We found this coin while emptying my son's piggy bank. I am not an error collector, but I fear I may be becoming one. I have been collecting coins for over 25 years and have recenly become aware of various type errors that exist (caveat--I am still learning). This Jefferson Nickel seems to be an error collector's dream (or at least a coin displaying various type errors). On the obverse, between the "W" and "E" of "IN GOD WE TRUST", there appears to be a die crack as well as an extra fragment of metal stuck to the coin. Also on the obverse, through the collar there appars to be another die crack. On the reverse of the coin there appears to be a die crack running through the entire coin from the "M" in "UNUM" to the "F " in "OF". Also on the reverse there is apparet doubling, most prominent on the "T" and "O" in Monticello and "TES" in "STATES" and "CA" in "AMERICA". The die cracks mentioned are not what I expect to see in reagrds to die cracks. I was always under the impression a die crack created a raised mark on a coin. These die cracks however look a like fissures...actual cracks or "fault lines" in the coin. I would appreciate any and all opinions as to what is actually going on with this coin. Can the mint be this sloppy??
I can see what you are talking about on the obverse - looks like die chips and die cracks. The reverse though - I think that is a lamination error, a fault in the alloy of the planchet. It actually is a fissure in the surface of the coin. Can't make out the doubling though.
As far as I can tell, the obverse only shows post-strike damage -- metal pushed up or pushed to the side as the result of minor impacts. The reverse shows a lamination crack, a very common defect.
