paying attention

lucky2 · Veteran Member

Bob said on another post that at one point he was not paying attention. I want to caution everybody and say that searching coins for die varieties cannot be taken lightly. You must go at each coin with the correct atitude knowing that you will probably not find that million dollar coin but that there is a variety there just pay attention and find it. The reason for this outburst is because I just re-opened a roll of 2005 Lincolns previously searched last year. 3 out of the first 4 are DDRs. Last year I must have been looking for that pie in the sky and now I am just looking for varieties. Re-search all your coins and see what you have missed and good luck.~lucky2

wavysteps2003 · Expert Member

Since I started using a scope, I have re-examined all the pre-scope coins that I had accumulated and found more than a few surprises.

You mentioned that you found some DDR's in the 2005 Lincoln cents that you examined. May I ask what they were?

WAVYSTEPS2003

coppercoins · Site Admin

Actually, if I may...

I don't think looking on each coin expecting to find something is the right attitude. It can cause you to see things that aren't actually there.

I go through a pile of coins with the design in mind, looking only for the design, and if anything out of the oridnary pops out, I take notice. I set those aside, then go back through them later. If anything still pops out, I set it aside and go back over it the next day. If it's still there the next day, it's probably something to take note of. Otherwise it goes back in the pile.

I have saved myself a lot of grief keeping stuff that didn't matter this way.

Bob P · Site Admin

In addition to what Robert and Chuck said, it is also a point to make that we are learning every day. As I look through a coin today, I already know what that year had to offer. That only comes from years of searching. Usually, a quick scan of the coin will immediately show if something is not 'normal'. At that point I put it of to the side like Chuck does, and have another look later. You will find that scanning versus a detailed insoection will normally find most of your varieties, and much more quickly.
Of course, everybody has their own method of searching. What works for me may not work for you.
Keep searching though, and don't be too surprised that you missed one or two. We all do or did!

Earwig · Veteran Member

You say a scope you put every coin under a microscope. I use a 14x loupe so im prob missin a bunch then. any recomendations on equiptment

Eric

wavysteps2003 · Expert Member

Hi Eric; if you are ready to take the leap a good starting scope is a binocular microscope or a stereoscope. I have a zoom feature on mine that ranges from 7.5 X to 30 X which I find great for looking at the design elements very close when needed whitout having to change lens. Ebay has dealers (reliable ones to boot) that cover a wide range of scopes and it is all according to your pocket book what you can afford.

Hope this helps and good luck. You will find a WORLD of difference between a loop and a stereoscope.

WAVYSTEPS2003

Earwig · Veteran Member

Thanks a bunch gunna look into 1 very soon then Thanks Again

coop · Expert Member

Do a search on Ebay for the seller amberdepot. I think that is correct. He was sold many of us a scope. Eric check out this one.
http://cgi.ebay.com/7-5x-35x-Zoom-Stereo-Binocular-Microscope_W0QQitemZ7592855855QQcategoryZ48740QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
You might want to mark or save this so you can find one like it when your ready or go ahead and jump on it now. Its up to you.
This is one that a few of us have. Not a bad price for a stereo microscope.