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November 24, 2025The Coin Collector’s Puzzle: How I Verified My 2025 Lincoln Error
My hands shook when I first spotted something odd on a 2025 Lincoln cent from my new U.S. Mint set. I almost missed it completely – a faint irregularity that didn’t match typical wear. Was this a valuable struck-through error or just damage? As a longtime collector, I knew jumping to conclusions could cost me.
After months of detective work (and yes, a few sleepless nights), I nailed down a verification process that worked. Let me walk you through exactly how I authenticated my 2025 Lincoln struck-through error coin, step by step.
First Reactions: When Excitement Meets Caution
That “Is This Real?” Moment
The second I noticed the anomaly, I followed these crucial first steps:
- Documented in packaging: Took 20+ photos before touching anything
- Lighting tests: Used my phone flashlight at different angles – the mark looked different under LED vs natural light
- Pattern check: Compared it to Lincoln’s beard texture – real errors disrupt the flow
Why I Didn’t Rip It Open
My fingers itched to pull the coin out, but experience told me to wait. As PCGS experts remind us:
“Original packaging often tells the authentication story better than the coin itself.”
Cutting Through Online Noise: My Research Process
My 5-Step Verification Checklist
Here’s what saved me weeks of headaches:
- Compared my photos to verified struck-through errors on error-ref.com
- Checked 2025 production dates against U.S. Mint quality reports
- Bought 10 normal 2025 cents to compare strike patterns
- Spent hours in CoinTalk forum threads (coffee required)
- Wore out my copy of Alan Herbert’s error guide
My Tech Assist
This simple Python script helped analyze my coin photos. It flags unusual shapes that could indicate errors:
import cv2
import numpy as np
def detect_strike_anomalies(image_path):
# Loads coin image and detects irregular edge patterns
img = cv2.imread(image_path, 0)
edges = cv2.Canny(img, 100, 200)
contours, _ = cv2.findContours(edges, cv2.RETR_EXTERNAL, cv2.CHAIN_APPROX_SIMPLE)
anomaly_score = 0
for cnt in contours:
x,y,w,h = cv2.boundingRect(cnt)
aspect_ratio = float(w)/h
# Flags extremely elongated shapes
if aspect_ratio > 3 or aspect_ratio < 0.33:
anomaly_score += 1
return anomaly_score
Getting Expert Eyes On My Find
The Three-Pronged Approach
I didn't trust just one opinion. My authentication trifecta:
- Local coin club: Got roasted by old-timers (worth it!)
- PCGS online review: Submitted hi-res scans with measurement markers
- Dealer roadshow: Visited three shops known for error coins
What the Pros Taught Me
The experts showed me these telltale signs of real errors:
- Genuine struck-throughs have "flow lines" around the defect
- Authentic errors blend with the coin's original texture
- Post-mint damage often shines differently under UV light
Protecting My Potential Treasure
Immediate Preservation Steps
Once experts confirmed it was real, I:
- Kept the mint packaging intact (critical for valuation)
- Added an archival sleeve - no PVC!
- Stored it in my humidity-controlled cabinet (my wife calls it the "coin spa")
Documentation That Paid Off
My thorough records included:
- Dated photos with size references
- UV light comparison shots
- Microscope video showing metal flow
- Signed notes from all experts who examined it
Putting a Number On History
How I Determined Value
After authentication came the big question - what's it worth? My method:
- Checked Heritage Auctions for similar modern errors
- Tracked eBay sold listings (filtering out fakes)
- Got blind bids from three dealers
- Consulted PCGS rarity guides
The Real Numbers
Current estimated value ranges:
- Insurance value: $125-$175
- Quick sale price: $85-$120
- Auction potential: Up to $300 if marketed right
What This Journey Taught Me
This authentication adventure gave me more than a rare coin - it taught me:
- Patience preserves value: Waiting to remove packaging saved my proof
- Photos are proof: Document first, question later
- Experts see differently: Three opinions minimum
- Condition is everything: Storage makes or breaks value
- Learning never stops: I still check error-ref.com weekly
From Doubt to Confidence
That initial moment of uncertainty - squinting at my Lincoln cent under a desk lamp - turned into the most educational experience of my collecting life. By methodically verifying my 2025 struck-through error coin through research, expert consultation, and careful preservation, I transformed a "maybe" into a certified treasure.
The real value wasn't just in the coin's appraisal, but in the authentication skills I gained. Next time you spot something unusual in your collection, remember - with patience and the right process, you might be holding history in your hands.
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