How Do You Search Your Coins?

Knowing what is out there helps a lot. But I go a step further. Rather than making a list of what years to look at, I check each coin for doubled die and RPM within limits.
RPMs are not found in post 1989 coins.
Doubled dies happen over and over on coins because of hubbing errors. They are similar. So check out what can happen. Dates and other devices may have doubled dies that are above/below/rotated in directions. Knowing these different directions can help the search. The multi hub doubled dies may be different than the single squeeze doubled dies. But knowing how they are hubbed helps with searching for varieties.
IE: 2004 had some interesting DDRs on the EPU. So I thought to myself, if they happened that year in this area, I looked on other years of the single squeeze hubbed dies. Sure enough a few thousands of coins later I found the first 2002-D with the similar doubling. So know how doubled die looked in certain areas of coins, helps the search to find not just what everyone else is finding, but a new discover for a certain year. So rather than making a list of year varieties, I check each coin to see if there is something new that I maybe looking at. Sounds like a good topic for a thread. What types of doubling can I find on "LIBERTY"? "Motto?" "Ears" "Wheat reverses?" "Memorial reverses that are multi hubbed/single hubbed" Knowing what areas to search on different years because of the date/mint mark/RPMs. Know what is possible and see if you can find something new. That is my goal when I look at every coin.

First thing I do is sort by year. Depending on denomination or just what I feel like that day, I'll throw the stuff for years not in the CPG in the return bin. Otherwise, I'll put every coin under a USB scope to get a nice big picture. Looking at one year at a time, it's easier to spot differences for me.

Dar - good luck on the surgery. I hope it all goes well!!

Same as above, although I do a hybrid of things. I have a list of coins that I keep for cents and nickels that I look for. Normally, I will search any 1982 and later coin as I pull it from a roll, toss the coppers in a bucket to search later. I have come to know most of what to look for each coin (my list is much, much shorter than what you will find on Coppercoins) as I've targeted varieties. But like Coop, I do use a method of browsing other coins in key areas to find the odd variety. No luck yet, but I do it anyway. As for coppers, I sort those by date and then evaluate them that way (my son sorts by year for me into small plastic containers from takeout dinners).

I use a small desk magnifying lamp to rough through the roll, the loupe for close up examinations (30x/60x). Like Dar, I'm thinking about buying a stereoscope to expedite the reviewing process. I see lots of folks go through boxes and boxes of coins a day/week, but I basically have time to do one box a week and that is pushing it. I look at fronts and backs to spot Cuds and errors. But I'm also looking for smaller varieties that many will pass on (some wont go below 10x as the market value and demand usually isn't there).

I pick up and drop off at the same bank now. I set up an arrangement with the bank manager so I can drop and pick up at the same time. Very convenient for me as time is not something I have a lot of. Anyway, it's fun to find varieties, adds interest to the hobby, and keeps me (and sometimes my son) away from the boob-tube. Have fun!!

Thanks for the info guys.

Kris