I always wanted one of these and I finally got one! It's a Struck on Elliptical Planchet error - Definition: Elliptical clips are one of the most desirable forms of incomplete planchets. The finished coin takes the form of an oval. The coin may be struck within the collar or outside the collar. For more info - I want to share this webpage with you - http://www.error-ref.com/elliptical_clips/
That coin is nice Paddyman! I assume it was quite a pricey piece, for I have not even seen one before, worth it for sure though
I purchased it for less than $60.00 but they can go for much more than that. Also, this is what the seller stated Quote "the coin is certified as simply an elliptical clip, but it is actually an elliptical strike clip. The sheared off edge is a sure diagnostic of the error type. Scarce." closed quote - Sullivan Numismatics
Wow! Good deal on that, I was excepting well in the hundreds, I'm not good at errors though. I would have probably wanted to purchase it if I saw that one at my coin shop.
That's a lovely coin and a high grade for the type. A heck of a good price too, especially graded. There are several for sale on Sullivan's site for about $100 and none appear to be as nice as this and none are in a TPG holder. If I may, I would like to correct your reference to the error-ref site. It is: http://www.error-ref.com/elliptical-strike-clips/ I don't think I've ever seen one properly described on a slab. These coins are not struck on an elliptical planchet. The only thing they have to do with this type is the final product's shape. I recently sent one to ANACS and made every notation possible on the submission sheet that it was not struck on an elliptical planchet, but was a strike clip. Of course, they totally ignored me and encapsulated it as the wrong type. Grievously incompetent for an organization holding themselves out as error experts. Again, nice addition to your collection.
I've yet to see a bona fide elliptical clip on a zinc cent. Elliptical strike clips are well represented among zinc cents minted between 1989 and 1994.
Your coin is an elliptical strike clip -- a striking error. The planchet was perfectly normal when it entered the striking chamber. An elliptical clip is a planchet error, specifically a blanking error.
All of the grading services misdiagnose these errors. It's hard to understand, as proper understanding of these errors goes back well over a decade.
Took me a few attempts to say "elliptical" which isnt easy with one eye shut and after a couple of Jack Daniel's...very nice coin you have there sir,very nice indeed.
It seems that the dies were misaligned.makes it look oval. Is it thinner at the long diameter? Just my observation.
I don't think so. The dies were in a alignment and the planchet settled in off center. When the hammer die came down it sheared off a portion of the coin, leaving an oval shaped coin.
