I picked it up for $20.00. Thought it looked like a super nice coin. Lincoln Memorial in back on obverse. Mint error is beyond me though. Rare? http://picasaweb.google.com/rh28732/RecentlyUpdated#5418495852843993330 http://picasaweb.google.com/rh28732/RecentlyUpdated#5418495955509268642 Thanks....
hrm. Not sure there. The memorial on the obverse looks like it is a shadow more than an impression. Does it look the same in hand?
It's called a die clash. It happens when the dies come together with no planchet between them. IMO, you way over-paid for $20 as these are pretty common.
It is a case of die clash, probably enhanced by surface film transfer between the reverse die and the obverse die. You overpaid, though. Such an error is probably worth no more than ten dollars.
Mike: $10? For a clashed ide? Really, I would have though a dollar or two, max. Or were you being kind?
Looks like a minor error - struck by clashed die Hello RH287, I recommend http://www.jimscoins.com/ for error coin books and really cool error coins. I further recommend "The Error Coin Encyclopedia" by Margolis & Weinberg. I bought my first copy of the book from Len Rosemallen (It used to be called Len's Coins before it was named Jim's Coins in Madison WI. Very best regards, collect89