Few books have excited the coin-collecting community like the Cherrypickers' Guide. Since the first edition burst onto the scene in 1990, thousands of hobbyists have been searching for the rare die varieties described inside. This handy book tells you how to "cherrypick"--that is, how to examine coins that look normal at first glance, but have unusual characteristics: doubled and tripled dies, overdates, repunched mintmarks, and other features that can reveal a common coin to be a rare and valuable variety. With the close-up photographs and descriptions inside, you'll learn exactly what to look for. That kind of knowledge truly is power! The Cherrypickers' Guide to Rare Die Varieties, sixth edition, volume I covers die varieties for half cents, large cents, small cents, two-cent and three-cent pieces, and nickels, fully updated and revised information for some of the most popular U.S. coin series, more than 1,00 images, information on more than 680 varieties, 150 newly published varieties, market values in multiple grades, detailed photo enlargements to show you what to look for when cherrypicking, and much more. The book is a result of many years of cumulative research and finessing by the lead authors, Bill Fivaz and J.T. Stanton, in cooperation with many collectors, scholars, dealers, and others in the numismatic community. It presents information unavailable in any other single source.The sixth edition, volume I includes: Descriptions of die varieties for half cents, large cents, small cents, two-cent and three-cent pieces, and nickels, 1800s to date Fully updated and revised information for some of the most popular U.S. coin series, to include Indian Head cent, Flying Eagle cent, Lincoln cent, two-cent pieces, Buffalo nickel, Jefferson nickel, Shield nickel, and Liberty Head nickel series More than 1,00 images Information for more than 680 varieties 150 newly published varieties Market values in multiple grades Detailed photo enlargements to show you what to look for when cherrypicking Information on types of doubling, how to examine your coins, Proof set varieties, collector clubs, and other beginner and advanced topics Cross-references to specialized standard guides Cherrypickers' Guide to Rare Die Varieties of United States Coins, sixth edition, volume I - By Bill Fivaz and J.T. Stanton, edited by Mike Ellis, forewords by Q. David Bowers and Kenneth Bressett - ISBN 0794843182 - Black and white, illustrated - 6 x 9 inches, spiralbound hardcover, 448 pageTABLE OF CONTENTS Foreword by Q. David Bowers viii Foreword by Kenneth Bressett ix Preface x Credits and Acknowledgments xii HOW TO USE THIS BOOK xv Symbols Used in This Book xv Abbreviations Used in This Book xv Pick-Up Points (PUPs) xvi Variety Value and Normal Value xvi The Fivaz-Stanton (FS) Numbering System xvii Rarity Factor xix Interest Factor xx Liquidity Factor xxi Other Numbers and Abbreviations xxi Numbering Systems from Other Publications xxii Average Die Life xxii Changes to This Volume of the Cherrypickers' Guide xxiii VARIETY LISTINGS 1 Half Cents 1 Large Cents 5 Flying Eagle Cents 16 Indian Head Cents 26 Lincoln Cents 95 Two-Cent Pieces 183 Silver Three-Cent Pieces 199 Nickel Three-Cent Pieces 204 Shield Nickels 217 Liberty Head Nickels 293 Buffalo Nickels 303 Jefferson Nickels 335 APPENDICES 371 A. Doubled Dies vs. Other Forms of Doubling 371 B. The Minting Process 377 C. What are the Best Magnifiers? 381 D. Popular Varieties From Proof and Mint Sets 382 E. When Cherrypickin', Use Courtesy and Respect! 385 F. 1979-S and 1981-S Proof-Mintmark Varieties 387 G. Recommended Reading 389 H. Coin Clubs 392 I. Fivaz-Stanton Numbers Cross-Reference Chart 395 About the Authors and Editors 415 CONECA Membership Application 424