Basic Resources & Glossary 0

[EagleRJO]

This topic contains some basic information and resources related to coins, including standard coin terminology and help in identifying error and variety coins.  This may be useful to those wishing to post questions about coins on the board, or those simply wishing to increase their knowledge about coins.

Concerning possible errors related to coins keep in mind that mint errors are very limited to a mistake which can occur with an individual coin during the coin production process, typically at a Coining Press where the coins are struck.  See the attached infographic entitled "The Process of Modern Coin Production" for details of the process.  Also note that a repeated anomaly which occurs from something that happens to the dies used to strike coins is referred to as a variety.

If it can not be identified which part of the production process caused what is observed on a coin, then it is very likely not an error or variety.  And it is usually prudent to start with the assumption that what one observes is just damage, and then eliminate that before looking at other possibilities which could have reasonably occurred.

Also keep in mind that common issues with circulated coins including wear of a coin or post-mint damage, such as discoloration and impact marks, are not errors or varieties as they usually occur after a coin has been struck and left the mint.  For assistance in identifying errors, and distinguishing between that and post-mint issues see the following web references:

NGC "What is a Mint Error?" (Total of 4 Parts)

Errors Website: www.error-ref.com and the Non-Errors Webpage

Concerning using proper terminology related to coins see the attached infographic entitled "Anatomy of a Coin" for the basics, and to look up a term see the NGC "Glossary of Numismatic Terms" found here: (http://www.ngccoin.com/news/article/2202/Glossary/).  Knowing and using proper terminology will help in posting questions and conversing with board members as it will more accurately convey what is being asked, increasing the likelihood of having your questions properly answered, and help in understanding information being provided by members.

Concerning general questions that people may have about coins and collecting them, it may be something that has been previously asked on the chat boards or information that is readily available on the NGC site, either of which can be searched as follows:

• To search the NGC Chat boards click on the search icon (magnifying glass) on the top right of a chat board page (https://boards.ngccoin.com/search/), and then type in the question or topic of interest. There are also various filters that can be added to the search.
• To search the entire NGC site click on the NGC Logo at the top left of any page to go to the NGC home page (http://www.ngccoin.com), and look for the search bar near the top of the page or within the drop down "Menu" tab (multiple horizontal lines) to type in your question or topic of interest.  You can also hover over the various drop down menu tabs which have topics of interest that can be explored, including the "Resources" tab as an example which contains many research related topics.

Concerning newer collectors who are just starting out in the coin collecting hobby, and others who just want to increase their knowledge about coins, it is important to have and study some basic coin collecting resources. In addition, there are also commonly referenced books on the value of coins as well as true coin errors and varieties. A topic on the chat boards which discusses these resources can be found at the following webpage:  Topic: Resources for Newer Collectors

Also, when posting questions about specific coins it is important to start a separate thread for each coin, and include clear and focused cropped pictures of the entire coin showing both the obverse (front) and reverse (back) sides of that coin.  Close up pictures of specific areas of the coin related to those questions can also be added as desired.  However, just posting a picture of one side of a coin or just close up pictures related to a question often does not provide enough information in order for others to properly understand the questions being asked and respond appropriately. And please read the pinned topic entitled "What you need to know about posting coins for inquiry" for detailed information about that.

Keep in mind that those responding are just hobbyist that enjoy collecting coins, or those in related fields, who are volunteering their time trying to assist others related to that, and are just providing individual opinions or advice that are not an official response or position of NGC unless stated otherwise.

Please refrain from posting questions or comments in this topic to keep it short and to the point for people seeking information, and instead post a new topic tagging me or send me a PM.

Edited January 5 by EagleRJO

[EagleRJO]

As a follow up concerning resources, there are often common questions asked in the forums or areas of coin collecting where checking some basic references related to that first can be very helpful or answer questions some may have.

It is also useful to have a general list of basic online resources related to coin errors and varieties, which are popular topics.  In addition, if coin collecting is a hobby you wish to pursue a copy ot the latest "Red Book" and "ANA Grading Standards" are necessary as a minimum (see attached book covers).

Concerning coin errors and varieties of coins, it is important to first understand some basics about how coins are made, what actually is a coin error or variety which may have some value, grades of coins that affect values, what is just post mint damage to a coin that is not valuable, and what are some known or recognized coin errors or varieties.

• How US Coins are Made:  US Mint Coin Production
• Coin Storage:  Use of Double-Pocket Flips - NGC
• Coin Information & Values:  NGC Coin Explorer
• Coin Grades & Info:  PCGS CoinFacts
• Tools for Grading:  PCGS Article on Grading Tools
• Examining Coins:  Farazzi Article
• ANA YT Coin Videos:  ANA Coin Collecting Videos
• ANA Webinars & Videos:  ANA eLearning Academy
• Error Coin Identification:  NGC: "What is a Mint Error"
• Error Coin Reference:  https://www.error-ref.com/
• Error Coin Die Failures:  Die Cracks & Breaks
• Error Coin Association:  https://www.conecaonline.info/
• Error Coin Dealer: Sullivan Numismatics
• Variety vs Mint Error:  NGC: Variety vs. Mint Error
• Variety Coin Info:  http://varietyvista.com/
• Doubled Die Varieties:  https://doubleddie.com/
• Machine Doubling Identification:  NGC Machine vs True Doubling
• Varieties Listings & Pics:  NGC VarietyPlus
• Die Clashes & Overlays: Mad Die Clashes Overlays
• Copper Coin Varieties:  https://www.coppercoins.com
• Cent Errors & Varieties:  The Lincoln Cent Resource
• Half Dime Varieties:  Capped Bust H10C Die Varieties
• Liberty Seated 50C Varieties:  Bugert's LSHD Die Varieties
• Morgan Dollar Varieties:  Morgan Dollar VamWorld
• Variety Coin Dealer: Brian’s Variety Coins
• Variety & Error Coin Values:  https://varietyerrors.com
• US Coin Values:  NGC Price Guide
• Counterfeit Coins:  Chinese Counterfeits Article PDF
• Coin Submittals: How to Submit Coins to NGC

There are also several topics which are commonly posted where a simple comparison with the attached infographics can provide answers which includes: (a) doubling on a coin resulting from either common machine doubling (aka "strike doubling" and "die deterioration doubling") or less commonly from a doubled die, keeping in mind that deteriorated dies can produce struck coins with a similar appearance to machine doubling; and (b) indicators to use when looking for the astronomically rare "not-going-to-happen-finding-one" 1982-D Lincoln small date copper penny.

Please refrain from posting questions or comments in this topic to keep it short and to the point for people seeking information, and instead post a new topic tagging me or send me a PM.

Edited February 1 by EagleRJO

[JT2]

Yo brother....You can lead a  collector to the water but will he be baptized.....................................   they only way to get them is to totally submerge them!!!!  but keep preaching bud i like it!

[powermad5000]

In your fisrt post of this thread, when I got to the photo for Incuse Devices, all I could think of was Coinbuf. Seriously though, I wish you had to check a box at the end of your posts that you read and accept the terms and conditions for posting on the newbie section of the forum. Good stuff!

[EagleRJO]

Yea that part of the infographic as well as pics I have of my Indian Head half eagles do remind me of Coinbuf.   I pushed the part on errors to the top, so maybe some will at least read that if they don't go through the topics before they post road rash coins as errors.

And even if they don't read the topics before posting coins, at least it provides a handy reference for members responding to posts on many of the common issues.

[GoldFinger1969]

deleted

Edited April 29, 2023 by GoldFinger1969

[EagleRJO]

Also, I am trying to keep the topic general, without getting into specific coin types which could snowball, except for just some of the more well known references on varieties like VAM World.  Thanks for keeping it that way!

Edited February 10 by EagleRJO