How to Spot Rare Errors on Show dealer arrested

Historical Significance

Most people look right past the tiny details that can turn a common item into a rarity worth thousands. In the world of coin collecting, these details often manifest as die cracks, double dies, and mint mark variations that escape the notice of casual observers. The recent case involving Mark Simon, a longtime figure in the coin show circuit, reminds us that even experienced dealers can miss critical markers that distinguish common coins from valuable rarities.

Simon, who ran the Westchester coin show for years and was a regular presence at coin shows nationwide, found himself at the center of a federal investigation involving millions in stolen goods. While the legal proceedings continue, the case highlights an important aspect of our hobby: the need for meticulous attention to detail when evaluating coins and currency.

Identifying Key Markers

When examining coins for potential errors or varieties, collectors should focus on several critical areas:

• Die Cracks – These appear as raised lines on the coin’s surface, typically following the path of stress fractures in the die. They often show up near the edges or around design elements.
• Double Dies – Look for doubling in the lettering, numbers, or design elements. This occurs when the die is struck more than once during creation, resulting in a slightly offset image.
• Mint Mark Variations – Small differences in the placement, size, or style of mint marks can indicate different die varieties or even errors.
• Repunched Mint Marks (RPMs) – These show evidence of the mint mark being punched into the die multiple times in slightly different positions.
• Overdates – Where one date is punched over another, often visible under magnification.

Specific Errors to Look For

Beyond the common varieties, several specific errors can dramatically increase a coin’s numismatic value:

Planchet Errors: These occur during the blank coin preparation stage:

• Off-center strikes – Where the coin is struck off-center, leaving part of the design missing
• Clipped planchets – Where the blank was incorrectly cut, resulting in a curved or straight clip
• Wrong planchet errors – Where a coin is struck on a planchet intended for a different denomination

Strike Errors: These happen during the actual striking process:

• Broadstrikes – Coins struck without a collar, resulting in a larger diameter
• Brockages – Where a previously struck coin adheres to the die and impresses its image on subsequent coins
• Multiple strikes – Coins struck more than once, creating overlapping images

Authentication and Verification

The Simon case underscores the importance of proper authentication. When examining potentially valuable coins:

• Use proper lighting – A good lamp with adjustable intensity helps reveal subtle details
• Magnification – A quality loupe (10x magnification) is essential for spotting minute details
• Weight verification – Use a precise scale to verify coins weigh what they should
• Metal composition – Test for correct metal content when possible
• Compare with known examples – Reference books and online databases are invaluable

Value Guide

The value of error coins and varieties can vary dramatically based on rarity, demand, and condition. Here’s a general guide:

Common Pitfalls

Even experienced collectors can fall victim to common mistakes:

• Post-mint damage – Damage occurring after the coin leaves the mint can mimic errors
• Environmental damage – Corrosion, chemical reactions, and environmental exposure can create unusual appearances
• Altered coins – Deliberate modifications to create artificial rarities
• Misattribution – Incorrectly identifying common varieties as rare errors

Tools of the Trade

To effectively identify errors and varieties, every collector should have:

• Quality magnifier – At least 10x magnification, preferably with LED lighting
• Digital calipers – For precise measurements of diameter and thickness
• Precision scale – Accurate to 0.01 grams for weight verification
• Reference materials – Specialized books and online resources for your specific collecting area
• Proper lighting – Adjustable LED lamps that reveal surface details

The Ethics of Collecting

The Simon case raises important ethical questions for collectors. While most dealers and collectors are honest, the market for rare coins can unfortunately attract those with less scrupulous intentions. As collectors, we have a responsibility to:

• Verify provenance – When possible, know the history of valuable pieces
• Question unusual deals – Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true
• Report suspicious activity – Alert authorities to potential fraud or theft
• Support ethical dealers – Build relationships with reputable sellers

Conclusion

The world of error coins and varieties offers exciting opportunities for discovery and profit, but it requires patience, knowledge, and attention to detail. Whether you’re examining a potentially valuable error or simply enjoying the hunt for interesting varieties, the skills you develop will enhance your appreciation of numismatics as a whole.

Remember that even experienced dealers can miss critical details, as the Simon case illustrates. By developing your eye for the subtle markers that distinguish common coins from rarities, you position yourself to make those exciting discoveries that make coin collecting so rewarding. The next time you’re examining a coin, take that extra moment to look for die cracks, doubling, or mint mark variations—you might just find that hidden treasure that others overlooked.

Happy hunting!

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