What a Disappointment! My Hunt for Errors in a Mint-Sealed Bag of Kennedy Halves

I recently decided to dive into a mint-sewn bag of 2023 Kennedy half dollars, hoping to uncover some exciting mint errors, but my excitement quickly turned to disappointment. As a seasoned coin collector, I’ve always loved the thrill of the hunt, but this experience taught me some valuable lessons about expectations and the realities of error hunting.

The Initial Discovery: High Hopes and Low Returns

When I opened the bag, the first coin I examined had a noticeable die crack running from the E in ‘LIBERTY’ to the rim—I thought, ‘Oh boy, this could be the start of a series of progressive die cracks!’ But after sifting through all 200 coins, that was the only one I found. Talk about a bummer! On a brighter note, I did stumble upon a damaged coin where a piece of metal looked peeled and struck back into the surface between the T and Y of ‘LIBERTY’. Initially, I dismissed it as damage, but it turned out to be something more.

Uncovering a Rim Burr: A Silver Lining

After sharing my finds with fellow enthusiasts, I learned that the second coin wasn’t just damaged—it was a rim burr, a genuine mint error. This happens when excess metal from the planchet gets folded or burred during striking, creating a unique defect. Identifying it shifted my perspective from disappointment to appreciation. I now see it as a cool, collectible error, especially since finding even one error in a mint bag is rare for me—my previous attempts had yielded nothing!

Practical Insights on Mint Errors and Rarity

This adventure reinforced how elusive mint errors can be. Here are some key takeaways for collectors:

• Die Cracks and Rim Burrs: Die cracks are common but often isolated; rim burrs are less frequent and can add value if well-defined. Always inspect coins under good lighting to spot subtle errors.
• Rarity in Modern Bags: Modern mint-sealed bags, like these 2023 Kennedy halves, often contain few errors due to improved quality control. If you’re hunting for high-grade coins or errors, manage your expectations—as one collector noted, even older rolls like 1963-D halves can be mostly low-grade, explaining why MS-64 and better coins command high Greysheet prices.
• Error Hunting Tips: Focus on planchet defects and strike errors. Keep a loupe handy and document your finds; it helps in identifying patterns and learning from each hunt.

Should You Slab That Error Coin?

With my rim burr in hand, I debated getting it slabbed for authentication. Here’s my advice based on the discussion: If the error is clear and dramatic, slabbing can enhance value, but weigh the costs. For common errors like this, certification fees might exceed the coin’s worth unless it’s exceptionally rare. I’d recommend starting with a low-cost grading service or holding off unless you plan to sell—focus on the joy of discovery rather than potential profit.

Final Thoughts: Turning Disappointment into Growth

What started as a letdown became a learning moment. I now appreciate that finding even one or two errors in a bag is a win, and it’s motivated me to refine my searching techniques. For fellow numismatists, remember that coin collecting is about the journey—embrace the surprises, study the details, and never stop learning. Next time I crack open a bag, I’ll go in with realistic hopes and an open mind, ready for whatever treasures (or lessons) come my way.