How Common is Trailing

I have a 1996 cent with some interesting trailing marks. Are marks like this considered mint errors? How common are they and do they add any value? Tks

 

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I consider this to be a manufacturing variance rather than an error. Others may see it different.

 

Crappy Zincolns

 

I agree, but it is coupled with functions of strike and die erosion/deterioration. IMO, with zinc cents, manufacturing, strike result and the age of the die all combine and affect the final product.

The true challenge with zinc Lincolns is to find one without defects. I have found that about 80% of Zincolns have plating issues, weak devices, and environmental damage. Die deterioration is rampant.

SO…if you have Zincolns in your collections you strive to find coins with:
1. A strong strike/fully formed letters, date and devices.
2. Free of surface issues like split plating, granularity and bubbling of the copper plate.
3. Minimal evidence of die erosion.
4. Minimal impact of staining, speckling or other environmental damage and
5. Minimal evidence of circulation wear.

Nowadays it is extremely difficult to find ‘82-99 zinc cents without said defects, unless you come across a pristine time capsule cache.
…imo…Spark

 

Amen Spark. I have always said the challenge in collecting is to find one without defects. And we should all know the difference between Design Acceptance Criteria and Manufacturing Acceptance Criteria. There is a significant difference between what the designers want and what the public will accept for daily transactions.

 

Stinky zincy! I agree! The older copper cents hold up better then the zinc coins. Anything to save a buck!

 

With the exception of the 2009 copper issues my Lincoln cent collection ended in 1982.

 

spark, when I see something in good shape and a few years old, I put them away. When I reach 145 years old, they’ll be worth a bundle!

 

Here is some insight to your trails.
https://www.error-ref.com/?s=Trails

 

Alurid, thanks for the link.