Coin Variety Resources & Reference Books

Essential Reference Books

Cherrypickers' Guide to Rare Die Varieties by Bill Fivaz & J.T. Stanton — The definitive US variety reference. Two volumes covering every denomination. Assigns FS (Fivaz-Stanton) numbers used by PCGS and NGC for attribution.
The Error Coin Encyclopedia by Arnold Margolis & Fred Weinberg — Comprehensive guide to all types of mint errors with photos and values.
Strike It Rich with Pocket Change by Ken Potter & Brian Allen — Beginner-friendly guide to finding valuable errors and varieties in circulation.
Treasure Hunting with Variety Coins by Robert Powers — Focus on cherry-picking techniques.

Series-Specific References

Morgan/Peace dollars — VAM reference by Van Allen & Mallis. Over 6,500 varieties.
Lincoln cents — John Wexler's doubled die files (doubleddie.com).
Buffalo nickels — The Complete Guide to Buffalo Nickels by David Lange.

Online Resources

doubleddie.com — John Wexler's comprehensive doubled die listings with photos.
varietyvista.com — Die variety database with images and diagnostics.
cuds-on-coins.com — Catalog of die cud varieties.
CONECA (conecaonline.org) — Error and variety collector organization with resources and attributions.
PCGS CoinFacts — Includes variety attributions with photos.
NGC Variety Plus — NGC's variety attribution service and database.

Collector Communities

CoinTalk.com error forum — Active community for error and variety identification.
Reddit r/coins and r/CRH — Coin roll hunting and variety identification.
CONECA local chapters — Regional groups for error and variety collectors.
Local coin clubs — Many have error/variety specialists.

Series Conclusion

Over 12 articles, you've learned to identify key dates, recognize error types, spot doubled dies, and cherry-pick valuable varieties. The key to success: study, practice, and handle coins. Visit coin shows, work with knowledgeable dealers, and always carry your loupe. Explore more series on our Learn page.