New Die Varieties Discovered: What Researchers Found in 2024

Die variety research continues advancing numismatic knowledge. Dedicated researchers examining coins under magnification regularly identify previously unknown varieties, adding to catalogs and creating new collecting opportunities.

Understanding Die Varieties

Die varieties result from imperfections or modifications in the dies used to strike coins:

Types of Varieties

Doubled dies: Multiple impressions of hub into die create doubling visible on struck coins
Repunched mintmarks: Mintmarks punched multiple times in slightly different positions
Over-dates: One date punched over another
Clashed dies: Dies strike together without a planchet, transferring design elements
Die cracks and breaks: Physical damage to dies creates raised lines or blobs on coins
Polished dies: Mint polishing removes or softens design elements

Why Varieties Matter

Varieties provide insight into mint production processes. They create collecting specializations within series, offer cherrypicking opportunities, and can carry significant premiums when properly attributed.

Recent Discoveries

Researchers continue finding new varieties across many series:

Morgan Dollar Discoveries

The VAM (Van Allen-Mallis) catalog of Morgan dollar varieties continues expanding. New die marriages, previously unrecorded die states, and varieties in mint-state populations are regularly identified. Recent discoveries include new doubled dies and previously uncataloged clashed die combinations.

Lincoln Cent Varieties

Lincoln cents offer endless variety hunting opportunities. New doubled dies appear regularly, and researchers continue refining attribution of known varieties. Memorial and Shield reverse cents receive increasing attention as collectors explore these more recent issues.

Modern Coin Varieties

Contemporary coinage produces varieties just as historical issues did. Presidential dollars, America the Beautiful quarters, and other modern series yield discoveries for attentive researchers.

Research Methods

Finding new varieties requires systematic approach:

Equipment

Serious variety research requires:

Quality magnification (10x minimum, often 20x or higher)
Good lighting, preferably adjustable
Reference materials for known varieties
Imaging capability for documentation

Methodology

Effective searching involves:

Systematic examination of known variety locations (dates, mintmarks, key design areas)
Comparison against published variety photographs and descriptions
Documentation of potential new discoveries
Confirmation through community consultation

Sources

Varieties appear in:

Circulation finds and roll searches
Dealer junk boxes and bulk lots
Already-graded coins that were not variety-attributed
Estate collections and accumulated hoards

Attribution Resources

Identifying varieties requires reference materials:

The Cherrypickers’ Guide

Bill Fivaz and J.T. Stanton’s Cherrypickers’ Guide covers valuable varieties across U.S. coinage. Multiple volumes address different denominations and eras. This essential reference provides variety identification and approximate values.

Series-Specific References

Dedicated variety guides exist for many series:

VAM guide for Morgan and Peace dollars
CONECA references for Lincoln cent varieties
Flynn references for shield cents
Numerous guides for other series

Online Resources

Variety researchers maintain websites and databases supplementing printed references. VAMWorld, varietyvista, and similar sites provide images and attribution assistance.

Variety Organizations

Groups supporting variety research include:

CONECA

The Combined Organizations of Numismatic Error Collectors of America focuses on errors and varieties. Membership includes their Errorscope magazine and access to attribution services.

VAM Specialists

Dedicated Morgan and Peace dollar variety organizations maintain the VAM catalog and support continuing research in these series.

Online Communities

Forums and social media groups connect variety researchers, enabling rapid identification and discussion of new discoveries.

Market Impact

Variety discoveries affect the market:

Premium Values

Significant varieties command premiums over ordinary examples. Major doubled dies, rare die marriages, and other desirable varieties can be worth multiples of base values.

Cherrypicking Opportunities

Knowledgeable collectors can find varieties priced as common coins. This “cherrypicking” rewards expertise with value creation.

Grading Service Attribution

Major grading services attribute significant varieties on holders. This attribution standardizes identification and facilitates market pricing.

Contributing to Research

Collectors can participate in variety research:

Learn variety basics through references and organizations
Systematically examine coins in your collection and new acquisitions
Document potential discoveries with clear photography
Submit discoveries to appropriate cataloging authorities
Share findings with the collecting community

Variety research represents numismatics at its most detective-like. The thrill of finding something previously unrecorded, of adding to collective knowledge, motivates researchers to examine coin after coin under magnification. Their work enriches the hobby for all collectors.