I've had a number of friends ask me what's so special about "Error" coins, and how to go about collecting them. Collecting Error Coins can be tricky, because although there are a number of problems that can be considered an "error" on a coin, there are only a select few that are really worth a good amount of money. The Types and descriptions of Errors is listed here for you: Clipped Planchet - A clipped planchet is an incomplete coin, missing 10-25% of the metal. To give you a mental image, picture a Lincoln Penny shaped like a half-moon. That would be considered a "clipped planchet error." Multiple Strike - A multiple strike is a coin with at least one additional image from being struck again off-center. So, picture a Lincoln Penny with his head on the bottom and his bust at the top with a gap in the middle. This would be considered a "multiple strike error." Blank or Planchet - A blank or planchet is a blank piece of metal intended for coinage but not struck with dies. Basically, it's just a round piece of copper, nickel, etc. There is no image on it at all, although it was meant to have been struck as a coin, it never was for whatever reason. This is a "blank or planchet error." Defective Die - A coin showing raised metal from a large die crack, or small rim break. Picture in your mind a Jefferson Nickel with a big blob of metal covering a portion of the design. This would be considered a "defective die error." Off-Center - A coin that has been struck out of collar and incorrectly centered with part of the design missing. Basically, imagine a Washington Quarter where the bottom half is blank, and the upper half shows only the date and the bust of Washington. This would be considered an "off-center error." Broadstrike - A coin that was struck outside the retaining collar. Picture a Jefferson Nickel with a super-thick, wide, warped rim. That would be evidence of a "broadstrike error." As you'll find out, there are many, MANY different kinds of errors to be found. These are just a few to get you started on your way. So, check your pocket change! You never know what you might run across... *** OOh! There's a quarter with a defective die error in my laundry money! (^_^) *** EDITED---Please no self-promotion
"ERRORS" and Variety coins are often confused. The 1955 Double Die is a variety, as is the 1942/1 Mercury Dime, and the 1878 7/8 TF Morgan Dollar. Dozens, even hundreds of other overdates, overmintmarks (1900 O/CC Morgan etc) and double dies come to mind Are these truly "ERRORS" in sense of an off-center coin, or a double (or more) struck coin, or a broadstruck (out of collar) coin? The distinction has blurred, and not just recently. If you are interested in either or both "errors" or "varieties", I suggest you join CONECA or at least look them up online.
