Solving the DB Dollar Variety Puzzle: My Numismatic Adventure

I’ve always been fascinated by coin varieties, and lately I’ve been exploring the DB dollar, uncovering some neat details that fellow collectors might enjoy. It all began when I was examining a particular coin that had me stumped at first. But with some careful looking and drawing on past experience, I pieced together its story.

Identifying the B-9 Variety

After checking references, I confirmed this is the B-9 variety, nicknamed the “Amateur Diecutter’s Reverse” for good reason. Here’s what jumped out at me:

• You’ll usually find it in Die State 2, with that distinctive reverse die crack stretching from the O in “OF” clear to the rim—a dead giveaway when authenticating.
• Don’t skip checking the edge closely—it often reveals important clues about the coin’s journey and condition.

From what I’ve gathered, this variety isn’t extremely scarce—maybe 300 to 500 examples floating around in all grades. That makes it findable but still exciting to discover.

Assessing Condition and Unique Flaws

Looking this one over, I noticed long scratches on the front that could be mint adjustment marks—typical for older coins. But the real conversation starter was that hole. At first glance, it might seem like damage, but I actually like how this sort of thing adds personality. That hole tells us it might’ve been jewelry or passed through hands daily, giving it that rough-around-the-edges charm we collectors appreciate.

When evaluating coins like this, I focus on die state and originality first. Holes don’t change the variety ID but they do affect grade, which actually makes these great affordable options if you care more about history than pristine condition.

Practical Tips for Collectors

Here’s how I approach these finds based on my own collecting:

• Always study high-quality edge photos—this has saved me from misidentifying coins more than once.
• Coins with holes or heavy scratches often fly under the radar price-wise. I regularly pick these up for my collection—they’re budget-friendly and packed with stories.
• When grading, put die details ahead of surface issues. You’ll build a more interesting collection this way without emptying your wallet.

Digging into DB dollar varieties has reminded me why I love this hobby—every coin, flaws and all, carries a fragment of history worth preserving.