational aspect of these pieces also makes them valuable additions to collections focused on the history of coin collecting as a hobby. They represent a specific marketing approach and a moment in time when companies were actively working to make numismatics accessible to newcomers.

Conclusion

These sample slabs from Whitman’s 1990s collector’s kits represent more than just holders for common date coins. They’re artifacts of numismatic history, showcasing how the hobby was packaged and presented to new generations of collectors. For roll hunters and cherry pickers, they offer an accessible entry point into collecting numismatic ephemera, with the potential for discovery in bulk lots, estate sales, and mixed accumulations. Their distinctive appearance, historical significance, and modest valuation make them an interesting specialty for collectors looking beyond traditional certified coins.

The next time you’re examining a bulk lot or estate collection, keep an eye out for these unusual slabs with their distinctive fonts and labeling. You might just uncover a piece of numismatic promotional history that tells the story of how coin collecting was taught and marketed to newcomers in the 1990s.

Related Resources

You might also find these related articles helpful:

• Smart Buying Guide: How to Buy Sample Slabs Without Getting Ripped Off – Introduction: The Collector’s Dilemma If you’re looking to add this to your collection, you need a strategy …
• Can Sample Slabs Be Made Into Jewelry? A Crafter’s Guide – Introduction: Unlocking the Charm of Sample Slabs Not every coin belongs in a jewelry workshop, but sample slabs? They&#…
• Preserving Your Sample Slab: A Conservationist’s Guide to Long-Term Care – Unlocking the Story Behind Your Sample Slab Having handled thousands of historical artifacts and numismatic pieces as a …