Several categories of errors can occur during the coin minting process, resulting in variations that are prized by collectors.
These errors occur during the preparation of the blank metal discs (planchets) on which coins are struck.
- Blank Planchet: A disc that was punched but never struck by the dies.
- Clipped Planchet: A curved or straight piece of the coin is missing, usually from the edge, due to an uneven feeding of the metal strip into the blanking machine.
- Wrong Planchet: The coin is struck on a planchet intended for a different denomination or metal composition, [according to Coin ID Scanner] . For example, a penny struck on a dime planchet would be smaller than a normal penny and have a reeded edge.
These relate to problems with the hardened metal dies used to impress the design onto the planchet.
- Doubled Die: The design appears doubled or even tripled due to misaligned strikes from the hub that creates the die.
- Die Clash: Designs from one side of the coin are faintly transferred to the other side because the dies struck each other without a planchet in between.
- Die Crack: A raised line appears on the coin as a result of a crack in the die.
- Cud: A raised blob of metal, resulting from a die break at the rim, [according to Coin ID Scanner].
These occur during the actual striking of the planchet by the dies.
- Off-Center Strike: The design is not centered on the planchet, resulting in part of the design being missing.
- Broadstrike: The coin is struck without the retaining collar, causing the metal to spread out, resulting in a larger and flatter coin with an uneven edge.
- Missing Edge Lettering: Certain coins, like the Presidential Dollars, are designed to have inscriptions on their edges, but some were released without them, [according to The Spruce Crafts].
- The Mint Error News Magazine provides valuable information and photos of error coins.
- [Coin ID Scanner] offers lists and examples of error coins, including penny errors.
- Websites like [CoinNews] and [Gainesville Coins] provide descriptions and sometimes photos of error coins.
Note: Always exercise caution when dealing with error coins, especially if you suspect you’ve found a valuable one. It is essential to be able to distinguish between actual mint errors and post-mint damage. You may want to consult with reputable coin dealers or grading services like Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) to authenticate and assess the value of your error coins.
Is there a list of coin errors?
Labels used to identify specific categories of errors may describe the cause of the error ( die crack, rotated die, clipped planchet ), the appearance of the coin (wavy steps, trails, missing element) or other factors (mule, cud, brockage).
What coin is worth $40,000?
PCGS values a 1966 Jefferson Nickel in MS66 FS as worth $40,000 and the reason is the grade (MS66) and the striking designation “Full Steps” or “FS”. The 1966 nickel is extremely rare when the steps are fully struck and in the grade MS66 it’s a registry quality coin.