About
CONECA, which stands for Combined Organizations of Numismatic Error Collectors of America, is the largest and most established coin specialty club in the United States, devoted exclusively to the study and collection of error coins and variety coins. Founded over fifty years ago, CONECA has built an unparalleled repository of knowledge covering dozens of error and variety types — including doubled dies (DDO/DDR), repunched mint marks (RPM), die clashes, broadstrikes, brockage errors, lamination errors, planchet defects, and many more. CONECA provides members and the public with a rich library of educational articles, an error/variety index, attribution and examination services, and regular publications through its flagship journal, Errorscope. The organization actively participates in major coin shows across the USA, where expert members offer free coin examination services — helping collectors identify and authenticate potentially valuable errors at no cost. The club maintains a formal attribution methodology, master variety lists, grievance procedures, and awards programs including the Hall of Fame and the Dr. Lyndon King Award. A dedicated Young Numismatists program encourages the next generation of collectors. CONECA is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit, making donations tax-deductible. Membership unlocks full access to Errorscope online, back-issue archives, and exclusive member resources. Whether you are a novice collector curious about a strange coin or a seasoned numismatist seeking formal attribution, CONECA is the definitive resource for the error and variety coin hobby.
Key Features
- Free Coin Examination at Shows: CONECA experts offer free examination and identification of error and variety coins at educational tables at major coin shows across the USA.
- Errorscope Publication: Members receive access to Errorscope, CONECA's regularly published journal covering the latest discoveries, articles, and news in the error and variety coin hobby.
- Attribution & Examination Services: Formal attribution services with a master variety list, established methodology, and an error/variety index for identifying and cataloging coins.
- Extensive Educational Article Library: A curated library of articles covering dozens of error and variety types — from broadstrikes and brockages to lamination errors, die clashes, planchet defects, and more.
- Community, Awards & Young Numismatists: A welcoming collector community featuring awards programs, a Hall of Fame, and a Young Numismatists program to nurture the next generation of error coin enthusiasts.
Use Cases
- Identifying and attributing error coins such as doubled dies, repunched mint marks, die clashes, and planchet defects
- Learning about mint errors and coin varieties through CONECA's extensive article library and Errorscope publication
- Getting free expert examination of potentially valuable error or variety coins at major coin shows nationwide
- Connecting with a community of fellow error coin and variety coin collectors, mentors, and specialists
- Accessing historical records, attribution services, and the master variety list for US and foreign coins
Pros
- Free Expert Coin Examination: Collectors can bring coins to CONECA's coin show tables for free, expert identification — an invaluable service unavailable through most hobby resources.
- Decades of Authoritative Knowledge: Fifty-plus years of curated articles, variety indexes, and attribution methodology make CONECA the most comprehensive reference for error and variety coins.
- Nonprofit with Accessible Membership: As a 501(c)(3) organization, CONECA keeps membership affordable and accepts tax-deductible donations, making its resources widely accessible.
Cons
- Membership Required for Full Content Access: Current Errorscope issues and the full members-only archive require a paid membership login, limiting access for non-members.
- Limited Interactive Digital Tools: The platform is primarily content and community-focused; it lacks modern interactive tools such as online coin identification apps or digital variety databases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does CONECA stand for?
CONECA stands for Combined Organizations of Numismatic Error Collectors of America. It is the largest coin specialty club in the United States, focused entirely on mint error and variety coins.
How can I get my coins examined by CONECA experts?
CONECA offers free coin examination services at educational tables at major coin shows across the USA. Members of the Board of Directors and other specialists attend these events to help collectors identify error and variety coins at no charge.
What is Errorscope?
Errorscope is CONECA's official publication, featuring articles, recent finds, news, and in-depth coverage of error and variety coins. Members can access current and back issues online through their CONECA account.
How do I join or renew my CONECA membership?
You can join or renew membership through the CONECA website. Membership provides access to the Errorscope online archive, attribution services, and the full member community.
Is CONECA a nonprofit organization?
Yes. CONECA is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charity and publicly supported organization under the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law (Federal ID #46-0343568).
