What is the best method for separating wheat ears?

[commoncents]

Does anyone have a better method for separating wheat ear pennies from the copper ones?
I spread the pile on a desk an flip each penny that lands heads up. I'd like a faster, less labor-intensive method.

[geewhzz]

get something clear, like plexy glass where you can lift it up and look from under so you can see the backs

[Joogaler]

get something clear, like plexy glass where you can lift it up and look from under so you can see the backs

That's a great idea, I would have never thought of that.

[misteroman]

When you get more into it you will be able to spot by the color of most of them.Also just look for the 5 or 4. Even if you miss one or two a box it's better to have the time to sort more then to concentrate on pulling out coins worth an extra $.02 each

[bman]

I look at each coin individually so I never thought about this....what about spreading them all out on a mirror, could you see enough of the reverse to tell if it's a wheatie or not? You may need a thicker mirror or an extra layer of glass or plexiglass to create some space between the coin and the reflective surface.

[commoncents]

I've tried to identify wheat ears by color and failed in both directions. Obviously old ones turn out to be memorials. Some shiny new ones obviously from the 70s turn out to be wheat ears in very good condition. My eyes are not up to reading the dates without a magnifier.
I will try to devise some sort of flipping apparatus or something to allow reading the underside. Maybe someone on the forum can post photographs of their own apparatus that works.

[fb101]

My old eyes ar not up to reading dates either......
But dump the magnifier; go get the $5 reading glasses at the bookstore or pharmacy. You can look over the
top when not looking at coins.