General attribution can be done for all U.S. series for any type of die variety. This includes Overdates, Misplaced Dates, Repunched Dates, Doubled Dies, Repunched Mintmarks, Over Mintmarks, Off Denomination Clashes, and Off Center Clashes. The objective of general attribution is to determine what type of die variety a coin is.

Attribution to a specific reference system is when the die variety on a coin is identified through a specific reference system. This can be done using books the author has written or using other published reference systems which have photographs, descriptions or diagnostics which can be used to identify a die variety. Collectors should be able to use the same published material as the author to identify the proper reference number.

Attribution to a new die variety not currently listed in Flynn's reference systems. The author has written approximately 30 books on coins. Most of these books contain reference systems which were created and attributed by the author. For some series, such as Lincoln Cents, the author uses doubled die and RPM reference numbers generated and controlled by John Wexler as John has a more extensive listing of the varieties for that series.

The following types of varieties have a specific reference system used by Flynn in which new reference numbers can be generated: Overdates, Over Mintmarks, Misplaced Dates, Off-Denomination Clashes, Off-Center Clashes.

The following series have a specific reference system used by Flynn in which new reference numbers can be generated for all die varieties within these series:

1. Indian Cent
2. Two Cent
3. Three cent Silver - This book will be done in 2010
4. Three Cent Nickel
5. Liberty Seated Half Dimes, Dimes, Twenty Cent, Quarter, Half Dollar, Dollar. (Flynn will be covering the Liberty Seated series in 2010)
6. Liberty Head Nickels
7. Barber Dimes, Quarters, Half Dollars.
8. Buffalo Nickels
9. Mercury Dimes
10. Liberty Walking Half Dollars
11. Franklin Half Dollars
12. Commemorative Coins

RPMs are also attributed specifically with reference numbers in the following series:

1. Standing Liberty Quarter
2. Roosevelt Dime
3. Washington Quarter
4. Kennedy Half Dollar
5. Gold Coinage

If the die variety is listed in Flynn's reference systems, the reference number will be returned with the coin. If the die variety is not listed in Flynn's reference system, a new reference number will be generated and returned with the coin. Identifying photographs will be taken of the variety. These photographs may be used in future reference books and or articles.

The author's primary objective is to provide books which contain all die varieties for a series. This will allow collectors to attribute die varieties in a series themselves. The priority is to attribute die varieties for series in which the author is writing books. For books which have already been written, new editions are sometimes done when enough information or die varieties are found, and if the previous edition is sold out.

The author's goal is to examine, identify, photograph if necessary, and return coins as soon as possible. There are many factors which may extend this time, for example a high number of coins submitted by different individuals, a book going to print, family and work. This may cause the time to be extended.

The author has taken over 30,000 macro photographs of coins. His speciality is close-up photographs. Photographs are taken using film cameras through a microscope. Photographs can be taken using Black and White or Color film. Photographs are $1.50 per photo. A minimum of 6 photos is required. Please specify exactly what you wish to be photographed, for example, for doubling on an Indian cent, you may specify:

1. LIB of LIBERTY
2. AMERICA
3. second star from the bottom on the right

It takes approxmiately a week to have the film developed which adds extra time to return the coins and pictures together.

Full coin photography is normally not done.

For attribution of United States die varieties, the following guidelines must be followed.

1. The fee for attributions is $4 per coin.
2. The fee for photographs is $1.50 per photo. A minimum of 6 photographs is required.
3. For attribution of a die variety, specify if you are seeking general attribution or specific attrbution to a reference system or book.
4. For photographs, state specifically what you wish photographed. State whether you wish the photos in Black and White or Color
5. Return postage and insurance must be included with any coins sent.
6. Send no more than 10 coins per shipment. Send no more than 1 shipment at a time.
7. Make sure your coins are properly insured. The safest way to accomplish this is through Registered Mail with insurance. This insures that the package is signed for and if the coins are lost through the mail, you will be able to collect on the value of the insurance.
8. Package your coins carefully. Coins which are loose can move around and possibly be damaged within the package.