A Deep Dive into the Cherrypickers' Guide for Cherrypicker Amateurs

Every collector dreams of a single find that will become a real trophy of his collection. So how do you find this treasure among the many similar specimens? The answer is simple and lies behind using tools that help to reveal the secret sides of the coin art. Cherrypickers' Guide to Rare Die Varieties of United States Coins is one of those proven and well-known numismatic tools.

This Cherry pickers coin guide is a true bible for coin collectors seeking to discover secret treasures among apparently ordinary specimens.  For over 30 years this guide has been the board book for experienced collectors looking for inspiration and knowledge to find the unusual coin varieties most people overlook. Why is this book so dear to all numismatics fans, what can penny lovers learn from it and are there alternative tools to help collectors. Here we will explore the topic in more detail.

The Story of Cherry Pickers Guide: Coins to Find, Treasures in Mind

The Cherrypickers' Guide book was first published in 1990 and gained instant popularity among numismatists. It is still a unique reference book that deeply explains the world of mint errors and rarities and shows rare features of US coins.

Over the decades, the book grew to become a true cult publication, appearing in new editions and complemented by the discovery of new rare varieties. A total of six editions were published, with the latest in 2021. Whitman Publishing attaches great importance to updating the content in order to give numismatists the opportunity to navigate the world of rare coins and be aware of new discoveries.

Cherrypickers' Guide Main Content

The Cherry pickers coin varieties guide book is categorized by coin type, with each section containing detailed descriptions of different ones that may be of value to collectors. The key topics are:

• Rare penny varieties (e.g., Lincoln Cent and 1982 penny)

• Minting errors (double strikes, shifting elements, blurred images)

• Detailed images and descriptions of coins to help collectors know what to look for when searching for rare specimens

Thus, cherry pickers guide for pennies collectors can also be especially valuable as the authors paid special attention to popular and mainstream coins. The guide is full of useful information for collectors of all levels and helps them distinguish ordinary coins from rare ones. The book also offers an estimated price (but it may vary depending on the condition of the coin and its rarity).

Cherrypicker Tips for Spotting Rare Penny Varieties

So now imagine that you are fully armed, already have a good fighting spirit and even have the cherry pickers guide to coins we told you about above.  So what should you do next? To become a true master at finding rare pennies, there are a few practical tips to keep in mind:

1. Knowledge is power. Study the varieties described in Cherrypickers' Guide and memorize the main features. The more you know, the easier it will be to identify unique specimens.

2. Use the right tools. A magnifying glass with 10x magnification or a digital microscope can help you see the smallest details. Purchase a scale to accurately measure the weight of coins, as some errors may show up in deviations from the standard weight.

3. Inspect coins at different angles. Some errors or doublings may only be visible at certain lighting angles.

4. Compare coins. Look for similarities and differences in coins of the same denomination and year. This will help you identify rare specimens more quickly.

Top Penny Varieties Every Cherrypicker Should Know

As a true (though novice) cherrypicker, you are probably interested in what rare and unique pennies can be a true treasure in your collection. After all, a one cent coin can conceal more than meets the eye. To make your search for these valuable specimens easier, we've compiled a top 3 list of the most interesting and unusual penny varieties that will appeal to every cherry picker for collecting.

1. 1955 Lincoln Cent (Doubled Die): Double Rare

This penny is one of the most famous and coveted among collectors due to the distinct double strike error. On the obverse of the coin, one can notice a clear doubling of all inscriptions (especially the words ‘LIBERTY’ and the motto ‘IN GOD WE TRUST’ and the year of minting). This defect was caused by improper die setting, resulting in the coins being struck with the two images overlapping.

The coin became famous almost immediately after its release and was instantly sought after by rarity hunters. Today, the 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln cent is considered one of the most valuable errors in penny coinage.

2. 1955 Lincoln Wheat Penny (BIE Error): The “Found” I

The 1955 penny with the BIE error is a prime example of the so-called ‘stamp crack’, which results in an extra element between the letters “B” and “E” in the word “LIBERTY”. On this coin, the small vertical crack gives the impression that an extra “I” is hidden between these letters. While this error may seem minor, it is highly prized among collectors (and especially among people enjoying the variety of stamping defects).

Interesting fact: Since stamp cracks can vary in size and shape, there are many subtypes of BIE errors on coins, which makes searching for and studying such pennies an even more fascinating process among collectors.

3. 1999 Wide AM Lincoln Cent: Wide Gap - Wide Opportunities

At first glance, the 1999 penny may seem perfectly ordinary, but cherrypickers know to look closely at the letters ‘A’ and ‘M’ in the word ‘AMERICA’ on the reverse. The Wide AM variant is different in that there is a noticeable wide gap between the letters, while on the standard 1999 coins the letters almost touch each other.

This variation resulted from the accidental use of a die designed to be minted on Proof pieces. Thus, a small error in production produced one of the most interesting varieties of penny.

Estimated Value of Penny Coins from Top 3 List

The Role of Technology: Advanced Tool for Every Avid Cherrypicker

When it comes to finding and identifying rare coins, technology comes to the rescue of collectors. There are tools that can not only complement paper reference books, but in some cases exceed them in terms of accuracy and ease of use. One such innovative assistant for modern collectors keeping up with the times is the Coin ID Scanner app.

The application provides excellent results in solo-identification of coins, but can also be used as an additional tool by conservative numismatists who prefer paper resources. The app is dedicated to automatically identifying coins using a smartphone camera to help the user easily get basic information about the coin, find out its rarity and approximate value.

Benefits of Coin ID Scanner:

• Coin finder by image​: The app allows you to quickly identify the type of coin by simply pointing your smartphone camera at it.

• Ease of use: Identify and grade coins, enter information and conveniently store or manage it with just a couple of clicks - all for your convenience in one app.

• Convenience and mobility: Coin ID Scanner is available always and everywhere - now your guide fits in your pocket.

• Regular updating: The coin databases are constantly updated by developers so that the information is always relevant and accurate.

Cherrypicking is a true art that takes patience, attention to detail and a love of numismatics. Due to combining the old and the new, you will be able to utilize the full power of knowledge and technology to find truly unique coins. We hope your search  will always lead to discoveries to inspire and enrich your numismatic experience!

Sources:

1. https://www.numismaticnews.net/collecting-101/basics-and-beyond-review-of-latest-cherrypickers-guide

2. https://www.numismaticnews.net/collecting-101/basics-and-beyond-review-of-latest-cherrypickers-guide