My Numismatic Adventure with CoinTalk on The Moth Radio Hour

I was driving home the other day, flipping through radio stations, when The Moth Radio Hour caught my ear. As a longtime coin collector, I perked up immediately when they mentioned CoinTalk in one of their real-life stories. The tale featured a coin deal gone sideways with some genuinely funny twists, and I just had to explore the numismatic angle further.

The Story That Caught My Ear

In that segment, a collector shared a wild anecdote about a dealer pushing a 1943-S doubled die cent as a “college fund” coin. Having handled thousands of coins myself, alarm bells went off instantly. What I loved most was how the story poked gentle fun at collector stereotypes (yes, I laughed at the ’60-year-old’ quip – though we know our hobby spans all ages!). You can find the full story on The Moth’s site, but I want to share what really grabbed me as a numismatist.

Unpacking the 1943/2-S Doubled Die Cent

That coin they described? Almost certainly the 1943/2-S Lincoln Cent Doubled Die Obverse (FS-101). I immediately pulled up PCGS CoinFacts to confirm – it’s my first stop for reliable coin info. Here’s the real scoop:

• The doubling is actually quite subtle – you’ll need magnification to spot it properly, which explains why it’s not better known
• In typical Very Fine condition, it’s only worth about $20-$25 – nowhere near “college fund” territory. Even in pristine MS68, you’re looking at textbook money, not tuition
• PCGS does recognize it, but it’s definitely a niche variety. My advice? Always check their listings or consult a trusted grader before buying

This perfectly illustrates why we should always verify claims against PCGS or NGC listings. Getting the grade wrong can cost you dearly.

Practical Lessons for Every Collector

Beyond the laughs, this story reminded me of core collecting truths I’ve learned through experience. Here’s what I’d tell any fellow collector:

• Get a second opinion: I never take one dealer’s word as gospel – always cross-check with price guides or collector friends
• Trust but verify: If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. My network of reputable dealers has saved me countless headaches
• Know your coins: Take time to research varieties like this 1943/2-S – it’s easy to confuse them with rarer types like bronze 1943 cents
• Choose experts wisely: Not all dealers are equally knowledgeable. I stick with proven specialists and it’s made all the difference in my collection

These aren’t just warnings – they’re tools that help us build better collections. When you find honest dealers, they become true partners in this journey.

Wrapping It Up with a Numismatic Smile

This radio moment reminded me why I adore coin collecting – the unexpected connections, the shared stories, the constant learning. That age joke was funny, but what really stays with me is how our hobby bridges generations in surprising ways. Whether you’re new to collecting or have decades under your belt, stay open to these little lessons. After all, every coin has a story – and sometimes, they even make great radio.