What Kind of Error Do I Have on This 36 Merc?
Shurke
Posts: 463 ✭✭✭✭
Hi,
Seems like there's an unwritten rule around here that forum noobs need to start out by asking a question about an error coin. And who am I to buck a tradition like that? Anyway, just because I found it interesting (and also because it was super cheap) I picked up this 1936 Mercury dime error a while back. I'd appreciate your help in getting the flip labeled correctly.
Here's the tl;dr version of my questions (I'll expand up them below the pics):
1) Is this a tapered planchet? A clip? Both? Neither?
2) Are the three "bites" in the affected area PMD or part of the error?
On the obverse there's a clear bevel from approx 3:00 to 5:00 where the coin thins toward the edge. Which initially had me thinking it's a tapered planchet. But then there's also pretty clear Blakesley effect opposite, and while I know the Blakesley effect accompanies clips, my googling didn't turn up any info on whether it might also accompany a thin, tapered edge that wasn't clipped. So, maybe it's a clip instead?
Of course, I'm a novice at error stuff, so maybe I'm completely off base, and this is something else entirely.
Finally, there are the three notches in the edge. My first impression is that they're as struck rather than being PMD, but their symmetry around the affected area makes me suspicious. What do you all think?
Thanks for looking.
Comments
Welcome to the forum!
My guess would be a clipped planchet with a little PMD.
Post mint damage.
The edges on each side doesn't look like a possible clip to me. I'm going with all pmd.
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This is a ragged clip with a clear Blakesley effect.
Thanks, glad to be here!
Good to know. Thanks.
I suggest you look up photos of the Blakesley effect. I had to - what I saw was a clear clip with a depressed rim opposite the clip. Looks to me like it was clamped or struck.
Yep - a clear ragged clip. The Blakesley Effect is only one indicator, but it is present on this example.
It could be damaged, but it looks like it’s just part of the original ragged end clip.
Ragged End clip to planchet
Thanks so much, everyone. Really appreciate your input.
Feels good to get this properly labeled.
The unwritten rule is that new members need to start out by asking a question about a damaged coin that they claim is an error. You broke that rule by posting a nice real error!
Shocked nobody hailed me to this post, but you indeed have a genuine ragged clip error. Thanks for sharing and welcome aboard.
Sean Reynolds
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
Genuine mint error, struck on a ragged-edge straight-clipped planchet.
Always refreshing to see a real mint error with the naked eye! 👍🏻 👍🏻 Nice pick up!!
Disclaimer: I'm not a dealer, trader, grader, investor or professional numismatist. I'm just a hobbyist. (To protect me but mostly you! 🤣 )
@Shurke ... Welcome aboard. Nice find and interesting post. You have the answer above from various members, including the expert @FredWeinberg. Cheers, RickO
I know nothing about errors and I was pleasantly surprised that this one is legit.
Welcome to the nuthouse!
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Thanks again for the warm welcome, everyone.
Refreshing.
Now, @Shurke must argue or he screws up the protocol once more.
Welcome to the forum. Great early post. Thank you for sharing.
Well, I learned something. I thought for sure this was a clip with pmd afterwards. I had never encountered a Ragged End clip to planchet.
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Dang. Okay, I want to make sure I get this right.
ahem
What do you all mean this is a ragged end clip?! I’m totally 100% sure it’s a spectacular case of PMD!!
>
And a sense of humor ... keeper!!
Nice coin, welcome aboard! @Shurke
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