1990-S Proof Dime w/ error reverse

Blade

Hey folks - I need some advice from an error specialist. I stopped collecting for about 15 years but kept buying proof sets. Now that I'm back in the game, I was cataloging and noticed that the 1990 proof dime has a small error. The reverse has a gouge out of it that has removed the top 1/2 of the "E" in STATES and the top 1/4 of the adjacent "S". The surface above the missing parts of the letters is mirrored, but between them is it is rough but still shiny. I guess it could be lamination peeling before the strike but have no expertise to say for sure. Are modern proof coin errors rare? I thought the mint was supposed to hand-inspect these. The coin is a real cameo beauty and it's still in the original proof set packaging. Should I certify it? I kind of think it's more interesting in the proof set. All thoughts and advice welcome. Unfortunately I don't have a scanner so I can't include a picture.

supercoin

I think you're placing a bit too much faith in the mint inspectors.

If it's an indented gouge, it was probably struck through some debris. Given the size of the spot you describe, and frankly, the fact that it's on a little dime, it's probably not dramatic enough to be worth any significant premium.

If it's raised and rough, it could be a die chip, and more interesting/valuable, though again I don't think you're rich.

Find a big die crack on a big old proof Ike, and then you're talkin' beer.

Caveat: I'm NOT an error expert.

Blade

True about the small size - it only took me 12 years to notice it! It's definitely indented so your theory about a strike-through is a good one. Now if it had only wiped out half of the reverse, maybe then I would be looking at some money.

supercoin

With strike-throughs, they are also more valuable if the struck-through material is still attached. Here's the most interesting one I've personally found, and the description when I sold it:



South Carolina Silver proof with a crazy strike-through error -- it looks like the state bird is building a nest!

A piece of dark cloth is still attached to the coin, embedded in the metal. A thread from the cloth has left an indent in the metal across the bird's beak, giving the impression that the bird is pulling some nest material out of the bunch with its mouth.

The area surrounding the cloth has a frosted appearance where the die was prevented from imparting a mirrored finish to the planchet. The rest of the coin is struck normally, and is a haze-free deep cameo.

----

For once, lousy mint quality control worked in my favor.

Blade

Wow - that is a really interesting error. May even be worth more to a collector in SC. If you don't mind me asking, what would something like that sell for?

supercoin

It sold very quickly on my web site for $120 in January 2001, other than that I don't have a clue. I don't even know if that was a good price then or not. See previous caveat.

MoneyLA

Supercoin, very interesting error. I think you priced it too LOW. I loved your description, which I think adds to the value. You should try screenwriting. cheers, alan mendelson

grip

supercoin,
Birds nest cool.That one i would have held onto.Al

supercoin

Well, I used to be happy about getting the $120. Guess I should have put it on eBay.

littlewicher

I would've payed $200 for it if I knew it was for sale.

grip

littlewicher
I have the birds nest$25.00 .Al