> Italy 50 Cent 2002 – Major Mint Error? No Face, Heavy Die Fill

TimeMoneyCoin

Hello fellow collectors!

I would appreciate your opinion on this strange 50 cent euro coin from Italy, dated 2002.

⚠️ The coin shows several striking errors:
– The rider (Marcus Aurelius) is missing facial details, possibly due to heavy die fill or die deterioration
– Major blurry/damaged area above the head
– Almost unrecognizable central design
– Weak stars, unclear "R" mintmark
– Strange metal texture under magnification

Photos attached – coin is in my collection, not cleaned or altered.

In your opinion:
– Is this a mint error worth grading?
– Estimated value range?
– Have you seen similar examples?

Thanks in advance for your insights!

• TimeMoneyCoin (Lithuania)
  
  

Greenstang

There are no errors on your coin .
There is nothing there that cant be attributed to wear and damage.
That is some sort of stain covering the face. No premium above face.
Not every little anomoly is an error, in fact about 99% of them aren’t.
It is only an error if it happens during the actual striking of the coin.

TimeMoneyCoin

Thank you for your feedback.
I just re-checked the coin’s weight – it is 7.83 g, which matches the official specs for a 50 cent euro coin (7.80 g ± tolerance).
That suggests the coin was not altered or worn down.
However, I still believe the rider’s missing facial features and the blurry central design may indicate a heavy die fill or a weak strike.
I really appreciate your insights and welcome further comments!
Best regards, TimeMoneyCoin

Sapyx

Given the amount of wear and damage visible on this coin, no-one is going to accept any claim of there being a minor mint error in addition to the wear and damage.

Find an identical coin in uncirculated condition that isn't damaged - if it truly is a variety then there should be more of them - and then we can talk.

TimeMoneyCoin

Thank you for your feedback.
I understand that the coin shows wear, but my example also has very specific features consistent with a known variety, not just circulation damage.
I will continue searching for another piece in better condition for comparison.
Your insights are valuable and help me improve my research.

TimeMoneyCoin

Thank you for your feedback.
I understand that the coin shows wear, but my example also has very specific features consistent with a known variety, not just circulation damage.
I will continue searching for another piece in better condition for comparison.
Your insights are valuable and help me improve my research.