Laura Bennett
Bio
Numismatist and data science expert passionate about uncovering the stories behind historical coins through analytics. Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology and a Master’s in Data Science from Harvard University. https://coin-identifier.com/
Stories (14)
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What Your Pocket Change Could Hide: A Guide to Identifying Modern Error Coins (1990-s-Present). AI-Generated.
For over eight years as a Senior Numismatic Analyst, I've observed a quiet revolution in the error coin hobby. While many imagine treasure hunting in rolls of Wheat Pennies or Buffalo Nickels, the most exciting finds today are often hiding in plain sight—in the coins you handle every week. The modern U.S. Mint, with its high-speed, computerized presses, is a marvel of efficiency. Yet, this precision creates its own unique flaws. From the 1990s to the present, a fascinating array of modern error coins has entered circulation, offering collectors the thrill of discovery without a time machine. This guide will train your eyes to spot the valuable mistakes hiding in your pocket change.
By Laura Bennettabout 15 hours ago in 01
Morgan Silver Dollars: A Beginner's Guide to Identifying Key Dates and Mint Marks. AI-Generated.
For over eight years as a Senior Numismatic Analyst, I've seen the glint in a new collector's eye when they hold their first Morgan Silver Dollar. It's a powerful feeling—the weight of 90% pure silver, the history in Lady Liberty's profile, the sheer size of America's most iconic coin. Yet, with hundreds of millions minted across 27 years and five mints, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. A common 1921 Morgan might be worth $50, while a pristine 1895 Proof commands over $100,000. The difference lies in the tiny details of dates and mint marks. This guide will give you the foundational map to navigate this classic series, turning confusion into confident identification.
By Laura Bennett4 days ago in Education
The 1943 Copper Cent vs. The 1944 Steel Penny: How to Spot the Legendary Mistakes. AI-Generated.
For over eight years as a Senior Numismatic Analyst, few questions ignite the passion of a collector like the legends of the 1943 Copper Cent and the 1944 Steel Penny. These coins represent the most famous mint errors in American history, born from the unprecedented material shifts of World War II. I've examined countless coins brought to me with hope, only to find they were clever counterfeits. The truth is, genuine examples of these errors are extraordinarily rare, but knowing exactly what to look for is the first step from fantasy to fact. This guide will cut through the myths and give you the concrete, professional methods to understand and identify these numismatic legends.
By Laura Bennett6 days ago in Education
Beyond the Date: How to Use Online Tools to Identify Rare Coin Varieties and Errors. AI-Generated.
For over eight years as a Senior Numismatic Analyst, I've watched a quiet revolution transform coin collecting. The classic image of a numismatist hunched over dusty catalogs is fading, replaced by the glow of a smartphone screen. Today, identifying a coin's year and mint mark is just the starting point. The real treasure hunt lies in uncovering rare die varieties and mint errors that can transform a common coin into a collector's prize. Fortunately, we have an unprecedented arsenal of online tools at our fingertips. This guide will show you how to move beyond basic identification and systematically use these digital resources to become a more knowledgeable and successful collector. The Digital First Look: AI-Powered Identification Apps.
By Laura Bennett7 days ago in Humans
How to Identify Rare 2021 American Silver Eagles: A Collector's Guide. AI-Generated.
What Changed Type 1: The classic design by John Mercanti features a heraldic eagle with arrows and an olive branch beneath 13 stars. Type 2: Introduced mid-year, Emily Damstra’s new reverse shows a bald eagle landing on an oak branch—symbolizing renewal and strength. Obverse update: Adolph A. Weinman’s original “Walking Liberty” design was refined, with sharper details and the artist’s initials (“AW”) added beneath In God We Trust.
By Laura Bennett12 days ago in Education
Rarely Seen: Experimental & Pattern U.S. Coins That Spark the Hobby. AI-Generated.
So, What Exactly Are These Coins? Let’s clear up the biggest confusion first. "Pattern" and "experimental" are related, but they’re not the same thing. Knowing the difference is your first step from curious collector to informed enthusiast.
By Laura Bennett13 days ago in Education
Smart Storage & Grading for U.S. Coin Collections: a Checklist. AI-Generated.
Phase 1: First Aid for Your Collection (The 24-Hour Triage) Before buying any special supplies, you need to perform some emergency triage. Think of this as stopping the bleeding. The goal here is to prevent any active damage right now.
By Laura Bennett14 days ago in Education
Half Dollars That Defied Time: Kennedy, Franklin & Walking Liberty. AI-Generated.
If you’ve found yourself holding an old half dollar, you’ve probably wondered: is this just pocket change, or could it be something more? I’ve had that same conversation with countless collectors in my eight years as a numismatist. The answer often hinges on three legendary names: Walking Liberty, Franklin, and Kennedy. More than just silver, these coins are tangible pieces of 20th-century America. This guide will help you understand their stories, values, and which one might be the perfect fit for your goals, whether you're building a collection or an investment.
By Laura Bennett19 days ago in Education
Avoiding Common Counterfeit U.S. Coins: Expert Tips from Laura Bennett. AI-Generated.
Expert Guide to Spotting Fake U.S. Coins I’ve handled tens of thousands of coins in my career, and that moment of doubt—the gut feeling something isn’t right—is something every collector experiences. That feeling isn't a weakness; it's your best line of defense. This guide is your toolkit to turn that doubt into decisive action. I’ll share the same systematic approach I use to separate the real treasures from the clever fakes, so you can build your collection with confidence.
By Laura Bennett21 days ago in Education
The 1793 Chain Cent: America's First Large-Scale Copper Coin. AI-Generated.
Holding a 1793 Chain Cent is like holding the first argument of a new nation. More than just America’s first mass-produced penny, this coin is a piece of history that sparked public debate, fueled by a design many found utterly wrong. Its story—from a chaotic mint to a collector's dream—explains why it remains one of the most coveted pieces in all of American numismatics. This guide will walk you through its turbulent birth, teach you to spot the tiny detail that can mean a fortune, and explain what truly makes it valuable.
By Laura Bennett21 days ago in Education
Top 5 Key Date Quartersin the State Quarters Series (1999-2008). AI-Generated.
We all have that jar, drawer, or old album filled with State Quarters. Between 1999 and 2008, it felt like a national hobby to check your change for the next state. Most of those coins are, frankly, worth exactly 25 cents. But a handful are hidden treasures, worth serious money to collectors.
By Laura Bennettabout a month ago in Education
Collecting the 1979 & 1980 Susan B. Anthony Dollar: What You Need to Know. AI-Generated.
You know that small, kinda-chunky dollar coin that looks like a quarter on a growth spurt? The one with Susan B. Anthony on it from 1979 or 1980? If you've ever found one in an old drawer or jar, you've probably had the same thought: "Is this thing worth anything, or is it just a dollar?"
By Laura Bennettabout a month ago in Education
