Who started the whole floating roof for Memorial Lincoln cents?

coinbuf

Does anyone know who or where this floating roof idea was started? I personally am guessing it was a gimmick that was created to sell ordinary coins at some premium, but I'm interested to know if anyone has more information on the story behind this.

BuffaloIronTail

The "floating roof" Cent is no more than an overzealous grinding to remove clash marks. I'm surprised it hasn't surfaced as a variety earlier.

Three Leg Nickels, Two Feather Five Cent pieces are of the same genre.

They will always remain popular with collectors because they are noticeable because they alter the correct appearance of coins.

Pete

coinbuf

Thanks Pete, I'm aware of the how and why it happens, but who started the idea that this is important and collectable. I am not aware of any variety listings for these but I don't own a copy of the cherrypicker guide are there listing in it for this? Or just an urban myth that is sold on youtube to those looking to get rich quick on pocket change?

BuffaloIronTail

@coinbuf said:
Thanks Pete, I'm aware of the how and why it happens, but who started the idea that this is important and collectable. I am not aware of any variety listings for these but I don't own a copy of the cherrypicker guide are there listing in it for this? Or just an urban myth that is sold on youtube to those looking to get rich quick on pocket change?

I know you know. My explanation was more for the general audience, including new members. OH yep, I agree with you.

Find a variety and give it a catchy name. Let's not forget "Cracked Skull", "Superbird", and "Bugs Bunny", just to name a few goodies.

Pete

vulcanize

@coinbuf said:
Or just an urban myth that is sold on youtube to those looking to get rich quick on pocket change?

Floating roof error variety sure ain't never gonna be famous like the three legged buffalo nor the 1922 no D and not all sell the get rich dream.
Some are very candid like the BlueRidgeSilverhound on YT.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQQ58Sxzj10

The lockdown period during the pandemic had fueled the search by many who wanted something to do and of course there are some who look to capitalize on it by having catchy titles for viewership numbers sake.

From 2004

@coppercoins said:
Are we talking about the missing vest line? Agreed, very common, especially on 1969-1972 cents. Also watch for other "Spadone Specials" (as I call them jokingly) such as a "floating roof" memorial reverse and the "no neck" or "no throat" coins...same effect, same cause, same value - nil.

From 2019

@291fifth said:
It is a type of die polishing variety that never really caught on because the "right" dealers never promoted it. For minor "errors" or varieties like this to become popular in the marketplace they need heavy promotion by a major player. This heavy promotion is what caused the popularity of the 3 1/2 leg Buffalo nickel.

Just quoting a couple of responses on here fiften years apart, before the pandemic started.
There have been quite a few threads about this floating roof topic, so the interest sort of waxes and wanes time and again I guess.
Just my two cents.

gonzer

Probably Spadone.

MarkW63

@coinbuf said:
Thanks Pete, I'm aware of the how and why it happens, but who started the idea that this is important and collectable. I am not aware of any variety listings for these but I don't own a copy of the cherrypicker guide are there listing in it for this? Or just an urban myth that is sold on youtube to those looking to get rich quick on pocket change?

Etsy, and then ebay as best that I can figure.
That's where the scam got started of the Extremely RARE No Mint Mark coins.
One thing I know that was happening and of course it spread from there. Some cons on Esty came up with some SCAM ideas for real coins they had, give them an error title, VERY RARE, then list them on Etsy for say $10,000 wait a while then take some of those coin and list them on ebay for say $2,000 and if you check the Sold Listings you'll find a few No Mint Mark common coins have sold on ebay for extremely HIGH prices. The cons created their own Market of pretend rare coins.

coinbuf

@gonzer said:
Probably Spadone.

I was wondering if that might have been the source myself, I've just never seen any direct tie.

CaptHenway

Yes, the 60's were all about nicknames when it came to errors and varieties.

jesbroken

Doesn't the floating roof usually come with the missing FG? Seems I read that. Hey there are a few collectors who collect die chips. Go figure.
Jim

jmlanzaf

@coinbuf said:
Thanks Pete, I'm aware of the how and why it happens, but who started the idea that this is important and collectable. I am not aware of any variety listings for these but I don't own a copy of the cherrypicker guide are there listing in it for this? Or just an urban myth that is sold on youtube to those looking to get rich quick on pocket change?

I don't think anyone considers them important or terribly collectible. Very small niche market.

LanceNewmanOCC

@jesbroken said:
Doesn't the floating roof usually come with the missing FG? Seems I read that. Hey there are a few collectors who collect die chips. Go figure.
Jim

only occasionally, statistically.

ricko

I have never had a strong interest in these minor varieties. That is not to disparage the interests of other collectors. To me, coin collecting is a hobby... a lifelong hobby... and as such, hobbyists should collect what they like. I do that... with disposable income, and no view to profits... either short or long term. Cheers, RickO

coinbuf

@jmlanzaf said:

@coinbuf said:
Thanks Pete, I'm aware of the how and why it happens, but who started the idea that this is important and collectable. I am not aware of any variety listings for these but I don't own a copy of the cherrypicker guide are there listing in it for this? Or just an urban myth that is sold on youtube to those looking to get rich quick on pocket change?

I don't think anyone considers them important or terribly collectible. Very small niche market.

In general I agree with this, however it seems a hot button item with many new internet collectors that watch the youtube stuff and then show up on the various forums asking if the stained and corroded Memorial cent is a floating roof. And the equally as often asked how much is it worth.

jmlanzaf

@coinbuf said:

@jmlanzaf said:

@coinbuf said:
Thanks Pete, I'm aware of the how and why it happens, but who started the idea that this is important and collectable. I am not aware of any variety listings for these but I don't own a copy of the cherrypicker guide are there listing in it for this? Or just an urban myth that is sold on youtube to those looking to get rich quick on pocket change?

I don't think anyone considers them important or terribly collectible. Very small niche market.

In general I agree with this, however it seems a hot button item with many new internet collectors that watch the youtube stuff and then show up on the various forums asking if the stained and corroded Memorial cent is a floating roof. And the equally as often asked how much is it worth.

That's true, but I don't put much stock into what some YouTube channel is hyping. They'll also tell you how rare and valuable a Susan B $ is.

moursund

@jmlanzaf said:

@coinbuf said:

@jmlanzaf said:

@coinbuf said:
Thanks Pete, I'm aware of the how and why it happens, but who started the idea that this is important and collectable. I am not aware of any variety listings for these but I don't own a copy of the cherrypicker guide are there listing in it for this? Or just an urban myth that is sold on youtube to those looking to get rich quick on pocket change?

I don't think anyone considers them important or terribly collectible. Very small niche market.

In general I agree with this, however it seems a hot button item with many new internet collectors that watch the youtube stuff and then show up on the various forums asking if the stained and corroded Memorial cent is a floating roof. And the equally as often asked how much is it worth.

That's true, but I don't put much stock into what some YouTube channel is hyping. They'll also tell you how rare and valuable a Susan B $ is.

But the SBA was the first of the modern clad quarters to be worth more than face dollar... 😉

coinkat

I'll wait patiently for the Flying Saucer variety...