When looking for Martin Van Buren coin errors, the 2008 Presidential Dollar is the primary focus. Here are some of the known errors associated with this coin:
- Missing Edge Lettering: This is one of the most well-known errors on the Presidential Dollar series, including the Martin Van Buren dollar. It occurs when the coin doesn’t go through the second step of the minting process, which applies the date, mint mark, and “E Pluribus Unum” to the edge. These are sometimes referred to as “Smooth Edge Dollars” or “godless” coins. Early Presidential Dollars, especially the George Washington and John Adams issues, had a higher rate of this error, though it occurred on the Van Buren coins as well.
- Weak Edge Lettering: Some 2008 P Martin Van Buren Presidential Dollar coins exhibit weak or incomplete edge lettering.
- Doubled Edge Lettering: Another early error discovered on Presidential Dollars, including the Van Buren coins, was the “Doubled Edge Lettering” error. This can be further categorized into:
– Overlapped Errors: Doubled edge lettering running in the same direction.
– Inverted Errors: Doubled edge lettering running in opposite directions and upside down.
- Die Chip Errors: These are small pieces of the die breaking off during the striking process, leaving raised bumps or indentations on the coin.
- Misaligned & Weak Rim Strikes: Some 2008-P Martin Van Buren Presidential Dollar coins have misaligned and/or weak rim strikes.
- Doubled Die Edge Letters: [One eBay listing] mentions a “2008 D Martin Van Buren No Stars!!! Doubled die edged letters Error Dollar Coin”.
Note: The US Mint tightened quality control after the initial Presidential Dollar errors, so later coins, including the Van Buren, should have a lower incidence of errors compared to the earliest releases like the Washington or Adams dollars.
- Inspect the coin carefully: Look for misaligned strikes, doubled dies, missing elements, and any other anomalies in the design.
- Pay attention to the edge: For Presidential Dollars, the edge lettering is key. Look for missing or doubled lettering, or lettering that is weak or misaligned.
- Use magnification: A jeweler’s loupe or a USB microscope can help you spot small details and errors that might be invisible to the naked eye.
- Be cautious: There are counterfeit error coins in circulation, so it’s important to be able to distinguish genuine errors from coins that have been altered to resemble errors.
Are there any errors on Presidential coins?
Design was supposed to be on this planchet. It was going to be a nickel. But at the mint. They mistakenly struck a $1 coin design onto a nickel planchet. And that’s why the coin sold for over $5,000.
What is the rarest error on a coin?
1937 Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel: $100,000. …
1955 DDO Lincoln Penny: $125,000-plus. …
1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime: $450,000. …
1943 Copper Lincoln Penny: $1 million-plus.
Which president’s dollar coin is worth money?
The most expensive Presidential Dollar coin is the 2009 SMS William Henry Harrison with missing edge lettering, graded 69/70, which can sell for up to $2,450. The least expensive among the top valuable coins is the 2007 SMS Jefferson dollar with missing edge lettering, graded 67, valued at $600.