About J.T. Stanton
J.T. Stanton was a respected American numismatist, author, educator, and variety specialist, best known for co-authoring The Cherrypickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties of United States Coins with Bill Fivaz.
First published in 1990, the guide became one of the most influential references in modern U.S. coin collecting. It helped popularize the practice of “cherrypicking” — carefully examining ordinary-looking coins for rare die varieties, doubled dies, repunched mintmarks, and other valuable diagnostics that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Stanton’s work helped make variety collecting more accessible to everyday collectors. Rather than limiting advanced numismatic knowledge to specialists, he and Fivaz presented clear descriptions, photographs, and practical identification points that collectors could use in coin shops, at shows, or while searching through their own collections.
Beyond his authorship, Stanton was known as a dedicated educator and mentor within the numismatic community. Through articles, lectures, and personal guidance, he encouraged collectors to look more closely at U.S. coinage and appreciate the subtle details created during the minting process.
Although J.T. Stanton passed away in 2018, his influence continues through the collectors, dealers, and variety hunters who still rely on the Cherrypickers’ Guide. His legacy remains closely tied to the growth of modern die-variety collecting in the United States.