This Month were looking at Memorial (1959-present) Lincoln cents.

Memorial lincoln cents are probably the most collected and affordable error coins today. Prices run from 50 cents to approximately one thousand dollars. We know that's a big spread as far as prices may be concerned. But, the simple, more common error next to a complex multi-error can cause this difference in price. For example a common small curved clip planchet may only cost .50 cents, then a 1960 Cent struck on a "high grade" Silver dime planchet may cost $900. As with all errors, the more complex the error is, the more eye appeal or high grade it may be in! Expect to pay the higher prices, as these are the coins that will probrally be the most sought after. Then again, if you cannot afford these super error coins, those smaller errors will offer you some real bargains.

What's HOT?
Off Centers are picking up some steam in this series, especially major off centers that are dated or may have a Mint mark. Double or Multi strikes are also gaining ground, look for die struck reverse examples.

Off Metals are very hot: Silver Cents ( struck on Silver dime planchets) are very hot and sought after. Stay away from examples with "test" scratches and look for the highest grade available. AU examples are now in the $700. range, while BU examples are breaking the $1,000. price line. We still see some room for price increases on these higher graded examples for next year. Cents on Clad dime planchets are also picking up a lot, expect these to be $300. next year.

Double Denominations:(Struck dime struck by cent dies, 11 cent piece) Currently in the $500-$650 area, we expect these to be near $800-900 next year, if the current lack of error coins coming out of the Mint continues. Look for high grades, full dated examples. Denver examples will be over $1,000., probrally closer to $1,300. because their much scarcer.

Double Denominations with TWO different dates. Such as a 1979 Cent struck over a 1978 dime, YES they do exist! but are quite scarce.. we see only 1-3 examples a year. Currently costing approx. $2,500 , these will be at $3,500. shortly. Examples of 1999 and 2000 (2 centuries) will be in the 5k range.

What's NOT hot!!
Cent Caps are not hot! But offers some excellant buying oppotunities of these once $400. errors, currently selling in the $100-150 range. We expect to see these to gain a lot of strength in the near future.

Bonded Cents are cool. once a $1,000 item, now sell in the $400-500 price range. Another Excellant buying opportunity of this very scarce error. beware of glue jobs! Buy slabbed ones if your inexperienced. These should regain their 1k + price range in a year or two.

Clips on 1998 to current 2001 dates are very over looked and are a steal at $30. so very few are coming out..

100% unPlated Cents (certified), these are cents that were struck with no copper plating are currently at $100., These once $300 errors will regain all their past strength and MORE! Very underrated. Beware of counterfiets, that's why we recommend Certified by NGC or PCGS.

Fold-Over Cents, starting to gain a lot of strength and we are starting to see higher prices for these. Once a $300. error, they dropped to about $100., now many Numismatists are realizing that the Mint is changing to newer presses that should not make these errors anymore! That means all we currently have, may be all there will ever be! Look for full dated examples of this seldom seen error. Prices could rise to $500. and higher..

Next month will start discussing Nickels..

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All content in this newsletter is the opinion of the author and should not be taken as sound investment advice.