Home U.S. Coin Forum

1803 Draped Bust Large Cent with major die error(s)

Hello Fellow Coiniacs!

I have an 1803 Draped Bust Large Cent that appears to have some pretty serious die errors. This coin appears to have some genuine errors with multiple stamps on the obverse from a different coin (see rim stamp on the right and the stars on the hair at the bottom). The reverse is riddled with multiple issues.

Could this be a real mint error or someone's counterfeit experiment?

How does one distinguish between genuine die errors and someone with a hammer and chisel and time?

Are there any error coin experts in the house?







Happy to take more pictures for select details. Sure wish I had a coin microscope with a better camera than. my iPhone X!

Thanks,

Jim (jmm2562)

Comments

  • BillJonesBillJones Posts: 34,294 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Sorry. Post mint damage. No value, except for whatever junk box items bring.

    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 ... ?
  • FredWeinbergFredWeinberg Posts: 5,873 ✭✭✭✭✭

    As above, it’s all PMD….
    There’s no minting error on that coin at all

    Retired Collector & Dealer in Major Mint Error Coins & Currency since the 1960's.Co-Author of Whitman's "100 Greatest U.S. Mint Error Coins", and the Error Coin Encyclopedia, Vols., III & IV. Retired Authenticator for Major Mint Errors for PCGS. A 50+ Year PNG Member.A full-time numismatist since 1972, retired in 2022.
  • TomBTomB Posts: 21,556 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Howdy and welcome to the boards.

    All of what you are hoping to find out about is post-mint damage (PMD) on your coin. However, those last two photos of it in your hand show that it is a rather pleasing looking piece even with the damage. Regardless, you don't need a microscope, but instead need a better understanding of the minting process.

    Good luck!

    Thomas Bush Numismatics & Numismatic Photography

    In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson

    image
  • Thanks for your expert guidance here. I learned a new acronym (PMD). I might be sharing more of my collection in the error category. It's likely many are also in the PMD bucket. Looking forward to continue my learning curve with your help.

  • Oh, one more question... where is the best place to learn about how coins are minted in the US and perhaps elsewhere? I've never actually looked into this with attention to detail. Thanks!

  • johnny9434johnny9434 Posts: 28,639 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Pmd, to bad to

  • jonathanbjonathanb Posts: 3,660 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @jmm2562 said:
    Oh, one more question... where is the best place to learn about how coins are minted in the US and perhaps elsewhere? I've never actually looked into this with attention to detail. Thanks!

    The top post in this forum is an excellent place to start: Resources: Books-Links to read on numismatic series, errors, and varieties

Leave a Comment

BoldItalicStrikethroughOrdered listUnordered list
Emoji
Image
Align leftAlign centerAlign rightToggle HTML viewToggle full pageToggle lights
Drop image/file