So you think you have an error coin? Not so fast...

You've meticulously examined your old coins, inspecting every detail for flaws, double stamps, or errors. You've stared at so many old pennies that they're practically imprinted on your eyelids. Finally, you have that "Eureka!" moment — you believe you've found an error coin. But hold on a second; don't get ahead of yourself.

EUREKA! I FOUND AN ERROR COIN!

Nearly every day, we receive excited messages from people who are convinced they've discovered a rare error coin. Even more thrilling, they’ve done their own research and found someone else selling the exact same coin for an astronomical price. They believe they've hit the jackpot and want us to appraise their newfound treasure. The only problem? The coin hasn’t been authenticated by an expert service.

While we appreciate the enthusiasm and curiosity that drives people to seek our appraisal services, the reality is that 99.99% of the time, the coin isn't a genuine error. That "rare" 1943 copper cent? More often than not, it's a modified 1948 coin or a copper-plated steel cent. That 1958 "Double Strike Obverse"? It usually turns out not to be a double strike at all. And the list goes on.

Here's the thing: if you believe you have an error coin, but it hasn't been authenticated by a trusted service like ANACS, PCGS, or NGC, its value is, unfortunately, limited. Even if it is a true error, if it's not certified, it won’t hold much weight in the market.

WHAT IS AUTHENTICATION?

Authentication involves a professional expert examining your coin to confirm its authenticity. The process includes encapsulating the coin in a secure holder, applying a tamper-proof label, and documenting it in their historical database. This process comes with fees, which vary by service, but without this authentication, most collectors will be hesitant to buy or appraise your coin for a high value.

Three trusted grading services with established reputations are ANACS, PCGS, and NGC. As appraisers, we recognize and trust these services to provide reliable verification.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO NEXT?

If you genuinely believe you’ve discovered a rare error coin, such as a 1943 bronze cent, we encourage you to take the next step to verify its authenticity. Before seeking an appraisal, it’s crucial to have it certified. To get started, search for "ANACS Grading Service" or "NGC Grading Fees" to find out how to submit your coin. Once authenticated, feel free to reach out for an appraisal, and good luck with your discovery!

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