Uncovering Treasure: Error Coins and Rarities at the Manchester NH Show

The Manchester NH Show: A Modern Treasure Hunt

Most people look right past the tiny details that can turn a common item into a rarity worth thousands. The Manchester NH show proved to be exactly that kind of treasure hunt, with over 200 tables and more than 100 dealers offering everything from standard U.S. type coins to shipwreck gold, ancient coins, and foreign currency. As an error coin hunter, I was particularly excited to discover a table specializing in U.S. shipwreck gold and gold rush coins.

The Ultimate Find: 1857-S MS63 PCGS SS Central America $20 Gold Coin

The highlight of my visit was trading for an 1857-S MS63 PCGS SS Central America $20 coin. This piece represents one of the most famous shipwreck discoveries in numismatic history. The SS Central America sank in 1857 during a hurricane, carrying an enormous cargo of gold from the California Gold Rush. When the wreck was discovered in 1988, it yielded one of the greatest treasure hoards ever found.

Identifying Key Markers on Shipwreck Gold

When examining shipwreck gold coins like this one, several key markers can help identify their authenticity and value:

• Surface Characteristics: Shipwreck coins often display a distinctive orange-peel texture and deep golden toning from their century-and-a-half underwater journey
• Strike Quality: Despite being submerged, many SS Central America coins show remarkably sharp strikes, as they were protected by the surrounding sediment
• PCGS Certification: The Professional Coin Grading Service encapsulation with the SS Central America pedigree is crucial for authentication

Understanding Die Cracks and Their Significance

While the shipwreck gold was impressive, the show also offered excellent opportunities to study die cracks and other minting errors. Die cracks occur when the die used to strike coins develops small fractures, creating raised lines on the struck coin. These can range from minor cracks to dramatic “cud” errors where a portion of the design is missing.

Common Die Crack Patterns to Look For

• Radial Cracks: Lines that extend outward from the center of the coin
• Circular Cracks: Cracks that follow the curvature of the coin’s edge
• Intersection Cracks: Where multiple cracks meet, often creating distinctive patterns

Double Dies: The Holy Grail of Error Coins

Double die errors occur when a coin is struck twice by the die, creating a doubled image. These errors can appear on the date, lettering, or design elements. At the Manchester show, several dealers had examples of doubled die coins, including some from the 1955 Lincoln cent series, which remains one of the most famous and valuable doubled die varieties.

How to Identify a Double Die

When examining potential doubled die coins, look for:

• Clear Separation: The doubled elements should show clear separation, not just a blurry appearance
• Consistent Doubling: The doubling should be consistent across all affected elements
• Known Varieties: Research documented doubled die varieties for specific dates and denominations

Mint Mark Variations: Small Details, Big Value

Mint mark variations can significantly impact a coin’s value. The Manchester show featured numerous examples of different mint mark styles and placements. Key things to examine include:

• Size and Style: Different years and mints used different mint mark punches
• Position: The exact location of the mint mark relative to other design elements
• Repunched Mint Marks: When the mint mark is punched into the die more than once, creating visible doubling

Ancient Coins and Shipwreck Varieties

The show’s selection of ancient coins and shipwreck varieties provided excellent examples of how environmental factors can create unique variations. Shipwreck coins often develop distinctive patinas and surface characteristics that make each piece unique. When examining these coins, consider:

• Corrosion Patterns: How the saltwater affected different metals
• Surface Texture: The development of unique textures during submersion
• Color Changes: The formation of distinctive toning patterns

Authentication Tips for Error Coin Collectors

When examining potential error coins at shows like Manchester, keep these authentication tips in mind:

Always examine coins under proper lighting and magnification. Many errors are subtle and require careful inspection. Don’t rely solely on photographs or descriptions – handle the coins yourself when possible.

Essential Tools for Error Coin Hunting

• Magnification: A good quality loupe (10x-20x) is essential
• Lighting: Proper lighting can reveal details invisible under normal conditions
• Reference Materials: Keep current price guides and error coin references handy

Value Considerations for Error Coins

The value of error coins depends on several factors:

• Rarity: How many examples of the error are known to exist
• Visibility: How dramatic and easily visible the error is
• Condition: The overall state of preservation of the coin
• Demand: Current collector interest in the specific error type

Conclusion: The Thrill of the Hunt

The Manchester NH show demonstrated why attending coin shows remains one of the best ways to build a collection and discover rare varieties. With over 200 tables and 100+ dealers, the show offered something for every collector, from beginners to advanced specialists. The opportunity to handle coins directly, examine them under proper lighting, and discuss them with knowledgeable dealers cannot be replicated through online transactions.

For error coin hunters, shows like this provide invaluable opportunities to study genuine examples, learn from experts, and potentially discover that next great rarity. Whether you’re interested in die cracks, doubled dies, mint mark varieties, or shipwreck coins, the key is to remain vigilant and always be ready to spot those tiny details that can make a common coin extraordinarily valuable.

Remember: the next time you attend a coin show, take your time, examine carefully, and don’t overlook the small details. That common-looking coin might just be hiding a valuable error waiting to be discovered.

Related Resources

You might also find these related articles helpful:

• The SS Central America Treasure: A Golden Legacy from America’s Maritime Past – The Shipwreck That Changed American History Every relic tells a story. To understand this item, we have to look at the e…
• Manchester NH Coin Show: A Treasure Trove of Shipwreck Gold and Rare Finds – Introduction: The Rise of Regional Coin Shows Determining the true value of rare coins requires looking past the book pr…
• Is Your Feeder Mechanism Die Damage Pattern Real? How to Spot a Fake from 2018 to Present – Historical Significance The study of Feeder Mechanism Die Damage Patterns has become increasingly important for collecto…