A stretched rim with letters slipping upward always gets attention, but it’s not a mint error. It’s one of the easiest forms of post mint damage to spot once you know what causes it and what it looks like under magnification.
BIE pennies are one of the most common and recognizable die cracks on Lincoln cents. They form when the die fractures between the B and E in LIBERTY, creating a raised line of metal that looks like an extra letter. They are real mint-made varieties, not PMD, and they make great low-stakes finds for collectors who enjoy spotting die breaks in the wild.
After you’ve searched your change, you need a system to move it out without making the hobby feel like work. This post covers how to roll or dump your coins efficiently, why you shouldn’t return them where you buy rolls, and what to do if your bank stops accepting pennies.
Roll hunting isn’t about luck. It’s about rhythm, focus, and knowing what to look for. With the right setup and a clean workflow, you can move through rolls fast, spot real value, and actually enjoy the hunt.
A USB microscope can save your eyes, your time, and your sanity. Here’s how to set one up on a Mac or PC without downloading any shady apps.
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.