Community Voice Responses (May 1, 2018)

From the Apr. 6 Numismatic News E-Newsletter:

Do mint errors attract newcomers to coin collecting?

Here are some answers sent from our e-newsletter readers to Editor Dave Harper.

In my opinion, I feel that error coins do attract more coinage collectors. I absolutely love finding treasures and roll hunting. It’s my passion.

Tammy Gatlin
Gentry, Ark.

As stated by those in the know, knowledge is king. Yes, errors would attract many people to the hobby. But as stated, get some knowledge on the area of collecting. After all, even with knowledge, things can become a wrong move, as well as a right one. Those with prior knowledge are educated enough for an area that is right for them, i.e., Don’t jump into it before thought. After all, what is a day’s delay if you look to the long haul!

Gary Kess
Sherman, Texas

I remember being in a comic book store in the early 1970s as a 10-year-old and seeing the cover of Coins Magazine with a photo of a 1972 Lincoln cent doubled die. The cover story headline was about how this coin was valued at $100. This started my search. I was intrigued at how a lowly cent could be worth that much.

Much to the dismay of many a bank teller, I would ride my bike to their facilities and obtain $5 in cent rolls, often turning in the same 10 rolls I had obtained earlier that day. I never found that 1972/72, but I did find many other errors, die breaks/chips, incomplete planchets, etc. Foreign coins and wheaties tagged along, too. This led to a desire for more knowledge, correspondence with Alan Herbert and the beginning of my numismatic library.

So for the answer to your question about mint errors attracting newcomers, the response in my case would be a resounding YES!

Name withheld

Mint errors by themselves will not attract newcomers. There has to be some accompanying lure, kinda like B. Max Mehl did back in the day. “Is this error in your pocket right now? Check closely because you could find something worth bazillions of dollars,” or something like that.

Bob Fritsch
Nashua, N.H.

I would think that some people will start collecting looking for mint errors. But when then find out they are few and far between, that’s the end of that. Big mint error comes along how often?

Mike Byrne
Brooklyn, N.Y.

More Collecting Resources

• Is that coin in your hand the real deal or a clever fake? Discover the difference with U.S. Coins Close Up, a one-of-a-kind visual guide to every U.S. coin type.

• The 1800s were a time of change for many, including in coin production. See how coin designs grew during the time period in the Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900 .