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What's the MOST DRAMATIC variety for each series?...post a pic...I'll Start...

keyman64keyman64 Posts: 15,564 ✭✭✭✭✭
edited September 17, 2025 2:58PM in U.S. Coin Forum
This would largely focus on coins featured in the Cherrypickers' Guide.
If there is a strong case for 1, 2, or maybe 3 in once series, please feel free to post them.

For Mercury Dimes it has to be the 1942/1 FS-101. Here is a nice close up of the variety from CoinFacts.
"If it's not fun, it's not worth it." - KeyMan64
Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners. :smile:
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Comments

  • DIMEMANDIMEMAN Posts: 22,403 ✭✭✭✭✭
    image
  • kazkaz Posts: 9,281 ✭✭✭✭✭
    In trade dollars, the 1876-cc DDR is pretty strong, but I don't have a closeup of mine. the 1878-S DDR is a good one, too:

    image
  • fcloudfcloud Posts: 12,133 ✭✭✭✭
    Greg, some may disagree. Although the 1942/1 is easier to see, the 1936-S FS110 stirs up the crowd everytime it is brought up. Enjoy this image of an MS66FB example.

    Edited to put in a smaller image

    image

    President, Racine Numismatic Society 2013-2014; Variety Resource Dimes; See 6/8/12 CDN for my article on Winged Liberty Dimes; Ebay

  • messydeskmessydesk Posts: 20,375 ✭✭✭✭✭
    1888-O VAM 4 "Hot Lips" Morgan dollar.
    John
    Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
  • JRoccoJRocco Posts: 14,277 ✭✭✭✭✭
    image
    image
    image
    Some coins are just plain "Interesting"
  • DIMEMANDIMEMAN Posts: 22,403 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Here is what I think should represent the Seated Dimes.



    image
  • OverdateOverdate Posts: 7,173 ✭✭✭✭✭
    image

    image

    My Adolph A. Weinman signature :)

  • keyman64keyman64 Posts: 15,564 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited September 17, 2025 3:04PM
    That 1873 DDO Shield is amazing. I think Realone has a very nice example of that one if I do recall correctly.
    "If it's not fun, it's not worth it." - KeyMan64
    Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners. :smile:
  • keyman64keyman64 Posts: 15,564 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited September 17, 2025 3:07PM
    Overdate: I have to say the 1955 DDO has you beat pretty bad. image
    65+RD

    "If it's not fun, it's not worth it." - KeyMan64
    Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners. :smile:
  • DennisHDennisH Posts: 14,012 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Sorry John, but the most dramatic variety for the Morgan series is the 1888-O VAM 1B Scarface:

    image
    When in doubt, don't.
  • CalebCaleb Posts: 739 ✭
    For Kennedy half dollars, I would say the 1967 SMS DDO-006. Even thou PCGS only list it as a "Minor Variety"
  • drddmdrddm Posts: 5,404 ✭✭✭✭✭
    For Capped Bust Half Dollars, I would imagine that the 1817/3 qualifies for MOST DRAMATIC.

    After all, trying to hide a 3 under a 7.......c'mon, what were the mint workers back then thinking image

    image


    Close up photo (courtesy of JRocco)

    image

  • kazkaz Posts: 9,281 ✭✭✭✭✭
    how about the 1805/4 draped bust half? that's pretty dramatic:

    image
    image
  • WaterSportWaterSport Posts: 6,940 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Seldom seen, EDS 1929 S/S Lincoln.

    WS

    image
    Proud recipient of the coveted PCGS Forum "You Suck" Award Thursday July 19, 2007 11:33 PM and December 30th, 2011 at 8:50 PM.
  • okracerokracer Posts: 436 ✭


    image

    ......I collect old stuff......
  • BroadstruckBroadstruck Posts: 30,497 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>image >>



    image
    To Err Is Human.... To Collect Err's Is Just Too Much Darn Tootin Fun!
  • DIMEMANDIMEMAN Posts: 22,403 ✭✭✭✭✭
    There is a really neat 1906-O Barber Dime with a repunched date PLUS 4 or 5 digits (MPD) in the dentils. I have the coin in AU53 but no pics.

    It is in the CPG if you have one of those.
  • DennisHDennisH Posts: 14,012 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Here's a Darkside coin for some extra flavor (1967 "Diving Goose" dollar, the famous and popular product of after-hours mischief at the Mint. Canadian authorities were not amused.)

    image
    When in doubt, don't.
  • UnknownUnknown
    This content has been removed.
  • ldhairldhair Posts: 7,356 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I think this is the most dramatic for the FE.

    image
    image
    Larry

  • UnknownUnknown
    This content has been removed.
  • JRoccoJRocco Posts: 14,277 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Not sure if it's the most dramatic, but it's pretty dramatic.
    1795/1795 3 leaf Flowing Hair Half

    image
    image
    image
    image
    Some coins are just plain "Interesting"
  • notwilightnotwilight Posts: 12,864 ✭✭✭
    This thread is pointing out the fuzziness in the definitions of variety, die state, and error. --Jerry
  • DIMEMANDIMEMAN Posts: 22,403 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Jerry - I think every thing you listed falls into the variety catagory.
  • OverdateOverdate Posts: 7,173 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Overdate: I have to say the 1955 DDO has you beat pretty bad. image >>


    Yes, but my 1960-D is a *Lincoln Memorial* cent. Totally different series! image

    My Adolph A. Weinman signature :)

  • coinman23885coinman23885 Posts: 1,126
    For the Buffalo Nickel, I would have to say that the 1916 DDO is the most dramatic variety.
  • mkman123mkman123 Posts: 6,849 ✭✭✭✭
    great thread! Makes me want some of the coins posted!
    Successful Buying and Selling transactions with:

    Many members on this forum that now it cannot fit in my signature. Please ask for entire list.
  • TwoSides2aCoinTwoSides2aCoin Posts: 44,654 ✭✭✭✭✭
    image
    image

    ``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5

  • rec78rec78 Posts: 5,888 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>I think this is the most dramatic for the FE.

    image
    image >>



    I wish you were right but it is only unfortunately a clash in the end and that doesn't make sense as the most dramatic variety, seriously though I wish it were because I got me some amazing clashes.
    Edited to add: hey I woul dlike to be mistaken, can someone prove me wrong once and for all regarding clashingimage >>



    I agree that this is the most dramatic for the FE cent because it is clashed with a liberty seated half dollar. That is what makes it so neat. I have one of these that I nearly sold a while ago on ebay-I learned of this die clash while my auction was going on, so I stopped the auction and kept it.

    Bob
    image
  • rec78rec78 Posts: 5,888 ✭✭✭✭✭
    For seated half dollars I nominate the 1844-O DDO.
    image
  • STONESTONE Posts: 15,275 ✭


    << <i>For seated half dollars I nominate the 1844-O DDO. >>


    Oh, you mean this image

    imageimage
    image
  • ldhairldhair Posts: 7,356 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>I think this is the most dramatic for the FE.

    image
    image >>



    I wish you were right but it is only unfortunately a clash in the end and that doesn't make sense as the most dramatic variety, seriously though I wish it were because I got me some amazing clashes.
    Edited to add: hey I woul dlike to be mistaken, can someone prove me wrong once and for all regarding clashingimage >>



    I agree that this is the most dramatic for the FE cent because it is clashed with a liberty seated half dollar. That is what makes it so neat. I have one of these that I nearly sold a while ago on ebay-I learned of this die clash while my auction was going on, so I stopped the auction and kept it.

    Bob >>



    Realone, Cherrypicker's Guide list it as a variety so I'll probably keep calling it a variety.

    rec78, you almost have it right. This one is actually clashed with the obverse die from the Liberty Head $20 gold piece, S-7.
    There are two other types. S-9 with half dollar clash and S-8 with the quarter clash.
    The 1857 quarter can also be found clashed with the FE cent die.
    Cool stuff to me.

    Larry

  • joeykoinsjoeykoins Posts: 17,685 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I would say, any coin that doesn't need a loupe, has to be called "dramatic". So the one that posted the famous 55 double die Lincoln, would be hard to top! but I would also, include the "wide a.m." series. Such as the 98,99,2000(also 96) Lincolns.Think of It. with the naked eye, these can be found. How in the world can the mint,make such a error? Let's see,these are the Proofs and these are the Business strikes. The worker must of been blind or blind drunk to make this mistake?Dramatic!

    "Jesus died for you and for me, Thank you,Jesus"!!!

    --- If it should happen I die and leave this world and you want to remember me. Please only remember my opening Sig Line.
  • STONESTONE Posts: 15,275 ✭


    << <i>I would say, any coin that doesn't need a loupe, has to be called "dramatic". So the one that posted the famous 55 double die Lincoln, would be hard to top! but I would also, include the "wide a.m." series. Such as the 98,99,2000(also 96) Lincolns.Think of It. with the naked eye, these can be found. How in the world can the mint,make such a error? Let's see,these are the Proofs and these are the Business strikes. The worker must of been blind or blind drunk to make this mistake?Dramatic! >>


    Ummmm, would do you think the mint REALLY cares??? And who would really think to check the difference of the separation of letters,
    unless of course there were strict guidlines saying "if the AM touch its such-and-such a strike, and if they are separate they are the other
    strike"! Doubtful!

    Besides, a 1-2mm difference in separation between the A and the M is not very dramatic. I can think of dozens more interesting varieties
    in the Lincoln series which trump this.
  • LeeBoneLeeBone Posts: 4,648 ✭✭✭✭✭
    image
  • joeykoinsjoeykoins Posts: 17,685 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>I would say, any coin that doesn't need a loupe, has to be called "dramatic". So the one that posted the famous 55 double die Lincoln, would be hard to top! but I would also, include the "wide a.m." series. Such as the 98,99,2000(also 96) Lincolns.Think of It. with the naked eye, these can be found. How in the world can the mint,make such a error? Let's see,these are the Proofs and these are the Business strikes. The worker must of been blind or blind drunk to make this mistake?Dramatic! >>


    Ummmm, would do you think the mint REALLY cares??? And who would really think to check the difference of the separation of letters,
    unless of course there were strict guidlines saying "if the AM touch its such-and-such a strike, and if they are separate they are the other
    strike"! Doubtful!

    Besides, a 1-2mm difference in separation between the A and the M is not very dramatic. I can think of dozens more interesting varieties
    in the Lincoln series which trump this. >>

    Your right, I would agree that there are more dramatic cents in the series such as the 55 d.d like I stated, but getting back to the "wide a.m." issue. Wouldn't you think that the Proof cents, being so far different than the business strike,don't you think these are possibly struck on an entirely different machine even?So the mint wouldn't have to change the dies on the machine?They can just shoot them through easier and faster?I take in consideration, what you stated about them not caring also. Yeah, they probably don't care as much.Still the proof so different than the business strike? I just don't get it!

    "Jesus died for you and for me, Thank you,Jesus"!!!

    --- If it should happen I die and leave this world and you want to remember me. Please only remember my opening Sig Line.
  • liefgoldliefgold Posts: 1,726 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Got to be the 1862 DDO for the gold dollar series.

    image
    liefgold
  • BillJonesBillJones Posts: 34,910 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The 1800 LIBEKTY half dime is the most dramatic variety among the early half dimes. The "K" in "LIBERTY" is actually an "R" punch with a break at the top. It is not a blundered die, but just a die was that made with a broken tool. Here are some photos of the variety.

    imageimage

    "LIBEKTY" detail:

    image

    The 1796 "LIKERTY" is no more than a die state (if that) and not a real variety. NGC no longer recognizes it as a variety although it is still listed in the Red Book.
    Retired dealer and avid collector of U.S. type coins, 19th century presidential campaign medalets and selected medals. In recent years I have been working on a set of British coins - at least one coin from each king or queen who issued pieces that are collectible. I am also collecting at least one coin for each Roman emperor from Julius Caesar to ... ?
  • HighReliefHighRelief Posts: 3,724 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The 1901 Vam-3 with shifted eagle is the strongest doubled reverse die of the Morgan series and shows pronounced doubling of the bottom of the eagle's wings and tail feathers, olive branch and arrow shafts. It demands a large premium in all grades.

    image

    Photography by BluCC
  • UnknownUnknown
    This content has been removed.
  • LakesammmanLakesammman Posts: 17,468 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I would vote for the 1873 S1 DDO, although several others come to mind like the 1888/7 S1.

    This is my old PCGS 65RB.

    image
    "My friends who see my collection sometimes ask what something costs. I tell them and they are in awe at my stupidity." (Baccaruda, 12/03).I find it hard to believe that he (Trump) rushed to some hotel to meet girls of loose morals, although ours are undoubtedly the best in the world. (Putin 1/17) Gone but not forgotten. IGWT, Speedy, Bear, BigE, HokieFore, John Burns, Russ, TahoeDale, Dahlonega, Astrorat, Stewart Blay, Oldhoopster, Broadstruck, Ricko, Big Moose, Cardinal.
  • UnknownUnknown
    This content has been removed.
  • BroadstruckBroadstruck Posts: 30,497 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Got to be the 1862 DDO for the gold dollar series.

    image >>



    Also looks like a tentative Brown Noser Variety imageimage
    To Err Is Human.... To Collect Err's Is Just Too Much Darn Tootin Fun!
  • MFHMFH Posts: 11,720 ✭✭✭✭

    Great coins all, I would like to mention that the PUP on
    the 1873 S1 DDO is the eye lid and the word LIBERTY
    both of which are clearly doubled. Please refer to the
    Cherry Pickers Guide for close ups.

    Winston, nice 1844 Half... Never realized you had that one !!

    I nominate the following from the Barber Series:

    Dime - ( 2 ) - 1893/2 & 1905-O Micro O

    Quarter - ( 1 ) - 1897-S Centered MM

    Half - ( 1 ) - 1892-O Micro O

    .... I am on my iPad and don't know how to attach images ( yet ).....

    Mike Hayes
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !

    New Barber Purchases
  • SmEagle1795SmEagle1795 Posts: 2,200 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Not sure if it's the most dramatic, but it's pretty dramatic.
    1795/1795 3 leaf Flowing Hair Half >>



    Another vote for a different 1795 50c variety - my favorite variety, the R5 1795 O-129 "S over D" where the engraver misspelled "STATES" as "STATED" image:

    image
    Learn about our world's shared history told through the first millennium of coinage: Colosseo Collection
  • okracerokracer Posts: 436 ✭


    << <i>

    << <i>image >>



    image >>



    Not mine......but I do have a lowly AG3 example of this one......

    ......I collect old stuff......
  • MilkmanDanMilkmanDan Posts: 3,763 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>In trade dollars, the 1876-cc DDR is pretty strong... >>


    Kaz, agreed. Gotta represent the T$s!

    76-CC DDR, see lower right wing tip and nearby twig and berries.
    image

    image
  • kazkaz Posts: 9,281 ✭✭✭✭✭
    that's what I'm talkin' about ! Great coin, originalDan!
  • LakesammmanLakesammman Posts: 17,468 ✭✭✭✭✭
    where is the doubling in the pic?

    I'll provide the AARP version tonight. image
    "My friends who see my collection sometimes ask what something costs. I tell them and they are in awe at my stupidity." (Baccaruda, 12/03).I find it hard to believe that he (Trump) rushed to some hotel to meet girls of loose morals, although ours are undoubtedly the best in the world. (Putin 1/17) Gone but not forgotten. IGWT, Speedy, Bear, BigE, HokieFore, John Burns, Russ, TahoeDale, Dahlonega, Astrorat, Stewart Blay, Oldhoopster, Broadstruck, Ricko, Big Moose, Cardinal.
  • LakesammmanLakesammman Posts: 17,468 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Doubling on all the letters in the headband, double feather stems, etc.

    image
    "My friends who see my collection sometimes ask what something costs. I tell them and they are in awe at my stupidity." (Baccaruda, 12/03).I find it hard to believe that he (Trump) rushed to some hotel to meet girls of loose morals, although ours are undoubtedly the best in the world. (Putin 1/17) Gone but not forgotten. IGWT, Speedy, Bear, BigE, HokieFore, John Burns, Russ, TahoeDale, Dahlonega, Astrorat, Stewart Blay, Oldhoopster, Broadstruck, Ricko, Big Moose, Cardinal.

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