In addition to mintage, mint marks and condition, expert hobbyists not only know the various coin designations but also study each series to see which ones increase values–some by hundreds and even thousands of dollars.
Take a moment out of roll and error hunting and learn these.
Know the Designations and Abbreviations
Here are PCGS designations and abbreviations (other holdering companies may have different abbreviations):
CENT: RED (R), RED BROWN (RB), BROWN (B)
Colors describing the brilliance or patina on cents, not only Lincoln cents but the denomination. Values for “red” brilliant uncirculated cents command the highest retail prices.
JEFFERSON NICKEL: FULL STEPS (FS)
Showing a strong strike for coins grading MS60 or higher, with at least five unbroken steps visible on the reverse Monticello building.
MERCURY DIME: FULL BANDS (FB)
Showing the middle bands of the fasces are clearly separated with no breaks, scratches or marks in coins grading at least MS60.
ROOSEVELT DIME: FULL BANDS (FB)
Showing the lower and upper bands of the torch are clearly separated with no breaks, scratches or marks in coins grading at least MS60.
STANDING LIBERTY QUARTER: FULL HEAD (FH)
Showing three leaves on the head, ear hole must be present, and hairline distinct.
FRANKLIN HALF: FULL BELL LINES (FBL)
Showing the full, uninterrupted lines on the lower ones of the bell device for coins grading at least MS60.
CAMEO/DEEP CAMEO
A glossy or matte surface on devices, appearing frosty on both sides of the coin, distinguishing them from the fields. The degree of frostiness establishes the designation. If one side is deep cameo and another side, only cameo (depicted below), them the designation is cameo, as both sides must contain the requisite frostiness.
DEEP MIRROR PROOFLIKE (DMPL)/PROOFLIKE (PL)
Mirror-like reflectivity of 4-6 inches for DMPL and 2-4 inches for PL used in coins of all denomiations, not just Morgan dollars.
Research the Series for High Values
After you have learned the various designations, then go to the PCGS Coin Values site and identify which years and designations bring the highest premiums. Here are a few samples:
CENT (R, RB, B)
JEFFERSON NICKEL (FS)
MERCURY DIME (FB)
ROOSEVELT DIME (FB)
STANDING LIBERTY QUARTER (FH)
FRANKLIN HALF (FBL)
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