Ok, so I came across an article online discussing faked error coins and it got me thinking. It discussed faked doubled edge lettering and many other possible fakes. Among those it made a passing mention of fake clipped planchet errors. I figure with access to a simple punch and die, anyone could manufacture these fakes. Not being a collector of error coins, but interested in this sector of collecting, I was wondering if there are reliable methods of detecting such a fake. It would seem that so long as the diameter of the clip was correct for the coin in question, that a clip is a clip, whether made at the Mint or in a garage. Any ideas on this from more experienced error collectors?
Since the coin is struck after a legit clip, you can usually tell by the metal flowing into the clip if it is real. A real one will also have the Blakesely effect, since the rim is not raised before striking directly across from the clip.
Blakesley effect is not foolproof. Genuine clips don't always show it and I have seen fake clips where the effect has been faked as well. As mentioned you look for the metal flow into the clipped area, and in the case ofthe clad coinage there will be a reversal of the edge "smear" effect in the clipped area. (If you look at the edge of a typical clad you will notice that one "silver" layer is thick, then you have the copper, and the final "silver layer is either very thin or not visible. On a coin with a clip if the coin is Thick,copper,thin, with the coin held the same way inside the clip it will be thin,copper,thick. If you think about how incomplete planchets are created you will understand why.) Now this is not sure fire either because if you know about it and plan ahead you can punch out your fake clip so as to create the proper "smear".
