How to Spot Rare Errors on Feeder Mechanism Die Damage Patterns 1990 to 2018

Introduction: The Hidden World of Minting Errors

Most people look right past the tiny details that can turn a common coin into a rarity worth thousands. As an error coin hunter, I’ve spent countless hours examining coins from the 1990 to 2018 era, uncovering fascinating patterns that most collectors overlook. The feeder mechanism die damage patterns from this period represent some of the most intriguing minting anomalies in modern U.S. coinage.

Understanding Feeder Mechanism Die Damage

The feeder mechanism is responsible for transporting planchets (coin blanks) to the striking chamber where dies impress the design. When this mechanism malfunctions or wears down, it can create distinctive damage patterns on the dies themselves, which then transfer to the coins during striking.

Key Characteristics of Feeder Mechanism Damage

During the 1990-2018 period, several distinct damage patterns emerged from different feeder mechanisms used at the U.S. Mint. These patterns often appear as:

• Linear scratches running parallel to the coin’s edge
• Irregular gouges that follow the movement path of the feeder
• Repeated patterns that suggest systematic wear on specific components
• Damage concentrated in particular areas of the die face

Identifying Specific Error Types

Die Cracks and Cuds

Die cracks occur when the metal die develops fractures due to repeated striking pressure. During the 1990-2018 period, several notable die crack patterns emerged:

The most valuable die cracks from this era show progression – starting as fine lines and developing into more pronounced features that eventually break away completely, creating cuds (missing design elements).

Look for these characteristics:

• Cracks that extend from the rim into the design
• Progressive widening of cracks across multiple strikes
• Raised metal along crack lines due to die deterioration
• Complete separation of design elements (cuds)

Double Dies

Double die errors occur when the die itself is struck multiple times during the hubbing process, creating a doubled image. The 1990-2018 period produced several significant double die varieties:

Class I (Rotated Hub) Doubling

This type shows clear separation between the primary and secondary images, often most visible in inscriptions and dates. The 1995 doubled die cent from this era is particularly noteworthy.

Class III (Design Hub) Doubling

Occurs when a working die is hubbed with different designs or hubs. While rare, these errors can command premium prices from specialized collectors.

Mint Mark Variations

The 1990-2018 period saw several mint mark variations that resulted from different punching techniques and die preparation methods:

Philadelphia Mint (No Mint Mark)

Coins from Philadelphia during this period typically carried no mint mark, though some transitional pieces exist where mint marks were inadvertently added.

D mint mark variations

Denver mint marks from this era show interesting variations in the serif styles and positioning, particularly on later-date issues where die wear became more pronounced.

S and W mint marks

Proof coins and special issues from San Francisco and West Point show subtle variations in mint mark punches that can help date specific die marriages.

Specific Errors to Look For

Wheel Marks and Counting Machine Damage

One of the most controversial and misunderstood errors from this period involves damage from coin counting machines. As one experienced collector noted:

“What really bothers me the most with modern coins is the counter marks. On Lincoln’s you just can’t get away from them, like a pale rubber look.”

These marks, often called “wheel marks,” appear as fine parallel scratches that can significantly impact a coin’s grade. A coin that might otherwise grade MS-69 can be downgraded to MS-65 or lower due to these marks.

Identifying Wheel Marks

Wheel marks typically appear as:

• Fine, parallel scratches running in the same direction
• Most visible under magnification (10x loupe recommended)
• Often concentrated on the obverse (heads side)
• Can appear as a “cloudy” or “hazy” area on the coin’s surface

Feeder Mechanism Damage Patterns

The specific feeder mechanisms used during different sub-periods of 1990-2018 created distinct damage patterns:

Early 1990s (1990-1995)

Feeder mechanisms from this period often created linear damage patterns with:

• Consistent spacing between damage marks
• Damage typically located near the coin’s edge
• Less severe damage compared to later periods

Mid-1990s to Early 2000s (1996-2005)

This period saw increased wear on feeder components, resulting in:

• More irregular damage patterns
• Damage that sometimes affected the coin’s central design areas
• Development of characteristic “scoop” patterns

Late 2000s to 2018

Later feeder mechanisms showed:

• More severe and varied damage patterns
• Development of distinctive “railroad track” patterns
• Increased frequency of severe die damage

Diagnostic Guide for Collectors

Tools and Techniques

Successfully identifying these errors requires proper tools and techniques:

Essential Equipment

• 10x magnification loupe or microscope
• Proper lighting (preferably diffused LED)
• Reference materials showing known error patterns
• Digital camera for documentation

Examination Process

1. Examine coins under consistent lighting conditions
2. Start with low magnification to identify areas of interest
3. Increase magnification to confirm error characteristics
4. Compare findings with known error references
5. Document findings with photographs when possible

Common Pitfalls

Many collectors mistake post-mint damage for genuine mint errors. Be aware of:

• Post-mint scratches that mimic feeder mechanism damage
• Environmental damage that can resemble die cracks
• Planchet imperfections mistaken for minting errors
• Counter-stamping errors (distinct from mint errors)

Historical Significance

The 1990-2018 period represents a fascinating transition in U.S. Mint operations. During this time, the Mint underwent significant technological changes, including:

Technological Evolution

The feeder mechanisms evolved from mechanical systems to more sophisticated automated systems. This transition period created unique error opportunities as old equipment was phased out and new systems implemented.

Quality Control Changes

Changes in quality control procedures during this period meant that some errors that would have been caught in earlier decades made it into circulation. This has created a rich hunting ground for error collectors.

Value Guide

Factors Affecting Value

The value of feeder mechanism die damage errors depends on several factors:

Rarity

Errors from specific time periods or with unique characteristics command premium prices. The rarest errors from this era can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Condition

As with all coins, condition significantly impacts value. However, some error collectors specifically seek out well-preserved examples of dramatic errors, regardless of traditional grading standards.

Visual Appeal

Errors that are easily visible to the naked eye typically command higher prices than those requiring magnification to detect.

Price Ranges

Based on market data from this period:

Common Errors ($5-$50)

• Minor die cracks
• Minor doubling visible only under magnification
• Typical wheel marks

Mid-Range Errors ($50-$500)

• Significant die cracks with clear progression
• Visible doubling on key design elements
• Distinctive feeder mechanism damage patterns

Premium Errors ($500+)

• Major die breaks with cuds
• dramatic doubling visible to naked eye
• Rare transitional errors
• Multiple error combinations

Authentication and Certification

Professional Authentication

For valuable errors, professional authentication is essential. The major third-party grading services (PCGS, NGC, ANACS) all have expertise in modern error coins, though their experience with specific feeder mechanism errors may vary.

Documentation

When submitting errors for authentication, provide:

• Clear photographs showing the error from multiple angles
• Information about where and when the coin was obtained
• Any relevant comparisons to known examples
• Detailed description of how the error was discovered

Conclusion: The Continuing Hunt

The 1990-2018 period represents one of the most exciting eras for error coin collecting. The technological transitions at the U.S. Mint created unique opportunities for error formation, while changes in quality control meant that many of these errors escaped detection and entered circulation.

As one experienced collector noted, the key to success is patience and attention to detail. “I have looked at tens of thousands of modern BU Lincoln’s,” one collector shared, emphasizing the dedication required to find these hidden treasures.

Whether you’re a seasoned error collector or just beginning your journey, the feeder mechanism die damage patterns from 1990-2018 offer a fascinating field of study. With proper knowledge, tools, and techniques, you too can uncover these hidden gems that most people overlook.

Remember: the next time you examine a coin from this era, look beyond the obvious. Those tiny details could be the difference between a common coin and a rare error worth thousands.

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