I’m not sure what it’s called or if it’s even an error coin, but I was searching through a lot of my dads old wheat cents and for a few that you can see the outline of Lincoln on the reverse side of the coin and I’ve also ran across some in my Franklin half dollars. Is this truly a mint error coin or what is it called and info would be great appreciated.
That can be a die clash. Where two dies come together without a planchet in place. The striking of the two dies together leave an image of the opposite die that then gets transferred to the subsequent coins that enter the chamber. It's not at all uncommon on 19th century coins. I have an old gold dollar that has a spectacular die clash on the obverse. It is a legit anomaly and occurs at the mint. I am not an error guy really but I don't believe that die clashes, unless they are spectacular command much of a premium.
Could be die deterioration also, where you see a completely faint image. Are any design features on the reverse missing? Pictures? There could be a few explanations to what you are seeing. Pictures.
I have a 1979 SBA with heavy Die Clashes on both sides. I was finally able to get in touch with the guys at maddieclashes and found my coin.
Nice. I can see Susans face on the reverse side clearly.. you should start your own unique thread and show it there.
I apologize if I jumped on anyone’s thread in the wrong way. I’m just excited to have found some direct information.
Yes that’s what mine look like exactly, but I’ve never heard of the term ghosting. And some of mine where his would be the letter “F” in “of” is faded out but none of the other letters are.
They are all a little different. But, I like collecting them. @paddyman98 put me onto it. I had collected for 70 years before I had any idea. All the members here a real help.
Thank you all so much, I’m not really looking to sell any of them so not worried if they’re worth a lot of money or not I’m just going through what my dad collected before he passed, but all the ghosts I’ve seen on his has been on ‘48-D & ‘49-D one cent, but on the web page it said it mostly happens in thinner coins but a few of my ‘51 Franklin half dollars have it too. But thank you all so much for the information.
Great article @paddyman98. I was aware of this transferred ghost images and had assumed in my mind it was more the result of being in a tightly packed roll of coins for too many years.