This coin is dirty but in great condition. I'm assuming this is what they call a clipped planchet. Seeing clipped coins selling on eBay for a few bucks here and there. So wanting clarification if you believe this is a clip. Also if of little value should I clean this coin just for my own personal collection or leave as is. Thanks
Sorry, that's not a clipped planchet. (It's had a 'bite' taken out of it - but that happened well after the coin was already in circulation.
I agree.. Damaged copper plated zinc cent. Not a Mint Error. If you understood what a true clipped planchet is then you will know the difference. They are not really clipped but Incomplete. When the planchet is punched out of the sheet of metal it is round. If the punch is to close to a previously punched hole then it will overlap that spot and the new planchet will not be completely round but missing that area. Yours is not an Incomplete planchet because it would have to be the exact same curve as the previous planchet that was cut out. Try fitting another Cent into your damaged area. Won't fit.
Hey, welcome to CoinTalk from another 75-year-old!!! A clipped planchet (like @paddyman98 said) comes about when they punch out the blanks for striking the coins, and the punched area overlaps where another blank has been punched out (curved clip) or the edge of the metal strip (straight clip). The clip should be the same curvature as a coin, you should be able to lay another cent in the clipped portion and it should fit. Yours obviously won't fit at all. Another way to (usually) tell a real clip is when the blank goes through the machine that puts a rim on the coin, the clipped area causes a weakness in the rim 180 degrees away from the clip. This is known as the Blakesley Effect and is often seen. The absence of the effect is not proof that it isn't a clip, but if the effect is present, it is good proof that it is a legitimate clip.
Welcome to CT. Some online sites have good information and you can compare your coin with their examples and answer your own questions while learning. Here are a few: http://www.error-ref.com/part-v-planchet-errors/ https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/clipped-planchet-error-coins/ https://coinsite.com/us-error-coin-values/ Good hunting.
Here is my example. You should see a Blakesley effect opposite of the clip depending on the size of the clip. You can see the thickening of the rim by America on the reverse on this one.
All of you folks are AWESOME! Thanks for taking the time to respond so that this old man can learn quickly. Going to invest in a few Coin Guide books to further my knowledge level.
