My Metal Detecting Triumph: Unearthing a 1919 Mercury Dime and Silver Trinkets
July 12, 2025Unveiling the 1909 VDB 1c Proof – I Had No Idea
July 12, 2025
My Unexpected Numismatic Treasure
You know that feeling when you stumble across a coin that just stops you in your tracks? That happened to me recently with a nickel I added to my collection. It’s a prooflike stunner with not one, but two minting goofs—a clear off-center strike and a subtle double strike. Honestly, it’s become an instant favorite in my collection. And get this: it’s got an NGC MS-67 PL designation, which adds this whole extra layer of coolness to what could’ve been just another error coin.
Understanding Prooflike Coins
Seeing that PL label reminded me how often collectors mix up prooflike and proof coins. Let’s set the record straight: PL means those mirror-like surfaces from fresh dies hitting planchets first, not some special handling. This off-center coin blows that myth right out of the water—it’s actually my fourth off-center PL find! Each one drives home that the mirror finish lives and dies with the die quality, not the planchet.
Grading and Error Coin Nuances
Here’s where it gets really interesting: no date or mint mark anywhere. NGC smartly labeled it “No Date.” What I’ve picked up over the years is that while worn undated coins usually won’t grade, errors like this can still get straight grades when the date’s missing because of the mistake itself. Grading services like NGC and PCGS bend the rules for these oddballs. Given how PL coins like this started showing up more in the 90s, I’m betting it’s from that era. The mystery just makes me love it more!
Practical Advice for Collectors
Since I’m always hunting for gems like this, I’ve picked up a few tricks I’ll pass along:
- Chase error coins that grab your eye and tell a story—they’ll make your collection sing
- Before submitting undated coins to grading services, check their specific rules for errors. Documentation makes all the difference
- Watch for mint-sewn bags or early die strikes—they’re PL hotspots. And never sleep on common denominations like nickels!
- Errors pop up more than you’d think. Give every coin a good once-over under strong light to catch double strikes and other sneaky details
This little nickel’s a perfect example of how the mint’s slip-ups can become collector gold. Happy hunting—hope you find something that makes you grin like this one did for me!
