Penny Whimsy is the essential reference for people interested in collecting early U.S. cents. Sheldon writes in a very entertaining and informative manner, even if his subject is very detailed. Please contact me if you want any more details on Penny Whimsy. This is NOT a price guide -- it is much better. Not an investment book! Just a book for real collectors!

the copper cent output of the early philadelphia mint was severely hampered by dies of poor quality materials, a new die could break after just a few pieces were struck,the dies were repaired using parts from other dies, thus striking a new coin that differed slightly from the original piece,the original,in fact became a rare coin as only a few pieces were struck, even though it was possibly a common date! Dr Sheldon in his book Penny Whimsy,spent a lifetime cataloging each coin struck,and assigning a rarity number. An ideal research book for the large cent collector,you may have a rarity and not be aware of it!