My ‘What a Disappointment!’ Coin Hunting Adventure

I couldn’t wait to tear into a fresh bag of 2023 Kennedy halves, hoping for some killer errors. But man, was I in for a rollercoaster of emotions! What began as a total letdown ended up being one of my most educational hunts ever.

That Sinking Feeling

The very first coin had this awesome die crack stretching from the E in ‘Liberty’ right to the edge. My pulse quickened – “Jackpot! This whole bag’s gotta be loaded!” But after checking every single one of those 200 halves, that lonely crack was all I found. Talk about a gut punch! Then, as if to rub salt in the wound, I spotted another coin with what looked like mangled metal jammed between the T and Y. I nearly tossed it aside as damage, but something told me to look closer.

Discovering the Rim Burr

Boy am I glad I did! That “damaged” coin turned out to be a genuine mint error called a rim burr. Here’s what happened: during striking, a sliver of metal peeled off and got embedded in the coin. These don’t pop up often, so finding one in a random bag felt like winning a mini lottery. While Kennedy halves with rim burrs won’t make you rich, they’re still a cool addition to any collection. I grabbed my macro lens to capture that gnarly texture and how it interrupts the design – way more interesting than I first thought!

What This Taught Me

This whole adventure reminded me why error hunting keeps us hooked despite the frustrations:

• Expect Reality Checks: Finding errors in mint bags is like searching for needles in haystacks. I’ve opened bags with absolutely zilch before, so scoring two errors actually made this a decent haul. It’s all about sticking with it.
• Why Top Grades Cost More: Ever wonder why MS-64 or better coins command such premiums? Think about 1963-D halves – most rolls I’ve seen are packed with lower-grade coins. That scarcity of pristine examples explains those Greysheet prices.
• Slow Down to Spot More: Good light and magnification are non-negotiable. For rim burrs specifically, watch for raised, jagged edges that seem out of place. Blink and you’ll miss ’em!

To Slab or Not to Slab?

Once I identified the rim burr, I wrestled with whether to send it for grading. Here’s my thinking:

• Crunch the Numbers: Slabbing costs $20-$50 plus shipping. Since common errors like this might only bring $10-$30 raw, you’ll likely lose money. Unless it’s truly spectacular, save your cash and enjoy it as-is.
• Save Slabs for Heavy Hitters: Reserve certification for big-ticket errors like dramatic die breaks or off-metal strikes. For others? Snap clear photos and tuck it safely in a flip.

So what started as a real downer turned into a great learning experience. Now I’ve got a sharper eye for errors, and I’ve learned that even a “dud” bag can hold a surprise or two. Keep looking, everyone – and remember, a slow hunt today might just set you up for a great find tomorrow!