I have long thought that the error collecting hobby and therefore the popularity of errors is held back because it is not possible to complete a "set of errors". I know there are some, and probably many, people that are attracted to errors because of the wide range of varieties and combinations. Personally, the collector in me wants to create a "set" of something as a goal. For instance, my main specialty is coins struck on planchet's which are less than complete. This would include clips, fragments, missing layers, feeder fingers, and other varieties which escape me at the moment. While many people prefer complex multi-mistakes, my preference has always been one coin/one error. Although I am a big fan, also, of varieties my eyes will no longer let me pursue many of these. I limit my collection, generally, to over mint marks and more obvious varieties like the 1960 small over large date coins. The fascinating array of double dies which can still be found are, at this point in my life, beyond my reach. I envy the the younger guys that can still search mountains of coins. I had some of my greatest pleasures doing something similar. I'm slowly getting to the point of this message, as I am very new to these forms and am quite interested in what specialties others may have. There are many options available and it is difficult to decide which path to take. Totally unrelated, I am posting my "picture of the week" at the end of this message. Earlier in the week I posted a picture of a corner clip and thought I would show what has become known as a "inside corner clip". More properly, it should be referred to as an assay clip. An assay clip coin shows a triangular area that was cut out so that the metal can be tested. This occurs prior to the striking of the coin.They are seldom seen, especially those that leave little doubt as to their authenticity.
I'm wondering how you can tell it was the mint assay vs. someone outside with too much time on their hands ?
Very interesting specialty, I've always highly valued the opinion of error specialists, as a strong understand of the minting process is necessary. As for my area of interest, I'm highly attracting the anything involved the first two mints in Philadelphia. So naturally, I collect Bust coinage by die marriages and die stage. But, I also endeavor to put together an extensive numismatic library, including reference books, catalogs, and contemporary documents. This is my main focus at the moment and it has been very enjoyable and rewarding. Welcome to Cointalk, I looking forward to seeing more of you coins. Jesse
interesting error coin. I only have some common error coins. off centers, triple motto on a kennedy half, I found 1 circular clipped nickel in change once. I was handed from my coin dealer a piece of webbing from the quarter planchet piece. I do NOT think it is qualifies as an error just a fun piece to show people.
Old Error man, certainly you can build date sets with errors ex: wrong planchets like nickel on cent, nickel on dime or even quarter on nickel. The pursuit is the fun
There is. on the obverse you can see the reeding and on the reverse the area across from the clip looks wider. this is due to not enough metal forced into that area of the dies.
Exactly. I wish I would have owned this coin prior to it being encapsulated and I could have gotten better pictures. You can see some of the metal flow on "AMERICA" on the reverse.
I just realized this week that there are no error books in print. We always told new collectors to read the book 1st. Not sure what we say now. This branch can be so frustrating to new collectors. We all, at least most of us, started with the obligatory acid treated, vice job and glue and chemical treated and all forms of post mint damage. It doesn't help that most dealers have no clue. I appreciate questions and skepticism on any coin I post. I try to make sure everything is a true mint product.
I've always enjoyed clashed dies. The 1857 mules are particularly interesting. I don't have an example, but hope to add one someday. I'm sure I'm not the only one that would like to see you post an example of one of your more extreme / interesting coins.
If you are new to errors, joining CONECA is a good place to start, and their Journal Errorscope is always full of fascinating errors. I have been collecting errors for about 5 year, and I still am always finding or reading something that has lots to teach me.
