A broadstruck coin is a type of mint error where a coin is struck outside the retaining collar during the minting process. The collar is a crucial component that establishes the final diameter of the coin and, in some cases, also impresses the edge engravings.
Here’s a breakdown of what makes a broadstruck coin unique:
- Struck outside the collar: The planchet (the blank metal disc used to make a coin) is not properly constrained by the collar during striking.
- Enlarged diameter: Without the collar, the metal is allowed to spread out under the pressure of the dies, resulting in a coin that is broader than it should be.
- Missing or distorted edge features: The edge of a broadstruck coin typically lacks the standard edge features (like reeding or inscriptions) because the collar wasn’t in place to create them.
- Complete design: To be considered a true broadstrike, the full design elements (like the rim and denticles) must be present on both sides, even if stretched or distorted.
- Can be centered or uncentered: Broadstruck coins can be perfectly centered (simply called “broadstrikes”) or imperfectly centered (called “uncentered broadstrikes”) depending on the planchet’s position when struck. If the design is significantly cut off, it’s considered an “off-center strike,” which is a related but distinct error.
The value of broadstruck coins depends on several factors, including:
- Intensity of the error: A more pronounced broadstrike, where the diameter is significantly larger and the edge is clearly affected, is generally more valuable.
- Type of coin: Broadstrikes on rarer or older coins tend to be more valuable.
- Condition of the coin: Uncirculated or higher-grade broadstruck coins are more sought after by collectors.
Broadstruck errors are considered desirable by collectors and can fetch a good premium over face value, with some examples selling for thousands of dollars depending on the factors mentioned above.
Examples of recent sales and values mentioned:
- A 1914-D Barber Dime graded NGC MS63 Broadstruck was listed on eBay for $599.90.
- A 1999 P Washington Quarter with a broadstrike error, graded MS 62 and certified by NGC, was listed on eBay for $92.99.
- A 2000-P New Hampshire Quarter , broadstruck and graded NGC MS66, was listed for $2500 on eBay.
What does a Broadstrike penny look like?
A broadstrike will expand beyond the diameter of a normal coin, sometimes drastically so. A perfectly centered coin that is struck out-of-collar is simply called a “broadstrike”. An imperfectly centered coin that is struck out-of-collar is called an “uncentered broadstrike”.