What makes a valuble error??

I see some coin errors that the only way you can see them is at a molecular level and worth something,then you have what I call the IBERTY penny and the I.IBERTY that are VISABLE TO the eye and are worth face value,if rarity determines value I think the more rare coin would be the one with a VISABLE error that makes it passed inspection and if it's visual appeal I think a penny with the L in LIBERTY missing is far more appealing to the eye than a quarter WERE Washington has a double die nose hair..

 

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SIZE, type of error and rarity of occurrence, and the coin type/denomination it's on. Funny thing happens too. A key or rare coin with an error is worth less than without the error!

 

the cents you are talking about with the missing "L" are created either from die deterioration, which is not an error, or a grease filled die which is considered an error but is so very common thats its not desirable by most collectors, therefore of no value, errors that you refer to as "at a molecular level", are most times harder to find, therefore somewhat rarer so more desirable, therefore more value...

 

What about something like this the "WE" the first "T" the "L" in Liberty is almost sideways the year and on the reverse the "E" in one has that little spoiler on it and the "T" in cent has a branch growing from the bottom right side.

 

Nobody can tell you what an error is worth except for the person buying it.

Chris

 

the "WE" the first "T" the "L" in Liberty most likely took a hit at some point in the past, copper is soft and moves easily, the "E" looks like it could be a die chip, another very common error...

 

"What makes a valuable error?" you ask. Supply and demand. A short supply of the error coin and everybody wants one.

 

A good example (IMHO...) is the 1937 D 3 legged Buffalo.

 

And (again, MHO) one of the most common, overpriced example is the '55 DDO cent...story is they used to be found as change from purchasing cigs for 25 cents (smokes were then selling for ~23 cents per pack)

 

The backstory on the 55 double die is known.

The mint failed in it's QA role and allowed a die with clear doubling to be used for coinage. This was in a period where there was a huge demand for change and so a decision was made to release the coins (around 22,000) with the known defect. It was 'discovered' publically soon after the release, so people could hunt for it in pocket change.

This created a demand that has lasted even though the coin itself is not truly all that rare.

 

The '55 DDO calls to mind another good example.

In 1955, as in other years, the Mint used dies until they were used up. Late in their life, they deteriorated to the point where features around the edge of the coin's face trailed or smeared out. Since the '55 DDO became so popular (and expensive), some enterprising soul(s) hit on the idea of marketing plain old die-deteriorated 1955 cents as "Poor Man's Double [sic] Die". In any other year, coins struck with deteriorated dies aren't any more desirable, and often are less desirable -- but the "Poor Man's DD" has been offered (and, apparently, sold) at a premium for decades. People are still getting multiple dollars for them on eBay. (Which reminds me -- I got ten or twenty of them out of a roll of "unsearched" Wheats thrown into an eBay lot, and I really ought to list them.)

It's a little bit about supply, but a lot about demand, and demand isn't always rational.

 

If you can find them every day you are searching. why would I pay good money for one when I could just get a couple rolls and find one or 10 for my self. I could search rolls till I went blind and never find a 1955 ddo 1
So if I want One I will have to over pay to get one. hope this helps.

 

But there is clearly no comparison between the actual doubling of the two...one is a true doubled die and the other (FS-101) is from a worn out die...correct?

 

I found a quarter 1972 with half the date and on the back quarter dollar half missing but that odd part is it looks like all coper and the edge is rounded no notche's like the normal quarter

 

The correct term is Doubled Die.. Not Double
Quote - "Note that the proper terminology for this occurrence includes the letter 'd' at the end of the first word, hence "doubled die". The term "double die" without the first word ending in 'd' is not proper numismatic terminology." closed quote
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doubled_die

 

Nailed it.

 

IMHO
There are 3 different occurrences that happen
#1 - Major errors - Double Strikes, Clips, Broadstrikes, Partial Collars, Missing Clad layers, Off Metal, Transitional wrong metal, Struck through errors.. These have high value

#2 - Minor errors - Die Chips, Grease filled Die, clashes.. These have low value

#3 - Varieties - Doubled Dies, Repunched mint marks, Overdates, 3 legged buffalo, CAM's and WAM's... these vary in value.

 

@Forgedbyfailure®
You need to understand the differences in errors to know the values. It takes time. Look at my last post. I took me years (30 years) to understand the differences in errors, varieties and values. educate yourself first in the common occurrence errors and the rare errors.
Start with this website I want to share with you - http://www.error-ref.com/

You can't really go by what ebay sellers price their error coins because a lot of times they put ridiculous prices. For example.. I collect Small Collar Die Breaks that are found on 2002 P Kennedy Halves. They should cost no more than $20.00 - $25.00.
I have seen some with an asking price of $500.00.. That's ludicrous!

 

So the 1972 could be real ,and worth something because the forum site is helpful because it looks like one of the comments made that it was stuck with the clad let's missing. Wierd looking

 

You should start your own unique thread with pictures. That way we can try to help you better.

Oh and welcome to CoinTalk