Straigh Grade or Off-Center Error
BigDowgie
Posts: 1,771 ✭✭✭✭
Crew,
I have always been curious how far off center, if any, a coin can be to obtain a regular grade or move it to an off-center error. Let's look at a couple nice 1983-P Jefferson Nickels. This date is tough in the Jefferson Series with super nice full steps.
Let me know your thoughts.
The first example is obviously off-center by, say, 5%.
This example is so close to perfect alignment, but is so slightly off. I see a full rim and would think this coin would receive a standard grade. Six solid steps! Don't see this very often.
4
Comments
I agree. The first coin would be graded as offcenter, the second one would get a straight grade.
The first one is misaligned, not off-center
exactly, obverse off and reverse good. It would straight grade.
Would the second example technically be a slightly misaligned die?
How far off alignment can a coin be for a straight grade versus error? Is this example about as far off as a coin can be?
If you want to be pedantic, then every coin has slightly misaligned dies, at the level of microns. I don't know of anyone who cares about whether a coin technically has slightly misaligned dies.
I expect the factor that matters is whether you want to pay extra for Mint Error service. If you want to pay, they'll probably shrug and take your money. If you don't want to pay, it will go into a straight graded holder without comment.
Small amounts of misalignment aren't noteworthy. They can get a LOT more impressive than your examples.
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/585604/post-some-misaligned-dies-want-to-see-how-radical-they-can-get
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/864607/error-experts-please-comment-on-this-extreme-mad-error
Jonathanb,
Thanks for comments and links.
I eventually will submit both coins, one as Mint Error (especially with full steps) and the other straight grade. As noted earlier, this is a tough full step date in the Jefferson Series.
Will they note FS on an error? Don’t look at a ton of Jeffs, just curious.
They will
But.. as I recall, FS are more common on some error coins as the striking pressure has less resistance (surfaces area).
I think the first one is broadstruck maybe out of collar but I would have to see the rim. It isn’t the size of the crescent moon it is the amount of design missing for % of off center. If all of the design is present it is broad struck not off center
11.5$ Southern Dollars, The little “Big Easy” set