Sorting Through Lincoln Pennies: What To Look For?

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John1

Most years have either a RPM or a doubled die on either side. Best to sort them into 10 Bowls. Put them in the same bowl with the last digits. 1950, 1960, 1970 1980 All in the same bowl regardless of mintmarks. When you get them all sorted, then sort them one bowl at a time. 1950/D/S, 1960/D, 1970/D/S 1980/D/S. Take a sheet of paper and put 195 with three line rows P/D/S, then put the 1950's in those rows, same for 1960 P/D (two rows), and so forth.

Then look up those years/mint on coppercoins.com to see what could be RPM, or doubled dies. Then you will know what to look for on those years. Better to figure everything out the first time, so when your done with them you will know what varieties are known for those years. Best to take your time and learn as you go. When you find something or have questions, ask here. A lot of coins are damaged or murdered in circulation. So set those aside. (unless you know for sure they are damaged, then spend them or keep them for copper melt. Anything you question, take images and post them here to get assistance on here. Use only one coin per thread. Make sure to put the dates/mints/what you want to know and someone will help you. You will soon be addicted like everyone else in a short time. LOL

@merclover

Didn't know I had microscopic vision? lol Most pennies I've seen so far had a Wide AM (except for a more recent one). And I haven't found any double dies yet, although I should probably get a magnifying glass for that.

As for taking photos, I was wondering what kind of camera/lens I'd need for quality snapshots? (I also have a scanner; would that be good enough?) I'll definitely have some questions to post, too.

Thanks for your answer!

@TwistedTrader

Will do, thanks!

@coop

Wow, thanks so much for that method! Makes the whole process way more efficient.

At this point I've been through all my US pennies, having kept about 30-40 aside (for different reasons, that I'd like to verify), so I'll try that and see what I get! (By the way I haven't seen any "S" ones; only "D" or no mark.)

For the rest I plan to deposit them at the bank (I know copper pennies are worth more than their face value, but don't have enough of them to make them worth melting/selling... and even if I did, I believe there's a law making it illegal for large amounts of US pennies to be transported across the border)!

Thank again for your answer!

There is also a Canadian forum on this site also.

There are microscope apps too.