Error Coin?

pupskweek

I have a $20 gold Liberty Head, 1887-S, graded by PCGS MS-61. The reverse is misaligned, with the eagle tilted about 7-10 degrees to the left. Does this add any value to the coin? Thank you.

richbeat

Welcome aboard! Are you referring to a rotated reverse? 7 to 10 degrees is usually not enough to warrant any kind of premium and it may be common on this particular series, though I'm not an expert. One of the experts can let us know. Can you show us a scan?

errormaven

That's not enough rotation to excite the average collector. By the way the term "rotated reverse" is unjustifiably specific, as it is impossible to determine which die is rotated. The preferred term is "rotated die error".

TUMUSS

ldhair

astrorat

Welcome!

Rotated dies of less than 15% do not bring a premium, in general.

Lane

errormaven

Rotated die errors arise from at least three causes:

1. Spontaneous rotation of the hammer or anvil die during a press run.

2. Improper installation of one of the dies.

3. Improper installation guide marks ground into the die (e.g., "flats), which lead to improper installation.

I like the spontaneous rotations myself, as you can then collect a progression.

nwcs

As I recall, +/- 30% rotation is considered within mint tolerances.

richbeat

errormaven is right! My bad. Bad habits are hard to break. Thanks for reminding me.