How to Spot Rare Errors on Some New Error Coins to Share

Introduction

Most people overlook the tiny details that can transform an ordinary coin into a rarity worth thousands. As an error coin hunter, I’ve spent years examining thousands of pieces, learning to spot those subtle variations that separate common pocket change from extraordinary collectibles. Today, I’m sharing insights from a fascinating collection of error coins that recently went through professional grading, highlighting specific markers that every collector should know.

Understanding Error Coin Categories

Before diving into specific examples, it’s essential to understand the main categories of minting errors that create valuable varieties:

• Die cracks and cuds – When dies break or crack, creating raised lines or missing design elements
• Double dies – When the die receives multiple impressions slightly offset from each other
• Off-metal strikes – Coins struck on incorrect planchets
• Struck-through errors – When foreign objects interfere during striking
• Multiple strikes – Coins struck more than once, often off-center
• Brockages – When a struck coin adheres to the die and impresses a mirror image on the next coin

1984 Lincoln Cent with Huge CUD – MS65RD

This 1984 Lincoln cent showcases one of the most dramatic die breaks I’ve encountered. The cud – a raised blob of metal where part of the die has broken away – is exceptionally large and clearly visible on the obverse. What makes this specimen particularly valuable is:

• The size of the cud, which dramatically affects the design
• The MS65RD grade, indicating excellent preservation with full red color
• The clarity of the break, showing distinct edges

How to identify valuable cuds:

• Look for raised, blob-like areas on the coin’s surface
• Check if the cud connects to the rim (creating a full cud) or appears as a partial break
• Examine the clarity and definition of the break edges
• Assess how much of the design is affected

1994 Lincoln Cent Struck on Unplated Planchet – MS64

This error occurred when a cent was struck on a zinc core without the normal copper plating. The result is a distinctive silver-gray appearance instead of the typical copper color. Key identification features include:

• Unusual silver-gray coloration throughout the coin
• Consistent color rather than patchy or worn areas
• Standard weight for a cent (since it’s still the correct metal composition, just unplated)

Spotting unplated planchets:

• Compare color to normal cents in your collection
• Check for uniform coloration across the entire surface
• Verify the weight is correct for the denomination
• Look for any signs of partial plating, which would indicate a different error

1970-D Jefferson Nickel Struck Through Retained Copper – MS62

This fascinating error shows a foreign object – in this case, copper – that was struck into the coin and remained attached. The “retained” aspect is crucial, as it indicates the foreign material stayed with the coin rather than falling away. Identification points:

• Raised copper material visible on the surface
• Clear impression of the foreign object in the design
• MS62 grade indicating minor circulation wear

How to identify struck-through errors:

• Look for raised areas that don’t match the normal design
• Check if the raised material appears to be a different substance
• Examine the edges where the foreign material meets the coin surface
• Consider whether the object appears to be “stuck” or if it fell away after striking

1973-D Kennedy Half Dollar Double Struck, Second Strike 85 Percent Off Center – MS62

This dramatic error shows the coin being struck twice, with the second strike significantly off-center. The 85% off-center designation means only 15% of the second strike landed on the planchet. Notable features:

• Clear doubling of design elements
• The off-center strike creates a dramatic visual effect
• The date appears flipped due to the striking orientation

Identifying valuable double strikes:

• Look for clear doubling of design elements
• Check the percentage of off-center strike (higher percentages are typically more valuable)
• Examine if important elements like dates are visible in both strikes
• Assess the clarity and definition of both strike impressions

Lincoln Cent with Full Brockage – MS62BN

A brockage occurs when a previously struck coin sticks to the die and impresses its mirror image onto the next blank planchet. This “full brockage” shows the complete design in incuse (depressed) form on the reverse. Key identification features:

• Mirror image of the obverse design on the reverse
• Incuse (depressed rather than raised) design elements
• MS62BN grade indicating brown color with minor circulation

How to spot brockages:

• Look for mirror images of known designs
• Check if the mirrored design is incuse rather than raised
• Examine the clarity of the brockage impression
• Determine if it’s a full brockage (complete design) or partial

Authentication and Grading Considerations

All these coins were submitted to PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) for authentication and grading. Professional grading is crucial for error coins because:

• It verifies the error is genuine and not post-mint damage
• It provides an objective assessment of condition
• It encapsulates the coin in a protective holder with the grade and variety information
• It significantly increases marketability and value

When examining potential error coins:

• Compare to known genuine examples
• Look for signs of post-mint damage that might mimic errors
• Consider the coin’s weight, diameter, and metal composition
• Examine under magnification for subtle details
• When in doubt, consult professional grading services

Value Considerations for Error Coins

The value of error coins depends on several factors:

1. Rarity – How frequently the error type occurs
2. Aesthetics – Visual appeal and dramatic presentation
3. Condition – Grade significantly impacts value
4. Demand – Collector interest in specific error types
5. Pedigree – Notable collections or discovery stories

From this collection, the 1984 Lincoln cent with the huge cud and the 1973-D Kennedy half with the dramatic off-center second strike are likely the most valuable due to their visual impact and relative rarity.

Conclusion

Error coin collecting offers a fascinating window into the minting process and the occasional mistakes that create numismatic treasures. The coins shared in this collection demonstrate several major error types, each with specific identification markers that collectors should learn to recognize. Whether you’re examining pocket change or searching through rolls, understanding these error types can help you spot the next valuable variety. Remember that professional authentication is essential for confirming genuine errors, and even common errors can be valuable when they display exceptional characteristics like large size, dramatic visual impact, or excellent preservation.

Happy hunting, and may your own collection include some of these fascinating minting mistakes!

Related Resources

You might also find these related articles helpful:

• The Hidden History Behind Modern Error Coins: Stories from the Mint – Every Relic Tells a Story Every relic tells a story. To understand these modern error coins, we have to look at the era …
• Market Analysis: Modern Error Coins and Their Investment Potential – Introduction: Understanding Modern Error Coin Values Determining the true value of error coins requires looking past the…
• The Silver & Gold Content of CSNS Convention Coins: A Bullion Investor’s Guide – Understanding Melt Value at Coin Shows Sometimes the metal inside is worth more than the face value. Let me break down t…