Whiffed on a potentially nice cherrypick - edge struck Lincoln cent
seanq
Posts: 8,655 ✭✭✭✭✭
It's been over a week since this auction closed, so I figure it's safe to post about it.
The seller claimed there were two blank planchets in this group, but the one on the far right has a distinctive saddle shape and what looks to me like strong evidence of an edge strike. I spotted this immediately and the auction sat on my watch list for nine days. On the day it ended I glanced quickly at the photo, assuming I had saved it because of the clips, and neglected to set a snipe. On the long chance that someone here won this lot, I'd love to see better pics of that coin.
Sean Reynolds
Incomplete planchets wanted, especially Lincoln Cents & type coins.
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
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Seanq - I see what you're talking about with that
'tab' on that folded planchet, but I don't
think it's an edge strike, from what I can see.
for PCGS. A 49+-Year PNG Member...A full numismatist since 1972, retired in 2022
My first thought is that it would be smashed completely flat, but then I just see it shooting across the room as it's struck by the die.
Fred,
I am not 100% convinced either, but I would have eagerly paid the $13 or so it could have taken to find out.
Sean Reynolds
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
Believe it or not, I saw this lot and thought the same thing as you @seanq ! Ultimately I decided not to bid, for three reasons:
I couldn't make out any design on the edge. Often times on edge strikes there isn't much design detail and it is often hard to make out when there is, but I still wanted to see somethin'!
The flat (struck) edges on either pole of the planchet are not parallel. This was probably something I made up to convince myself not to take a chance!
The lip of the flat edges are not large enough. When looking at genuine edge strikes, the strike seemed to give a large lip over each face of the planchet under the portion of the edge that came in contact with the dies.
It is a rather interesting coin though, and was probably worth taking the risk. Based on what I've been able to find online, it seems that zinc cent planchets are the most common host for this type of error.
Dupe.
Nice little lot of errors for $13..... if one is interested in errors...
Cheers, RickO
It's been a little while since I specialized in errors, but I think edge strike is a good possibility. The flat spots on the rim match up, and a vise job generally causes some additional damage where the pressure is applied.
If I were interested in errors, I think that I would have taken a chance at $13.
Can't tell from the photos, but it has possibilities. Was probably worth a gamble bid.
Sometimes they do get smashed flat; it's called a fold-over strike. And I bet the planchets did shoot out of the striking chamber on occasion too!