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Coin Errors, Varieties, Patterns, and Counterfeit
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This selection of reading material revolves around
coin errors, varieties, patterns, and counterfeit. A casual observer might
guess these topics to occupy the outer periphery of collector interest, but
judging by the quantity of books available in this realm, quite the opposite is
true. The study of coin errors, varieties, patterns, and counterfeit is
hugely popular.
The coin error books below illustrate how goofs occur in the production of coins
at the US Mint. Some US Mint mistakes are valuable, and these references tell you
which ones are, which ones aren't, and how to know the difference.
A coin variety is declared when a relatively small change from the basic type
design of a coin is observed, often resulting from dissimilarities between
individual dies of the same basic design. Some varieties are extremely
rare and command big bucks, but recognizing what these varieties are and how to spot
them requires experienced guidance. There are several coin variety books
below that deliver this counsel in spades.
Pattern coins are
defined as experimental pieces, generally of a new design,
denomination or metal, used as a test strike. The first coin bearing the
words "United States of America" was a pattern coin, the 1792 half dime. Pattern
coins have never been intended for release into circulation, and quite a few of
them, because they were simply trial pieces, look completely unlike what
most people are accustomed to seeing. The coin pattern books below are superb
references for exploring what might have been.
The underworld of
counterfeiting has been shadowing us since the invention of money. As
money making technology advanced, so did the sophistication level of the
counterfeiters. Delve into the minds of master counterfeiters and learn
how and why they wielded their criminal cash machines.
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Coin Errors, Varieties,
Patterns, and Counterfeit |
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Reviewed? |
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US Gold Counterfeit Detection Guide
"United States Gold Counterfeit Detection
Guide" is a full-color, 224-page reference for spotting fake gold coins.
Detailed text and magnified photos inform readers how to detect nearly 200
frequently encountered counterfeits. Also includes advice from professional
graders, authenticators, and dealers, general "rules of thumb", a glossary,
and much more. This masterful work is expected to become a standard
reference in the study of counterfeiting. |
No |
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United States Pattern Coins: Experimental and Trial Pieces
Readers will agree this is complete resource
for the history, rarity, and values of experimental pieces, dated 1792 to
2000. Investigates the wild swings that came before many of the US
Mint regular issues. A riveting, behind the scenes study of some of
the nation's rarest coins. |
No |
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U.S. Pattern Coins
Features expanded listings and current prices
for pattern, experimental, and trial pieces. Rarity numbers,
population estimates, and auction results. Hundreds of photos to help
identify these specialized coins. |
Yes |
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The Cherrypickers' Guide to Rare Die Varieties
By employing vivid images and descriptive
text, the "Cherrypickers' Guide to Rare Die Varieties" give readers tips on
how to look for rare die varieties. Half cents to Jefferson nickels
are examined.
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The Official Price Guide to Mint Errors, 6th Ed.
Finding mint errors can sometimes like finding buried treasure. Written by
one of the leading authorities on the minting process, "The Official Price
Guide to Mint Errors" offers the most complete record of existing coin
errors and uncovers vital information to help educate about this unique area
of collecting.
-- Exhaustive information on all kinds of mint errors
-- Advice on buying, selling, and collecting mint errors
-- Descriptions and photographs for easy identifications. |
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Numismatic Forgery
Charles Larson's understanding of numismatic forgery
took shape decades ago, but his knowledge was
greatly enhanced while working as a prison guard at the Utah State Prison,
where infamous
master forger Mark Hofmann was incarcerated.
Larson questioned Hofmann many times about the forgery trade in the late 1980s,
giving Larson new insight into the mind of master criminals. Larson
reveals what he learned. |
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Coin Chemistry
Weimar White is a chemist who has been able to
explain scientifically, using chemical equations and experimentation, how
coin surfaces oxidize to become toned. He has expressed his data and
thoughts in a book format. His 30 career studying silver chemistry for a
large company plus serving as a numismatist for over 40 years, places him in
a unique position of being able to address coin chemistry objectively. His
hardcover book is indeed very special. |
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Illegal Tender
"Illegal Tender" author David Tripp tells the
incredible story of the 1933 Double Eagle, which sold for more than $7.5
million in July 2002. Written in storybook form, characters include
kings, presidents, government agents and unsavory elements. Many
surprises along the way. |
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Over Mintmarks and Hot Repunched Mintmarks
Hundreds of photographs to help coin
collectors identify over mintmarks and hot repunched mintmarks. |
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The Error Coin Encyclopedia
"The Error Coin Encyclopedia" provides
tremendous detailed explanations of error coins. Describes how the
minting process works and how errors are introduced into the process.
Some error coins are valuable, and these are identified. Heavily
illustrated, making it doubly useful as a learning tool. Decades of
experience by authors Arnold Margolis and Fred Weinberg are poured into this
book. |
No |
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The Cherrypickers' Pocket Guide Top 150
Handy pocket-sized reference to help you hunt
down the top 150 most popular varieties of US coins. Little book, but
has hundreds of superb photos. Estimated values listed. |
No |
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Standing Liberty Quarters: Varieties & Errors
The definitive resource in print today for
varieties and errors of the handsome Standing Liberty Quarter series. |
No |
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The Top 100 Morgan Dollar Varieties: The VAM Keys
This is a rare, pocket-sized guidebook to the
Morgan Dollar VAM keys, with detailed photographs, rarity factors and value
ranges. Using this book to find one undiscovered VAM key at a coin show
could pay for this investment a dozen times over. |
No |
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Flying Eagle, Indian Cent, Two Cent and Three Cent Doubled Dies
8.5" x 11". Hundreds of Magnified Photos for
easy identification of Doubled Die Coins. |
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The Complete Price Guide and Cross Reference to Lincoln Cent Mint Mark Varieties
Comprehensive cross-reference, value &
information guide to over 1200 Lincoln Cent Mint Mark varieties. Black &
white illustrations and photos. |
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The Official Guide to the Top 50 Peace Dollar Varieties
The book is filled with hundreds of photos to
help identify Peace dollar varieties. Readers will find the VAM
attribution numbers, a unique scale of desirability, estimated values over a
wide range of grades, attribution insights and rarity and interest factors.
Many charts and graphs are included to depict the research. |
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