I have previously asked this question on the variety Nickels thread and have been advised that my question could be an error rather than a variety. Is this so? Original question below. I have noticed a couple of Nickels in my collection that appear to have an 'extra rim' almost as if they have been pressed by dies that were a fraction (less than 1mm) too small leaving an extra rim on the coin between the die edge and the collar. Is this a known feature? I assume it is common as I have found these ones. Unfortunately I do not have the means to take or show any pictures of them. Many thanks in anticipation. Regards, PAB.
There are several causes behind a "double rim" effect such as you describe. In an otherwise normal looking coin, a double rim effect can be caused by: 1. Slight finning of the rim due excessive striking pressure or die tilt resulting in increased localized striking pressure. 2. A slight horizontal misalignment of one or the other die. 3. Collar clash. In non-reeded issues, this can leave a sunken margin in the rim gutter, which would translate in the coin as a "double rim". 4. Die fatigue. In zinc cents you can get a false rim ("ridge ring") just inside the design rim. I've not seen this on nickels yet. You can also get a double rim effect in association with a number of errors (e.g. minor broadstrikes, partial collar errors, "wide collar" errors, etc.) , but there's no need to go down that road.
