Hello, everyone! Today I will be talking about different types of error coins created by the Mint and how these unusual coins are made. Mint errors are very fun and popular to collect, but there are many types of error coins, making them a challenge to collect as well. In this article, I will go over some of the most common types of error coins in order to hopefully help you understand error coins more. With so much to know, let’s dive in!

What is an Error Coin?

��To start off, let’s begin with what an error coin is. An error coin is a coin that was not made properly due to a mistake in the minting process. It is most common for this mistake to be made in the striking process, but it can also occur in the planchet-making process. It is important to note that an error coin is different from a variety. A variety occurs when a mistake is made while making a die. Because the mistake is on the die used to make many coins, this mistake can be seen on many coins of the year the variety was on. Common examples of a variety are doubled dies and re-punched mintmarks. In contrast, an error coin is created when a coin happens to be made incorrectly in the striking or planchet-making process. Therefore, every error coin is unique. Here are some common/popular examples of error coins and how they are made:

Multiple Strikes

��Multiple strike coins are very rare and popular among collectors. These coins are minted when an already struck coin is not ejected from the press correctly and ends up getting struck multiple times. How many times the coin is struck can vary, but typically the more strikes, the more value.

Strike Through

��A strike through error is created when an outside object, like a wire, brush bristle, or piece of cloth, gets between the planchet and die when the coin is struck. The result of this is an impression of the object on the coin. Extreme examples of this error can sell for a lot of money, but the majority of these errors are somewhat insignificant and can be bought for a reasonable price. Unlike most errors on this blog, this type of error may not be noticed by the average person, so they are possible to find in circulation. For example, I have recently found a 1986 - D Lincoln Cent that was struck through wire while coin roll hunting. Sometimes, these errors can look like a scratch, but the best way to tell the difference is that on a strike through error, the imprint will run through the entire design with no breaks or flaws. Also, a scratched coin will show raised metal on the edge of the scratch and a strike through error will show no extra metal.

Transitional Error

��A transitional coin error can occur when the composition of a coin is changed, but some new coins are accidentally struck in the composition that was used in previous years. As a result, the coin is struck on the wrong type of metal. These errors are extremely rare and valuable. Some popular examples include the 1943 copper cent, 1944 steel cent, 1983 copper cent, and 1965 silver quarter.�

Clipped Planchet

��Clipped planchet errors are one of the more affordable error coins, especially when they are not very extreme. These are produced in the process of cutting out coin blanks. If the blank is cut out overlapping with a hole where another coin was previously cut out, a piece of metal will be missing from the side of the coin. One easy way to help authenticate one of these errors is to look at the opposite side of where the cut-out is. There should be some weakness on the rim directly across from the clipped part of the coin. These coins are pretty common and are great starter pieces for a new error coin collection!

Conclusion

Clearly, collecting errors are a diverse, unique, and exciting way to collect coins. No matter your budget, you can always find an interesting coin for your collection. Thanks for reading and have a great day!

Sources:

Spruce facts

SD Bullion