Suggestion for NON-Cherrypickers from a NON- Cherrypicker

winesteven

We all see on the forum a lot of members interested and involved in "Cherrypicking". As a NON-Cherrypicker, I readily admit that I can see the fun and enjoyment of others in Cherrypicking, as well as others being interested in collecting varieties. I also readily admit that this can be very financially rewarding!!!!

So despite my recognition as noted above, I don't collect varieties, and I don't take the time to Cherrypick. I suspect there are a lot of collectors that are like me. We just enjoy the "regular" aspects of our wonderful hobby. We forego the financial rewards that come from successful Cherrypicking!

Now to my suggestion for others like me. As part of my collecting, I periodically upgrade coins in my collection. Others choose at times to sell portions of their collection that don't interest them as much now, as alternative areas of new interest. With this in mind, last year I picked up the Cherrypickers Guide 4th Edition Volume 1 (originally issued in 2000). My purpose is to look at this book each time I sell a coin that has been upgraded in my collection. So I'm not putting in the time others put in Cherrypicking. I'm just trying to avoid potentially selling a coin of higher value if it happens to be of a special variety. Very little time is needed to do this check.

I suggest all collectors do the same, even if you're a NON-Cherrypicker like me.

I got lucky, and was just able to pick up the Sixth Edition Volume 1 for $79 plus tax, and will order the upcoming 6th Edition Volume II (if it EVER comes out).

Steve

1tommy

10 years ago I had no idea of what a cherry pick was.....Look at my set now almost complete with only 2 coins left. 100 varieties in the set. Plus I always thought a cherry pick could be had on a regular issue coin when you get them for under guide.You are now hooked......

Enjoy Tom

ThreeCentSilverFL

@1tommy NICE Set! 2 to go.

koynekwest

There's no way I could have competed my Buffalo nickel set of proofs were it not for cherrypicking. A few of the proofs were cherrypicked but some were purchased from the proceeds of other cherrypicked coins, mainly doubled dies.

WaterSport

You are smart to check your coins first before selling them. And you may just find one day that you have one that is simply to rare to sell.

WS

joeykoins

Good advice that you're sharing and smart.
The main matter in being a "Cherry Picker". We don't leave money on the table, so to speak. As you learned, by the reason you have a Cherrypickers guide on hand, plus, as you mentioned too. The extra rewards financially one receives by being a Cherry Picker! Believe me, big differences, than just the market values of a coin.
Smart move. Maybe, in time you WILL totally get on board with us coin geeks?

ShaunBC5

I have a picker’s guide and have gone through many of my coins just for fun. I haven’t found anything with the book yet, but did find in my own collection an existing ‘56 type 1 proof Franklin and an 1864 Small Date 2 cent piece (they might be in the book but I didn’t find them that way).
Sometimes I just go through the guide to see what’s out there to keep an eye out for. Lots of fun even if you’re not an active cherry picker.

koynekwest

I've been cherrypicking to one degree or another since 1962. I found it to be great fun up until maybe ten years ago, when it became very difficult to find much of anything at shows. It used to be normal to cherrypick enough GOOD stuff to cover motel rooms and travel expenses plus make hundreds and low thousands in profits. I am no longer mobile enough to get out to do it but it was very rewarding up until then, when it started to slowly taper off. I still go to one small local show and one local coin shop to scratch the itch.

ricko

Cherry picking can be fun and profitable.... I have not focused on cherry picking at shows (when I could go to shows) or shops.... however, in series or coins in general that interest me, I have studied the available 'cherries' and check for them on coins I am considering. Only major issues... I am not a VAM collector, so probably have or have missed many of those. Cheers, RickO

winesteven

I meant to mention in my OP that my suggestion of why I use the guide (to check when I sell coins from my collection) is not applicable to my friend @ricko , since he never sells any of his coins. But as he noted, he does have a good use for it.

Steve

ricko

Steve, yes, I do not sell coins, but it is good to know what one has.... The day could come when selling is needed... My Boy Scout training kicks in - Be Prepared. Cheers, RickO

WAYNEAS

@winesteven said:
................to pick up the Sixth Edition Volume 1 for $79 plus tax, and will order the upcoming 6th Edition Volume II (if it EVER comes out). I suggest all collectors do the same, even if you're a NON-Cherrypicker like me.

Steve

A wise suggestion for those who sell and even those that do not, i.e. me.
I am always willing to learn.
Wayne

nwcoast

As someone that is currently doing a long overdue inventory of collection, I very much appreciate this idea.
I’m sure I have varieties that I may be overlooking along the way as I have been only concerned for the biggies.
More work, but fun work!

Treashunt

I've been a cherrypicker since way before the original book came out.

I have always looked for strange things.

Does anyone remember Frank Spadone & his books? There was a lot of silly stuff, like the LIIBERTY Lincoln cents having value.

But he did show me that there was fun stuff out there to find

koynekwest

I am familiar with Spadone. I wish I had paid more serious attention to his 1916 "Double date" nickel. I started cherrypicking about the same time as the first edition came out in 1962. But I didn't use it to cherrypick because, as you say there was a lot of silly, worthless stuff contained therein. I did use it to start my two feathers Buffalo nickel set, tho.