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Cherrypicking lincolns: pre-1982 cents?

WeissWeiss Posts: 9,942 ✭✭✭✭✭
in U.S. Coin Forum
I was born after the last 40% halves were in circulation, but I was collecting coins well before 1982. Since I missed my chance with silver, I started setting aside pre-1982 cents from change (I decided it wasn't worth my time to weigh the 1982s to see what was copper vs. zinc). I figured it wouldn't be too long before they surpassed the melt value of copper. Looks like that is very close to happening now.

I haven't taken to going through rolls, but I have still set aside a couple gallons of copper cents.

Any suggestions about which dates I should pull to check for varieties, double-dies, rareities, etc?
We are like children who look at print and see a serpent in the last letter but one, and a sword in the last.
--Severian the Lame

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    291fifth291fifth Posts: 25,241 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Don't risk damaging your eyesight on that type of junk. I believe that looking thru large quantities of cents and nickels affected my own eyesight back in the early 1960's. If you want to sell it as copper scrap just weigh it and sell it when the price of copper gets high enough.-
    All glory is fleeting.
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    seanqseanq Posts: 8,847 ✭✭✭✭✭
    As coppercoins would surely tell you, just about every date has something to look for. You can check out his site for a comprehensive listing, but some of the more popular stuff you can find with a 6x loupe are as follows (in descending chronological order):

    1982 large date: doubled die obverse (pick-up point, or PUP, IN GOD WE TRUST)
    1980: doubled die obverse, PUP date and LIBERTY
    1972: doubled die obverse, all three mints, PUP IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY or the date
    1971: doubled die obverse, PUP IN GOD and LIBERTY
    1970-S: major doubled die obverse, PUP everywhere
    1969-S: as above
    1968-D: doubled die reverse, PUP E PLURIBUS UNUM
    1964: doubled die reverse, PUP STATES OF or E PLURIBUS UNUM

    Repunched mintmarks are also plentiful on 1960s cents. Also look for things like rim clips or cuds. Good luck


    Sean Reynolds
    Incomplete planchets wanted, especially Lincoln Cents & type coins.

    "Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
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    WeissWeiss Posts: 9,942 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Thanks, Sean. Exactly what I was looking for!

    291fifth, I appreciate your warning!
    We are like children who look at print and see a serpent in the last letter but one, and a sword in the last.
    --Severian the Lame
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    cladkingcladking Posts: 30,347 ✭✭✭✭✭
    There's also the '70-S small date cent and the type II reverses on the '98 to '00 Philly coins.

    Watch for gems as these are easy to spot if there are any and some are quite scarce.
    tempus fugit extra philosophiam.

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