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.
This guide is for educational purposes. Where official standards, grading services, organization memberships, or legal requirements apply, consult the primary authority named in the references below or the relevant government agency.
Reviewed on March 9, 2026 by the US Coin Shows editorial team. Editorial policy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best reference for coin varieties?
The Cherrypickers' Guide to Rare Die Varieties by Fivaz & Stanton is the definitive US variety reference. It assigns FS numbers used by PCGS and NGC for attribution.
Where can I find coin variety information online?
doubleddie.com (doubled dies), varietyvista.com (die varieties), cuds-on-coins.com (cuds), and CONECA (conecaonline.org). PCGS CoinFacts and NGC Variety Plus also include variety data.
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