How I Authenticated My 2025 Lincoln Struck-Through Error Coin: A Collector’s Step-by-Step Verification Process

The 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:

1. Compared my photos to verified struck-through errors on error-ref.com
2. Checked 2025 production dates against U.S. Mint quality reports
3. Bought 10 normal 2025 cents to compare strike patterns
4. Spent hours in CoinTalk forum threads (coffee required)
5. 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:

1. Kept the mint packaging intact (critical for valuation)
2. Added an archival sleeve - no PVC!
3. 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:

1. Checked Heritage Auctions for similar modern errors
2. Tracked eBay sold listings (filtering out fakes)
3. Got blind bids from three dealers
4. 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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