Collecting Clipped Planchet Error Coins Article

ctf_error_coins

I just had another article published in Mint Error News Magazine, this one is about clipped planchet error coins ...

https://minterrornews.com/features-10-27-21-collecting-clipped-planchet-error-coins.html

This is a 17 page article with various examples of planchet clip error coins. My article starts on page 101.

The main reason I wrote this article is to help collectors appreciate these somewhat rare to very rare error coins. True clip errors can only be created inside the mint and can not be faked. Clip errors are under appreciated and under valued, IMO.

Here a few clip errors I got in after the article was submitted ....

Byers

Chris- great article in Mint Error News. The images are superb! Thanks again.

Zoins

@ErrorsOnCoins said:

Very nice article @ErrorsOnCoins! It's great to see all these clipped errors.

I love the North Dakota quarter! I don't collect clips, but I'm super tempted. Have to hold myself back!

Zoins

@ErrorsOnCoins said:
In 2002 the US Mint put in policies and machinery to try to eliminate error coins from getting out.

I've seen you mention this a few times and it is interesting from a rarity perspective. Is there any information on what policies and machinery was put into place? Is there any US Mint info confirming this? Is this mentioned in a US Mint press release?

Zoins

@ErrorsOnCoins said:
Regular coin collectors under appreciate clips. Some think they can easily be faked, which is not true. There are diagnostics for real clips, such as metal flow and the Blakesley Effect. Metal flow is metal movement towards the clip. The pressure from the dies wants to push metal towards the blank space left by the clip. Blakesley Effect happens near the rim and is characterized by weakness in the strike opposite the clip. Some numismatics think all real clips will have the Blakesley Effect, but that is not the case. Some genuine clips do not show that characteristic. Metal flow seems to be a constant on real clips so it is what I use as a diagnostic to confirm true clips.

Good description Chris.

It may be worthwhile to have some photos of real and fake clips with arrows to describe what you're discussing visually.

1839-D Gold Quarter Eagle
Grade: NGC Clipped
Pedigree: Long Island Collection

Here's an interesting coin. Does this on exhibit metal flow or the Blakesley Effect? Is this a real error?

ctf_error_coins

@Zoins said:

@ErrorsOnCoins said:
In 2002 the US Mint put in policies and machinery to try to eliminate error coins from getting out.

I've seen you mention this a few times and it is interesting from a rarity perspective. Is there any US Mint info confirming this? Is this mentioned in a US Mint press release?

I was collecting error coins at the time and it was a big deal.

Not sure where published.

Try to find way off center coins dated 2002 and beyond as compared to 2001 and before.

ctf_error_coins

@Zoins said:

@ErrorsOnCoins said:

>

1839-D Gold Quarter Eagle
Grade: NGC Clipped
Pedigree: Long Island Collection

Here's an interesting coin. Does this on exhibit metal flow or the Blakesley Effect? Is this a real error?

Zions, you know I do not handle nor study such coins

That said, I would need way better photos of that coin especially the letters and design at the edge and near the edge of the clip.

From the photos provided, I do not like that coin and is suspect to me.

MedalCollector

@Zoins said:

@ErrorsOnCoins said:
Regular coin collectors under appreciate clips. Some think they can easily be faked, which is not true. There are diagnostics for real clips, such as metal flow and the Blakesley Effect. Metal flow is metal movement towards the clip. The pressure from the dies wants to push metal towards the blank space left by the clip. Blakesley Effect happens near the rim and is characterized by weakness in the strike opposite the clip. Some numismatics think all real clips will have the Blakesley Effect, but that is not the case. Some genuine clips do not show that characteristic. Metal flow seems to be a constant on real clips so it is what I use as a diagnostic to confirm true clips.

Good description Chris.

It may be worthwhile to have some photos of real and fake clips with arrows to describe what you're discussing visually.

1839-D Gold Quarter Eagle
Grade: NGC Clipped
Pedigree: Long Island Collection

Here's an interesting coin. Does this on exhibit metal flow or the Blakesley Effect? Is this a real error?

This is definitely not an error coin and I suspect that is why they did not label it a Mint Error, nor did they give it a grade. Poor terminology to put on the label.

Zoins

@ErrorsOnCoins said:

@Zoins said:

@ErrorsOnCoins said:

>

1839-D Gold Quarter Eagle
Grade: NGC Clipped
Pedigree: Long Island Collection

Here's an interesting coin. Does this on exhibit metal flow or the Blakesley Effect? Is this a real error?

Zions, you know I do not handle nor study such coins

You did say you're moving up into Mike's territory!

That said, I would need way better photos of that coin especially the letters and design at the edge and near the edge of the clip.

From the photos provided, I do not like that coin and is suspect to me.

Thanks for the thoughts. Here are some larger images.

ctf_error_coins

@GoldenEgg said:

@Zoins said:

@ErrorsOnCoins said:
Regular coin collectors under appreciate clips. Some think they can easily be faked, which is not true. There are diagnostics for real clips, such as metal flow and the Blakesley Effect. Metal flow is metal movement towards the clip. The pressure from the dies wants to push metal towards the blank space left by the clip. Blakesley Effect happens near the rim and is characterized by weakness in the strike opposite the clip. Some numismatics think all real clips will have the Blakesley Effect, but that is not the case. Some genuine clips do not show that characteristic. Metal flow seems to be a constant on real clips so it is what I use as a diagnostic to confirm true clips.

Good description Chris.

It may be worthwhile to have some photos of real and fake clips with arrows to describe what you're discussing visually.

1839-D Gold Quarter Eagle
Grade: NGC Clipped
Pedigree: Long Island Collection

Here's an interesting coin. Does this on exhibit metal flow or the Blakesley Effect? Is this a real error?

This is definitely not an error coin and I suspect that is why they did not label it a Mint Error, nor did they give it a grade. Poor terminology to put on the label.

I guess I passed the test. Thank you for the question as I like the brain workout.

I did not notice that non mint error label, I thought NGC labeled it as an error that is why I had to think about it.

MedalCollector

Another important distinction for genuine clips is the proper taper of the design rim. If it is too sharp, it is a post mint alteration.

2ndCharter

Here's one of mine:

ctf_error_coins

Metal flow is so key to me, this elliptical clip shows intense metal flow ...

sparky64

Nice article, thanks.
I did not know that the percentage of clip was based on weight.
Makes perfect sense though.

Steven59

Pretty darn cool pics - amazing to see your coins..............

seanq

@ErrorsOnCoins said:

The main reason I wrote this article is to help collectors appreciate these somewhat rare to very rare error coins. True clip errors can only be created inside the mint and can not be faked. Clip errors are under appreciated and under valued, IMO.

SHHHHHhhhhhhh...... keep that down until I am ready to sell.

Actually the underappreciation and undervaluation were deciding factors in my decision to specialize in clips. I cannot count how many clips I have where you could count the known examples for the date or type on one hand with fingers to spare, yet they sold for little to no premium over a normal coin for the date / type.

In 2002 the US Mint put in policies and machinery to try to eliminate error coins from getting out.

I was active in the hobby then, and changes were made after a flood of errors hit the market in 1999-2001. I actually think the Sacagawea mules were the straw that broke that camel's back, but there were scores of off-center cents and state quarters around as well.

I remember a highly publicized tightening of the rules at third party rolling and distribution centers like Brinks, where all misstruck coins had to be returned for fear of losing contracts. The Mint also switched to giant pallet-sized ballistic bags, which basically ended the practice of providing unsearched bags to the public. Finally, the Mint switched from vertical to horizontal coin presses in 2002-3, which eradicated all but minor off-center and broadstrike errors.

Sean Reynolds

ricko

@ErrorsOnCoins ... Wow... Some amazing errors there in the OP.... Thanks for showing us... Cheers, RickO

Mr Lindy

1940S 1c with Straight & Curve Clip archived 3 decades ago:

Zoins

@LindyS said:
1940S 1c with Straight & Curve Clip archived 3 decades ago:

Wow! How many coins have both??

Amazing coin!

Zoins

@2ndCharter said:
Here's one of mine:

That would be a great coin for a collector named H. Carol

WAYNEAS

Mine from a CRS

Wayne

Zoins

@ErrorsOnCoins said:
Metal flow is so key to me, this elliptical clip shows intense metal flow ...

I've always thought that error coins should have individual names like the great toner coins.

This one could be the Montiello Football

Byers

My favorite clip is on this amazing Ike Dollar

Not for Sale

It is in my sold archive:

https://mikebyers.com/rarecoins-archives.html

Type2

Ya was going to say someone had a bill for $2.00 so the saloon hacked off .50 on that gold piece lol.

Zoins

@Byers said:
My favorite clip is on this amazing Ike Dollar

That's a nice one. I need to think of a name for it

I like how the bottom of the reverse says for "AR" for Argent, or silver

bramn8r

Zoins

Nice Blakesley Effect @bramn8r

bramn8r

@Zoins worth getting graded?

Zoins

@bramn8r said:
@Zoins worth getting graded?

From those pics, I'd enjoy it as it is.

Namvet69

Wow,nice tour de force. Excellent pics. Peace Roy

Mr Lindy

Nice set of clips you have in your inventory Chris.

Here's one from my error archive, not for sale:

1973D Mint Set Only IKE $ With strong Incomplete Crescent & Elliptical Clip.

Byers

My second favorite clip is also on an amazing Ike Dollar.

Both the curved and straight clipped Ike Dollars are struck in proof on the silver Ike planchets!

Not for Sale

It is in my sold archive:

https://mikebyers.com/rarecoins-archives.html

gumby1234

Here's an odd one.

ctf_error_coins

@LindyS said:
Nice set of clips you have in your inventory Chris.

Here's one from my error archive, not for sale:

1973D Mint Set Only IKE $ With strong Incomplete Crescent & Elliptical Clip.

Thank you.

That incomplete clip Ike is amazing.

Is it for sale?

seanq

@Zoins said:

@bramn8r said:
@Zoins worth getting graded?

From those pics, I'd enjoy it as it is.

Great coin, it should go into a date set of clipped Lincolns... in fact, I know a guy who might be interested...

Sean Reynolds

StrikeOutXXX

Great article Chris - should have put in a PS asking anyone with a 1982 Small Date zinc clip to contact @seanq 8-)

Mr Lindy

It was when I bought it.

Glad you dig it !

I was stunned when it popped up

And then it was gone.

@ErrorsOnCoins said:

@LindyS said:
Nice set of clips you have in your inventory Chris.

Here's one from my error archive, not for sale:

1973D Mint Set Only IKE $ With strong Incomplete Crescent & Elliptical Clip.

Thank you.

That incomplete clip Ike is amazing.

Is it for sale?

seanq

@StrikeOutXXX said:
Great article Chris - should have put in a PS asking anyone with a 1982 Small Date zinc clip to contact @seanq 8-)

Hah, thanks, I always forget to shill for myself. Did I ever mention here that I found one shared in a seven year old post on another message board, and I tried to track down the OP with no success. So there is at least one out there. I just need someone to hunt it down for me.

Sean Reynolds

Mr Lindy

Are you trying to complete the Seven 1982 Cents issued for circulation Sean ?

I will look through what I have, but as you know zinc clips are uncommon compared to copper.

@seanq said:

@StrikeOutXXX said:
Great article Chris - should have put in a PS asking anyone with a 1982 Small Date zinc clip to contact @seanq 8-)

Hah, thanks, I always forget to shill for myself. Did I ever mention here that I found one shared in a seven year old post on another message board, and I tried to track down the OP with no success. So there is at least one out there. I just need someone to hunt it down for me.

Sean Reynolds

seanq

@LindyS said:
Are you trying to complete the Seven 1982 Cents issued for circulation Sean ?

I will look through what I have, but as you know zinc clips are uncommon compared to copper.

@seanq said:

@StrikeOutXXX said:
Great article Chris - should have put in a PS asking anyone with a 1982 Small Date zinc clip to contact @seanq 8-)

Hah, thanks, I always forget to shill for myself. Did I ever mention here that I found one shared in a seven year old post on another message board, and I tried to track down the OP with no success. So there is at least one out there. I just need someone to hunt it down for me.

Sean Reynolds

Lindy - sort of. I am trying to complete a full date set of clipped Lincolns from 1909 through 2008, and the 1982 small date zinc is the only coin I'm missing. All the design variations in 2009 made extending the set all but impossible, but I have another dozen or so Shield cents dated 2010 and later as well.

I would be thrilled if you found one, as it has eluded me for almost 30 years. Other than the one I mentioned above, CA dealer Neil Osina had one for sale in the mid 1990s, but I didn't realize the extreme rarity at the time.

Sean Reynolds

Mr Lindy

Wow, that's impressive Sean. Are you ok with out of collar struck clip, a multi error to fill that hole ?

I bought two seven piece off center 1982 Lincoln sets from Neil Osina when they were current issue or in 1983~ish. As I typically buy & keep errors I still own them. I did buy a few clips from Neil, so who knows ?

@seanq said:

@LindyS said:
Are you trying to complete the Seven 1982 Cents issued for circulation Sean ?

I will look through what I have, but as you know zinc clips are uncommon compared to copper.

@seanq said:

@StrikeOutXXX said:
Great article Chris - should have put in a PS asking anyone with a 1982 Small Date zinc clip to contact @seanq 8-)

Hah, thanks, I always forget to shill for myself. Did I ever mention here that I found one shared in a seven year old post on another message board, and I tried to track down the OP with no success. So there is at least one out there. I just need someone to hunt it down for me.

Sean Reynolds

Lindy - sort of. I am trying to complete a full date set of clipped Lincolns from 1909 through 2008, and the 1982 small date zinc is the only coin I'm missing. All the design variations in 2009 made extending the set all but impossible, but I have another dozen or so Shield cents dated 2010 and later as well.

I would be thrilled if you found one, as it has eluded me for almost 30 years. Other than the one I mentioned above, CA dealer Neil Osina had one for sale in the mid 1990s, but I didn't realize the extreme rarity at the time.

Sean Reynolds

seanq

@LindyS said:
Wow, that's impressive Sean. Are you ok with out of collar struck clip, a multi error to fill that hole ?

I bought two seven piece off center 1982 Lincoln sets from Neil Osina when they were current issue or in 1983~ish. As I typically buy & keep errors I still own them. I did buy a few clips from Neil, so who knows ?

Lindy, at this point I would probably take one that was run over by a trolley. If you actually have one that you would be willing to part with, I will petition your hometown to name a street in your honor.

Sean Reynolds

ctf_error_coins

Here is a cool "Football" elliptical clip wheat cent ....

Byers

@ErrorsOnCoins

Speaking of elliptical clips on earlier copper…