Error guys - Lincoln clamshell error question

JRocco

I am not an error guy but have a question about a neat error I found in pocket change.
It is a nice example of a clamshell error.
Are these tough to find?
I tried to look them up and did not see many examples.
I have only seen a Jeff clamshell a few years back but don't recall many others.
Are any series more prone to this error due to their metal composition than others?
Thanks in advance guys.

coinkid855

That's a really nice one! I feel like they're probably pretty rare when they're that extensive.



-Paul

SullivanNumismatics

They're fairly scarce, and yours is a little nicer looking with the defective areas of planchet showing on both sides the way it does. Most "split" cents split entirely in half, and are either the split before strikes or the split after strikes, both of which are much more common than clamshells. That said, clamshells aren't very valuable due to a lack of demand. I would think it's worth $30-$40.

Jon

ctf_error_coins

Jon, welcome to the boards. Your knowledge about errors will be a great benefit to the boards.

Enjoy your stay, Chris

Type2

Cool Cent.

JRocco

Thanks for the info. It is appreciated.
Are clamshell errors seen on any type of planchet more than others?

ThePennyLady

I love clamshell errors and think they are very unique, and more valuable than you think. They are usually more valuable, depending on how much or how "badly" they are split. Personally, I think yours is fantastic and very dramatic. I have a Lincoln cent clamshell where the planchet is split about 90% around. I also have this beautiful 1886 Indian cent where the split is probably 30% around.

JRocco

Hey Charmy,
Thanks for the info as well as your thoughts.
That is a beautiful Indian cent.
I like her even without the error
And great job.....as usual....on the pics.

frnklnlvr

Nice find!

I have a LMC clamshell I found in circulation a couple years ago. I'll see if I can dig it up and post pics.

frnklnlvr

Here's the one I found in circulation. It's not nearly as dramatic as yours.

JRocco

Hey frnklnlvr,
Thanks for posting the pics of your find.
I have been aware of this type of error but have not seen
many examples. The Jeff I remember seeing was impressive, but
it was helped along at some point with someone pulling the two sides open
a bit and gave the coin a ridiculous look. Yours is really nice.
Thanks again.

jonathanb

JRocco

Hey Jonathan,
Nice coin.
Is your coin a clamshell or a split planchet error?
It is hard to tell from the pics.
Great coin in either case.

jonathanb

<< <i>Is your coin a clamshell or a split planchet error? >>

Heh. That's a good question. Can I answer "yes"?

Most of the time, a clamshell has the fracture line mostly parallel to the coin faces.
Most of the time, a split planchet has the fracture mostly perpendicular to the coin faces.

My coin has the fracture roughly at a 45 degree angle relative to the coin faces.

It's either a clamshell with an unusually steep split, or a split planchet where the split is unusually shallow. Pick one!

JRocco

<< <i>It's either a clamshell with an unusually steep split, or a split planchet where the split is unusually shallow. Pick one! >>



Well I guess you can say that your coin is just plain "interesting"

CaptHenway

Ya know, a little duct tape will fix them puppies right up!!!!

JRocco

<< <i>Ya know, a little duct tape will fix them puppies right up!!!!

>>



Only after I squirt a little crazy glue in there to be sure it holds...

ricko

Interesting... I have never found a clamshell error... Cheers, RickO