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What is considered an error in coins

wuzziern68wuzziern68 Posts: 6 ✭
in U.S. Coin Forum

I have some coins that are not visually normal. Most are wheat pennies. Some have missing letters,big numbers,extras on letters, or different coloring. How can I find out if it's anything to have evaluated?

Answers

  • milbrocomilbroco Posts: 2,753 ✭✭✭✭

    I am not able but if you post some scans, I am sure the helpful people here can let you know.
    Thanks,
    Bob

    ebay seller name milbroco
    email bcmiller7@comcast.net
  • BillJonesBillJones Posts: 34,298 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Errors are the result of mistakes made in the striking process. A doubled die coin is not considered to be an error because the die was improperly made. The coins that result are a die variety. Here is the classic double die, the 1955 doubled die cent.


    As to what you describe:

    Missing letters can result from a filled die. Remember that every thing that is raised on the coin is recessed into the die that made it. This can also be post mint damage. Filled dies are minor mint errors and usually aren't worth very much. They can even lower the value of a Mint State piece.

    I have not idea what "big numbers" are.

    "Extras on the letters" could be doubled dies or it could be machine doubling. Machine doubling happens when the die giggles a little when the coin is struck. It's not worth a premium to most collectors.

    "Different coloring" could be from a poorly prepared planchet (coin blank), but 99% of the time it's from post mint damage, cleaning or perhaps artificial toning.

    Retired dealer and avid collector of U.S. type coins, 19th century presidential campaign medalets and selected medals. In recent years I have been working on a set of British coins - at least one coin from each king or queen who issued pieces that are collectible. I am also collecting at least one coin for each Roman emperor from Julius Caesar to ... ?
  • MetroDMetroD Posts: 2,243 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Error or Variety?

  • JBKJBK Posts: 15,855 ✭✭✭✭✭

    You'll get quick answers if you post photos here.

  • wuzziern68wuzziern68 Posts: 6 ✭

    Here is what I am referring to . I have uploaded a few pictures. I also have a coin that looks like it was minimally circulated and an indian head penny. Thank you for your help.

  • jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 35,235 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @wuzziern68 said:
    Here is what I am referring to . I have uploaded a few pictures. I also have a coin that looks like it was minimally circulated and an indian head penny. Thank you for

    Those are perfectly normal coins. The Indian Cents is worth a buck or so. The wheat cent is worth maybe a quarter. Retail.

  • wuzziern68wuzziern68 Posts: 6 ✭

    Oops..not those..yes they are normal...here are the ?errors.!

    1. iridescent color?
    2. Missing letters IN
      GOD..LIBERTY...and ? 1939
    3. "Pickle" in Lincoln 's face and. .
      ear.


  • wuzziern68wuzziern68 Posts: 6 ✭

  • OldhoopsterOldhoopster Posts: 2,930 ✭✭✭✭✭

    1939 - damage after it left the mint
    1989D - environmental toning
    1955S - looks normal

    Member of the ANA since 1982
  • jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 35,235 ✭✭✭✭✭

    The faint letters may be weakly struck due to die wear or grease in the die. That is a very common, low level error.

    Color is almost never an error unless it is indicative of composition, but weight would be a better test.

    I see no pickle

  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @wuzziern68 .... Welcome aboard. You have your answers above. Good luck with your collection. Cheers, RickO

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