Error Coins

Mint errors are a highly specialized segment of the numismatic hobby, and attract an enthusiastic audience. Any coin struck abnormally is classified as an error. Most often seen mint errors are: "Off-Center" coins, where the die missed part of the planchet, usually with a tab distorting the shape; "Broadstruck" coins, where the collar was not firmly fit, resulting in an enlarged planchet and distorted detail; "Struck-Thru," where a foreign object, grease, or some other obstruction, impairs the surface of the coins, often distorting the quality of strike. As with any form of machinery, mistakes do happen, and some are quite spectacular. Efforts by the mints to catch errors are not always successful. Generally speaking, the higher the denomination, the scarcer and more costly are errors that escape detection. Statehood quarter mint errors are especially popular with collectors.
Reference books include: THE ERROR COIN ENCYCLOPEDIA by Fred Weinberg and Arnold Margolis; A GUIDE BOOK OF UNITED STATES COINS by R.S. Yeoman.

Rare Dates: 1955 Doubled Die Cent, 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel. Many dramatic mint errors are known for all modern series.

Famous Issues: 1955 Doubled Die Cent, 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel. Many dramatic mint errors are known for all modern series.

A Highlight Error Coins from our Auctions

1943-S AU 55 BN On 10c Planchet Off-Center Type 1 Planchet NGC

Auction 3431   from Monday, May 20, 2013 3:00pm to Sunday, May 26, 2013 10:00pm ET
Error Coins This is the Only Page
Lot	Image	Description			Track
2929		1911 AU 50 Au Details Corroded Major Curved Clip ANACS 5C
2930		1918 VG 8 Double Die Rev PCGS 5c FS-016.45
2931		1920 AU 53 Die Break Rev NGC 5c BNC-20-6RC
2932		1923 MS 64 Cracked Planchet NGC $1
2933		1923 MS 64 Lamination Obv PCGS $1
2934		1924 Genuine Lamination Rev PCGS $1
2935		1979-P MS 63 ANACS SBA $1 On 25C Planchet
2936		1980-P MS 63 RB ICG 5C On 1C Planchet
2937		2007 MS 64 Missing Edge Lettering NGC Presidential Dollar, Washington
2938		2007 MS 66 Missing Edge Lettering NGC Presidential Dollar, Washington
2939		2007 MS 64 Missing Edge Lettering PCGS Presidential Dollar, John Adams
2940		ND MS 60 ANACS Eisenhower Type 1 Blank
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