Off center coins are some of the easiest dramatic mint errors to spot, but not all of them are valuable. This guide breaks down how they happen, how to judge the percentage of the strike, and what actually matters when figuring out if one is worth keeping.
PMD stands for Post Mint Damage, the catch-all category for everything that happens to a coin after it leaves the mint. These coins aren’t errors and they aren’t valuable, but they can still be some of the most interesting pieces you’ll find in your change. This guide walks you through the most common forms of PMD, how to tell them from real mint errors, and why they’re still worth a second look.
You don’t need luck to find good coins in your change jar. Sort smart, work in small batches, and keep what teaches you something. The search itself can be as rewarding as the finds.
Most people start coin collecting the wrong way. Slow down, start with what you already have, and learn the basics before spending a dime. The real skill comes from time, not money.
That “IBERTY” penny in your hand isn’t a jackpot. Most missing letters come from grease in the die or plain damage. Fun to keep, cool to learn from, but not the kind of error that cashes out big.
That penny with letters smeared into the rim isn’t a rare doubled die. It’s metal flow. The press shoved soft copper sideways, warping the design. Cool to study, fun to save, but not a jackpot.
Think you found a repunched mintmark? Think again. If the doubling is only on the mintmark, it’s probably just a mechanical hiccup and not a rare variety. Here’s how to tell the difference between real value and junk that only looks good under a microscope.
Think your 1965 quarter might be silver? Most aren’t, but a few rare ones are worth thousands. This guide shows you how to check the edge, weigh the coin, and know what to look for.
Most nickels are only worth five cents, but a few stand out for their silver content, low mintages, or collectible errors. This guide covers the key dates, valuable varieties, and what to actually watch for in your change.
In 2009, the U.S. Mint released four special penny designs to honor Abraham Lincoln’s life. They look different, but are they actually worth anything? This guide breaks down what to look for, which versions have value, and why most of them are still only worth a cent.