do die cracks add alot of value to a coin, or would it stay about the same. can it be considered a error coin? rich
It all depends on who wants to buy the coin. To some collectors die cracks are not a good thing. They consider them as damage almost and think they detract from the value of the coin. And they would never buy a coin with a die crack. To others, die cracks are a good thing and they find them appealing. They think they add to the uniqueness of the coin and make it special in some way. To some, the more die cracks the better and they will often pay a substantial premium for these coins. The variety for many coins is often determined by die cracks in certain locations. Some coins are even authenticated because they have a certain die crack. So most collectors think of the coins with die cracks as a variety. But yes, a die crack in and of itself is an error. They exist because the die failed and they are not found on the coins struck with this die before it failed.
Funny you should mention about die cracks. I just got done looking through some of my coins looking for die cracks and others errors such as doubled digits and such. I have found that more often than not people specializing in that type of coin will pay a little more for that unique or special die crack variety. This may enhance a variety to the coin that may prove to be quite rare.
i think out of all my coins i may have one error or anything unique. i have some kinda build up on a lincoln penny i have, and i think thats about it, i go thru my redbook trying to look to see if i can any , but nothing.
It really depends on the coin. As a general rule, older coins are more valuable if they have die cracks, where newer coins this is often looked at as a problem. For instance, take note of the radial die cracks on the reverse of this 1829 large cent: This coins is worth about 3x what a normal large cent of this date is because of the die crack. Similarly, take a look at these two detail shots of the reverse of a 1921-D Morgan dollar: These two details, one a die crack, and another a raised dot, identify this coin as a VAM-3A, which goes for between 2x and 3x as much as a normal 1921-D Morgan without the cracks. Generally the value of a coin with a die crack is related to how much demand there is for such a coin. You will find series that are collected by variety rather than just by date (Morgan Dollars and Large Cents being two prime examples, but there are lots more) will lead to higher premiums paid for die breaks. Hope this helps...Mike
My avatar coin has the most dramatic die crack I have ever seen on a Japanese modern coin. I paid right around catalog value for it, and would expect to get about the same if I sold it. So far as I have been able to determine, paying premium prices for mint errors is a uniquely American pastime.
I love the seated coin series when it comes to die cracks. You will find those coins with die breaks around letters, through the field of the coin, even the occasional shattered die which distorts the whole side of the coin making it look extremely cool (My personal favorite).
As previously stated it depends on what coin the die crack is on, where the die crack is and who is looking for them! Some command a premium and others don't. Heres a 1996 Jefferson I picked up at the Baltimore Coin show last month picking through a dealers "Junk Box". Paid $.25 for it and figured I might be able to sell it on ebay for a few $ I haven't decided if I want to sell it or not? I call it the William 'JEFFERSON' Clinton nickel.
