Well, to tell you the truth, I have decided, since the capital is still flowing, that I will buy BU specimens on items I want to look for variety and errors.
I'll pay the premium knowing that I have a slightly better chance of pulling something out of the rolls, bags, mint or proof sets.
Its kind of weird, I can take 5-10 sconds to look over a coin and if their is something "different" with that coin, I almost immediately see it. Its probably due to my microscope setups.
I paid to make sure that I would not miss much, and honestly? The setup(s) probably have already paid for themselves. I cannot being to tell you all the RPM's, and
DDO's I have found with the setup. It has to be a comfortable setting, and I have to remember to blink alot.
As for the older coins, I understand about the die wear. That's why I stick to BU coins. When the finds come, not only are they easier to identify, but they are bound to have a better value. You have to remember I am in it for the business, and I am one to tell myself - If I cannot sell it to myself, there is no way I am going to sell it to someone else. Thats why I go over the edge to prove to the customer - and myself - building confidence for both that the item they see is the real deal and not a "blob".
Jefferson nickels and
Washington quarters to me see cramped on the rim, and that can add to the frustration of finding anything that could be a
DDO, and expecially a
DDR.
Kennedy halves are up there as well.
I buy my stuff from about 10 different sources and I am blessed. I have my fair share of varieties and errors, and finding good sources and sticking with them is paramount. Most of the pople I deal with don't care to search for varieties or errors - they just want to move the stuff they have. Thats cool, I don't mention anything about it to them and all is good. they are Happy to make the sales, and I am happy with the results.
I honestly don't have a good solid answer for ID'ing coins that are less than AU, and the markers being torn away by die abrasion or
Machine Doubling. In some cases, its simply finding one marker and the variety and that would have to do.
Good luck on whatever way your advanture wants to take you.
Posted 05/12/2014 1:21 pm
