I am not an error coins collector and I got this 3 cent quite some time ago, as an attempt to build a type set of US coins. Got it for a really low price, inspected closely when received (but without a magnifying glass), didn't find anything wring and put it into an album. Recently I got a new addition and had to shift a few coins to make room. This is when I noticed some lines on the fields that should not be there. Here are the photos, click to enlarge: One set of images is as is, another set is showing the extra lines. Blue color circles die cracks, not sure if its related. Red color is going over the lines of some kind of raised metal that look like it might be a mint error. Obverse - the issue between the "66" above the last "6" in "1866" almost looks like a large, ~10% rotated to the right "7". There is a strongly visible raised chip on Liberty head, right under "f" in "of". I feel like something is going on in front of Liberty face, right under "unites states", but its really weak, can't capture or explain. Might just be circulation marks. Reverse - The pillars of "III" are intact, the issues are going under them. Looking at my red lines, it kind of portraits silhouette of Liberty head? The raised metal inside the wreath loop under middle "I" in "III" is clearly visible. Letters, Liberty head and the III show no issues of raised metal or anything else. I am not sure if its normal for this type/year or there is a mint error, or just PMD. Any help would be appreciated.
Right, die clash was what I thinking but forgot the exact term. Would it change the value in any way?
The Thrime was noted for die clashes and cracks as this coin is so small and the strike so hard it caused the clashes. And if you picked that 3 cent up cheap you got a nice above average coin for your money I say its a all day EF for sure. Nice coin I say a $35 to $45 value.
Just dug an old eBay email, it appears that the seller mention "clash" in item title but I didn't really pay attention... It was $11.50 including international shipping. Thanks a lot for the info, Paddy.
