Howdy! I have a MS63 1922 Peace Dollar with very slight die rotation. Would this be considered an error or is it within mint tolerance. What would be the minimum degree of rotation to classify it as an error? Thanks, Ben
I only am familiar with LMC's but I would think it is the same for all U,S. coins. Anything 15 degrees or less is not consdered a significant but to be of any value to a collector a die rotation of 45 degrees is the starting point. I'm not saying the mint allowes this because their tolerance may be zero. But technically 15 dergrees or 5 degrees is a rotated die. The most desirable rotations are 45*, 90* and 180*. Here is an example of a 165 degree CCW Rotated Die.
YEAH RIGHT! Also on any coin that may have rotation, it is a standard practice to use the obverse as the correct/starting side. The reverse is usually the side that has the rotated die. Granted, it is unknown which or both side/s may be rotated, a starting point is needed. And as you probably know, die rotation never goes beyond 180 degrees. It is up to you to figure out whether it is CW or CCW.
I knew the limit had to be 180*, but I guy can dream, can't he? The 45* limit to make the coin more valuable makes perfect sense to me also. Thanks again for the info and I'll keep looking for a REAL rotated die. *sigh* maybe next time! Ben This coin looks as if the rotation would be 9.85* CW. Right?
Re: rotated dies Much of this has been said, but here's my synopsis as a collector of rotated dies ... less than 15 degrees is common and within tolerance. needs to be 35 degrees for PCGS to put 'rotated dies' on the slab. most collectors only do 90 degrees or more. most collectors will go down to 45 degrees for rare coins. nickels particularly are common up to 35 degrees. Dollars or half dollars at 45 degrees are uncommon. two cent coins rotated 180 degrees are nothing short of common. A good site that tries to keep a census of rotated dies is online at www.rotateddies.com. Have any Indian cents rotated at least 90 degrees? I'd love to hear what dates you have. Here's a partial collection of my indian cents with rotated dies, http://s904.photobucket.com/albums/ac245/RobsCoins/Indian Cents with Rotated Dies/.
