Okay, so I feel dumb if it is... but here's the eBay message I got tonight: "As a specialist in bust coins, you KNOW that die cracks are not classified as mint errors. Why confuse people?" So I Googled it and 2 of the top results were as follows, saying that die cracks are indeed mint errors: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mint-made_errors http://coinauctionshelp.com/diecracksminterror.html#.UowP4cTa-5w
I would not consider a die crack an error. Error implies an event that occurs to the coin/blank while being struck, where a die crack would be IMO something that is a die issue, and would be more in the variety category. I know that you could argue that the crack occurs during striking, but it is the die that is cracking, and any coins struck with that die will exhibit a crack. My opinion based on my understanding of what I have read on the subject. Edited to add. Many Bust and Seated coins are studied by die variety, and cracks are often part of determining which die marriage was used. None of these are considered "errors" to my knowledge. On another side of the coin, die cracks are so common on Morgan Dollars, most don't warrant there own VAM designation and many aren't even mentioned when attributing.
Though they are generally viewed as a die marker and an anomaly that gives an idea about die stage, I personally consider die cracks to be a form of mint error.
From what I have read, the answer is that an error is a error with the coin or caused in the striking of the coin. While an error with the die is described as a variety or die state because it will be on all coins struck with that die.
I don't consider die cracks an error, but rather the result of thrifty coiners using a die pair way beyond their useful stage......
I agree with the others that a die crack is not an error . It's just a marker letting us know what die state the coin was made from . Still I do love a nice die crack .
IMHO. Die cracks are part of the aging process usually caused by stress that die's will experience through their normal use. Errors are not expected events, and are not planned for, with the same exact use.
Personally, I see die cracks as flaws that make a coin less desirable. And I can't see how they could be considered anything else. As for determining if die cracks make a coin a variety or an error - good luck with that ! You've got about as much chance of settling that argument as there is that the sun won't come up tomorrow.
Such a Negative Nancy. When I see die cracks, I see unique beauty, the deep and complex history of the minting process, and dollar signs.
Not that this means anything...but I have seen PCGS coins slabbed with "mint error - die crack" on the label. As for the value of die cracks in general. I agree with GD that they are a flaw on the coin and thus should decease the value. On the other hand, I think they are cool and if I can find a nice big one I add it to my collection. Since they are "flawed" and can be found for a discount frequently...even better!
Blown huh ? What would it be if you were to hear the thousands of others who think the same way say it ?
1) Die cracks are not an error; 2) I don't think they decrease the value. However, in some instances, such as a very late die state, they may clearly increase the value. [See Bearded Goddess].
Apparently I'm not the only one who has difficulty "seeing it any other way" Lol. (See your above quote) "I see die cracks as flaws that make a coin less desirable. And I can't see how they can be considered anything else."
There are some cases where die cracks do increase the value...but as a general rule they are considered a flaw. However, there are exceptions to that rule. I know with many Capped Bust coins die cracks sometimes serve as die markers for rare varieties...so in those cases the value would be increased. Another example that comes to mind (and a coin I really want in my collection) is the 1861-O Seated Liberty Half Dollar WB-102. On this coin, there is a distinctive obverse die crack. This is significant because the same obverse die (with that crack) was used to strike the 1861 Confederate Half Dollars. So, that die crack indicates a specific die pairing and raises the value.
No, you're definitely not the only one. Some folks think they are cool and that they add to the attraction of the coin. But a crack in a die is a flaw in that die, just like a die chip, a die break, a die gouge, die polishing lines, die scratches, and die wear - are all flaws in the die. And that cannot be argued. But if some people happen to like coins struck with flawed dies, more power to 'em. For what people like is a matter of taste, like I said, chocolate and vanilla. There is no right or wrong when it comes to taste.
