TM

PCGS Certifies Unique

Jefferson Nickel Die Trial

Price
Guide
Excited About Mint Errors?
Inside!
Join Error World Club
errorworldclub.org
Volume I • Issue III • Fall 2003
A Mike Byers Publication

m i n t e r r o r n e w s . c o m
Al’s Coins Dealer in Mint Errors
and Currency Errors
a lscoi ns.com

S pecializing in Mint Errors and Currency

Errors for 25 years. Visit my website to
see a diverse group of type, modern mint
and major currency errors. We also handle
regular U.S. and World coins.
I’m a member of CONECA and the American
Numismatic Association. I deal with major
Mint Error Dealers and have an excellent
standing with eBay. Check out my show
schedule to see which major shows I will be
attending. I solicit want lists and will locate
the Mint Errors of your dreams.

Al’s Coins
P.O. Box 147
National City, CA 91951-0147
Phone: (619) 442-3728
Fax: (619) 442-3693
e-mail: [email protected]
Mint Error News Magazine
Mike Byers’ Welcome 4
Eight Reales With Four Error Features 5
Volume I • Issue III • Fall 2003
Off-Center Errors 6
Publisher & Editor PCGS Certifies Unique Jefferson Nickel Die Trial 8

Mike Byers Around The World - Updating Activity In and Around Error World

1910 Lincoln Cent Uniface Test Strike Unique Discovery

11
12
1944 Steel Cent 14
Production Design
85 Reasons to Collect Error Coins 16
Sam Rhazi Unique Quarter Multi Struck on Copper Core 20
Contributing Editors Humidity - The Silent Attacker 22
Ronnah Johnson 1862 Indian Cent Obverse Die Cap 25
Allan Levy
1901/0-S $5 Liberty Gold Struck 10% Off-Center 26
Contributing Writers
James Archibald • Frederick Bart Double Struck 20¢ Piece - Unique Discovery 28
Ray Gaudette • Henry Hilgard
Bob McLaughlin • Frank LaMondie
Unique Gold Brockage Sells For Record Price of $75,000 29
Richard Lewis • Harold Oldham
Bill Snyder • Saul Teichman
Unique 2 Headed Shilling 30
Frank Vedel • Martin Wettmark Martha Washington Dime Sells For $51,750 31
Advertising Mint Error News Price Guide 33
The ad space is sold out. Please e-mail
[email protected] to be added Exclusive Discounts 41
to the waiting list.
How To Use The Auctions Without Getting Skinned 42
Subscriptions
For a complimentary issue please e-mail Discovery of Error on Experimental Currency 46
[email protected]
Proof Sacagawea Dollar Die Crack 48
Mint Error News is the official publication of
minterrornews.com. All content Copyright 2003 Error Oddity Coins - What Are They? 49
Mint Error News. P.O. Box 5090, San Clemente,
CA 92674. All rights reserved. No part of this
magazine may be reproduced in any form without
Errors From The Royal Mint 52
the expressed written permission of the publisher.
Opinions expressed in this publication do not Double Struck Swedish Gold Coin 54
necessarily represent the viewpoints of Mint Er-
ror News. This publication is distributed with V Nickels on Cent Planchets 56
the understanding that the information presented
herein is from various sources for which there can
be no warranty or responsibility by the publisher
Matched Brockage Pairs 60
as to accuracy, price or completeness. Mint Error
News accepts unsolicited manuscripts, artwork, Mint Error News Museum 62
and photographs for publication. Direct editorial
submissions to [email protected] or P.O. Frequently Asked Questions 66
Box 5090, San Clemente, CA 92609. All unsolic-
ited material will not be returned.
PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. Highlights From My Collection of Swedish Error Coins 68

Page 3 minterrornews.com
TM

Mike Byers, Publisher & Editor

Welcomes You!
W elcome to Mint Error News Magazine,
bringing the latest mint error news and in-
formation to the collector. The focus of the maga-
ANACS is one of the three major grading
services. They have been authenticating, certify-
ing and encapsulating mint errors since 1991
zine will be on articles, features and discoveries of which is years longer than the other two grading
major mint errors (striking errors) from the United services combined. ANACS is highly respected
States and around the World. Minterrornews.com in the Numismatic Community and has extensive
was launched on February 4, 2003. experience in authenticating mint errors.
Two major Mint Error News sponsors Two other sponsors to minterrornews.com
are Mike Byers and ANACS. Mint Error News are Tim Bullard (errorcointrader.com) and Allan
released its first magazine in the spring of 2003. Levy (alscoins.com). Because of their combined
Mike Byers is the Publisher and Editor of Mint experience and insight of the error coin market,
Error News Magazine. they will bring valuable news and information to
minterrornews.com.
Mike Byers (mikebyers.com) has been
a Professional Numismatist since 1978. He Additional sponsors are CoinLink,
specializes in U.S. and World errors, and is now CoinFacts.com, errorworldclub.org, Eureka
the largest dealer of the world’s rarest mint errors. Trading, uspatterns.com, Northeast Numismat-
His new discoveries of major mint errors has been ics, Robert L. Astrich and The Software Clinic.
front page news for years. Mike Byers is also a We encourage collectors and dealers to submit
Consultant for ANACS for Mint Errors. articles and photos of major mint errors that we
may feature on the website.

Page 4 minterrornews.com
Eight Reales with
Four Error Features
by Henry Hilgard

F or fifty years or so before the first U.S. dollars

were coined (by the U.S. Mint), the most widely
accepted dollar-size coin circulating in the American
7:30 o’clock. Then it flipped over and was struck a
second time, about 75% off-center to 7:00. However,
during the second strike it was sandwiched between
Colonies was the Spanish-American “pillar dollar”, the obverse die on one side, and the obverse of an
or “piece of eight”. It was valued at 8 reales. And already struck coin on the other. This produced a par-
even after the mint began producing dollars in 1794, tial brockage (indent of the the obverse of an already
Spanish-American coinage continued to be legal ten- struck coin) on the obverse of our coin, and a clear
der in the United States for over sixty years . . . that flip-over, double-strike on the reverse. The 1775 date
is, until 1857. Therefore an eight reale piece like this is indicated by the “75” that shows from the second
one, struck in Mexico in 1775, would have made the strike on the reverse.
rounds in the American Colonies, and later would
have circulated freely, equivalent to one U.S. Dollar, These four error features are then as follows:
in the United States of America. off-center, flip-over, double-strike and partial brock-
age. Come to think of it, maybe this particular coin
But what has happened to this particular wouldn’t have been so readily accepted in the American
piece? First, it was struck slightly off-center to about Colonies. You can reach me at [email protected].

Page 5 minterrornews.com
Off-Center Errors by Al Levy
Here are records of recent sales of off-center mint 6. “D” next to the date symbolizes that the coin had
errors on eBay: damage or was scratched.

1. All coins were listed on eBay and closed from 7. “C” next to the date symbolizes that the coin was
04/01/03 to 06/30/03. cleaned.

2. All lots had buyers. If the coins actually changed 8. “B” next to the date symbolizes that the coin had
hands is unknown. damage and was cleaned.

3. A picture accompanied each lot or it was not 9. If the date or mint mark was missing or partially
recognized. visible, parentheses were used.

4. Mislabelled items were ignored. 10. Postage/handling/insurance fees were ignored.

5. Some lots may have changed hands more than 11. Major auctions were not listed.
once.
DENOM YEAR NOTES GRADE LESS:11% 11%-35% 36%-75% OVER 75% DENOM YEAR NOTES GRADE LESS:11% 11%-35% 36%-75% OVER 75%
1c 1798 AG $ 137.50 1c 1943 BU $ 49.93
1c 1826 D NCS N-4 $ 250.00 1c 1943-S B AU $ 105.10
1c 1891 ANACS F10 $ 261.78 1c 1943-S AU $ 46.75
1c 1891 NGC 58 $ 268.55 1c 1944 VG $ 21.71
1c (1895) XF $ 144.01 1c 1944 BU BRN $ 76.00
1c 1900 AU BRN $ 67.00 1c 1944 NGC 64 RB $ 47.98
1c 1900 ANACS64RD $ 361.78 1c 1945 XF $ 33.89
1c 1901 ANACS 40 $ 83.75 1c 1945-S BU BRN $ 41.00
1c 1901 ANACS 45 $ 124.73 1c 1946-S XF $ 93.00
1c 1901 ANACS 64 BRN $ 360.00 1c 194(?) BU R&B $ 12.62
1c 1902 ANACS 12 $ 179.05 1c 195(0)-S BU R&B $ 56.55
1c 1902 XF $ 57.00 1c 1951-D BU BRN $ 103.61
1c 1903 GEM RED $ 51.03 1c 1952-D UNC BRN $ 68.89
1c 1905 ANACS 62 $ 162.50 1c 1952-D UNC RED $ 65.51
1c 1917 ANACS60RB $ 553.00 1c 1953 NGC64 BN $ 106.54
1c 1917-S D GOOD $ 54.00 1c 1957-D UNC BRN $ 40.99
1c 1918-D NGC65BRN $ 282.88 1c 1958-(?) BU R&B $ 59.00
1c 1918-S PCGS 25 $ 227.50 1c 1959 CH BU RD $ 29.95
1c 1919 D XF $ 46.51 1c 1962-D BU BRN $ 41.04
1c 1919-S PCGS64 BN $ 404.00 1c 1963(?) UNC BRN $ 20.50
1c 1920 AU BRN $ 123.50 1c 1964 UNC BRN $ 13.50
1c 192(?) AU BRN $ 38.77 1c 1964 BU BRN $ 15.65
1c 192(?) CH BU BRN $ 62.89 1c 1964 CH BU RED $ 11.00
1c 1934 VG $ 46.00 1c 1965 CH BU BRN $ 28.93
1c 1935 NGC 63 RB $ 98.00 1c 1966 BU BRN $ 12.61
1c 1941 VG $ 20.51 1c 1966 CH BU RED $ 9.50
1c 1941 XF $ 32.97 1c 1968-D BU RB $ 7.00
1c 1941 UNC BRN $ 40.95 1c (1)969-(D) AU BRN $ 33.33
1c 1942 CH BU RED $ 47.25 1c 1970-D BU BRN $ 18.50 $ 9.95
1c 1943 C ANACS 55 $ 70.00 1c 1970-D BU R&B $ 25.00

Page 6 minterrornews.com
DENOM YEAR NOTES GRADE LESS:11% 11%-35% 36%-75% OVER 75% DENOM YEAR NOTES GRADE LESS:11% 11%-35% 36%-75% OVER 75%
1c (1972) AU BRN $ 6.50 25c 1987-(?) BU $ 20.50
1c 1972-S AU $ 114.05 25c 1988-P UNC $ 20.50
1c 1973-D UNC RB $ 4.99 25c 1989-D D UNC $ 9.50
1c 1973-S CH BU RB $ 223.00 25c 1989-P UNC $ 32.51 $ 48.50
1c 1977 D UNC BRN $ 13.01 25c 1994-P CH BU $ 29.89
1c 1982 SD BRZ ANACS63RD $ 113.61 25c 1995 (?) BU $ 28.50
1c 1982 LD ZINC BU RED $ 9.72 25c 1995-P BU $ 10.83
1c 1983 BU RB $ 4.25 25c 1995-P CH BU $ 16.01
1c 1983 BU RED $ 9.51 25c 1995-P GEM BU $ 29.95
1c 1983-D BU R&B $ 10.45 25c (1997)-D GEM BU $ 22.09
1c 1986(?) BU RED $ 9.99 25c 1996-P BU $ 23.50 $ 10.99
1c 1986-D BU RED $ 12.55 25c 1996-P CH BU $ 14.99
1c 1988 BU RED $ 3.90 25c 1998-D GEM BU $ 9.99 $ 24.01
1c 1990-D BU RB $ 10.50 25c 1998-P NGC 67 $ 69.00
1c 1995 GEM RED $ 5.20 25c DE 1999-(?) D UNC $ 152.50
1c 1995-D D BU RED $ 5.25 25c DE (1999) BU $ 199.99
1c 1997-D GEM RED $ 9.95 25c PA 1999-P BU $ 110.38
1c 2003 GEM RED $ 165.65 $ 56.55 25c NJ 1999-D GEM BU $ 50.99
1c 2002-D PCGS65RD $ 407.99 25c NJ 1999-P PCGS 64 $ 161.30
1c 2003 GEM RED $ 25.27 $ 407.99 25c GA (1999)-P UNC $ 130.73
5c 1891 D NCF XF $ 123.60 25c GA (1999)-P BU $ 152.50
5c 1920 AU $ 522.00 25c GA BU $ 84.00
5c 1920 D NCS AU $ 218.07 25c CT 1999-P UNC $ 217.50
5c 1935 BU $ 340.02 25c CT 1999-P GEM BU $ 84.75
5c 1964 BU $ 20.50 25c NH 2000-D PCGS 64 $ 37.00
5c (19)71-D BU $ 26.88 25c NH 2000-P PCGS 62 $ 103.50
5c 1972 BU $ 21.05 $ 10.52 25c NH 2000-P BU $ 78.25 $ 87.83
5c 1974 BU $ 14.50 25c NH (2000)-P NGC 65 $ 175.00
5c 1976 BU $ 10.50 25c NH 2000-P ANACS 66 $ 158.49
5c 1977-D BU $ 20.49 25c NH 2000-P GEM BU $ 80.00
5c 1980-P UNC $ 9.00 25c NH (2000)-P NGC 67 $ 282.00
5c 1980-P BU $ 9.50 25c NH (?)-P GEM BU $ 111.00
5c 1981-D BU $ 11.50 25c NH (?)-P PCGS 66 $ 137.83
5c 1982-P BU $ 46.00 25c SC 2000-P BU $ 39.14
5c (?)983-D CH BU $ 17.49 25c SC 2000-P GEM $ 47.95
5c (1)983-D GEM BU $ 9.95 25c VA 2000-P BU $ 90.00
5c (1)983-P BU $ 16.27 25c VA (2000)-P NGC62 $ 204.00
5c 1984-D GEM BU $ 19.95 25c VA (2000)-P GEM BU $ 142.50
5c 1984-P UNC $ 6.99 25c VA 2000-P ICG 66 $ 79.17
5c (?)84-P BU $ 10.50 25c VA CH BU $ 135.50
5c (?)85-P GEM BU $ 9.00 25c NC 2001-P UNC $ 43.54
5c 1985-P BU $ 9.99 25c NC 2001-P CH BU $ 47.99
5c 1987-D BU $ 1.25 25c NC 2001-P GEM BU $ 61.00
5c 1989-P BU $ 10.98 25c AL 2003-P BU $ 229.50
5c 2001-D BU $ 30.00 50c 1976 BU $ 104.51
10c 1916-S NGC 55 $ 255.00 50c 1976 PCGS 62 $ 99.00
10c 1918-S NGC61 FB $ 305.00 50c 1979 BU $ 62.55
10c 1928 PCI 62FB $ 353.00 50c 1990-P BU $ 109.52
10c 1935 NGC 63 $ 128.50 50c 1990-P ANACS 63 $ 228.05
10c 1944 PCGS 58 $ 91.75 50c (1990)-P BU $ 125.55
10c 1944 BU $ 128.50 50c (199)0-P BU $ 100.00
10c 1944 NGC62FB $ 176.01 1$ 1974-D PCGS 66 $ 885.25
10c 1964 UNC $ 52.11 1$ 1976-D TI D AU $ 272.00
10c 1964-D BU $ 66.00 1$ 1978 ANACS 60 $ 256.77
10c 1970-D BU $ 22.39 1$ 1979-P BU $ 57.00 $ 100.00
10c 1971-D D BU $ 30.49 1$ 1979-P ANACS 64 $ 164.00
10c 1976-D UNC $ 34.33 1$ 1979-P PCGS 65 $ 206.28
10c 1980-P CH BU $ 12.00 1$ 1979 (?) NGC 65 $ 295.00
10c 1984-D GEM BU $ 31.94 1$ 1999-P ANACS 64 $ 232.50
10c 1988-D BU $ 18.26 1c ND IHC
10c 1990-D BU $ 28.77 1c ND WHEAT C BU $ 15.39
10c 1990-D GEM BU $ 29.95 1c ND WHEAT UNC BRN $ 20.51
10c 1991-P BU $ 26.00 1c ND WHEAT BU BRN $ 11.01
10c 1995-D CH BU $ 16.50 1c STEEL XF $ 169.50
10c 2000-P GEM BU $ 15.01 10c ND SILVER AU $ 114.38
25c 1965 C UNC $ 31.00 10c ND SILVER CH BU $ 39.95
25c 1973 BU $ 9.99 10c ND SILVER NGC 63 $ 69.88
25c 1974 D BU $ 11.50 25c ND CLAD BU $ 21.16 $ 26.31
25c 1976 BU $ 51.00 25c ND CLAD SEGC 64 $ 29.51
25c 1981-P BU $ 38.01 25c ND CLAD GEM BU $ 19.69 $ 23.50
25c 1983-P AU $ 15.80 25c BU $ 20.50
25c 1983-P UNC $ 24.20 50c ND CLAD
25c 1983-P BU $ 18.26 1$ ND SBA ANACS 62 $ 202.49
25c 1986-(?) BU $ 35.01

Page 7 minterrornews.com
PCGS Certifies Unique
Jefferson Nickel Die Trial
by Mike Byers

T his recently discovered and certified

Jefferson Nickel Reverse Die Trial is
unique and also the only known die trial
for the entire Jefferson Nickel series.
Page 8 minterrornews.com
I t is a reverse die trial of a design for the Monti-
cello that was not adopted. It was struck in cop-
per with a diameter of .854 inches and the weight
This recent discovery was unknown to the
numismatic community and is not listed in Judd,
Pollock nor any other numismatic reference book.
is 109.4 grains. It was discovered in an estate including coins and
other numismatic items. I immediately purchased
This die trial was designed by Anthony De this die trial from another dealer upon certification
Francisci, who also designed the Peace Dollar by PCGS. Uspatterns.com has given this piece the
which replaced the Morgan Dollar in 1921. De designation of JC1938-1.
Francisci’s models including this reverse design
are in the Smithsonian and were donated by Teresa I am proud to share this unique discovery
De Francisci. with the readers of Mint Error News Magazine.

Page 9 minterrornews.com
Byers Numismatic Corp
Mike Byers
T h e L a rg e s t D e a l e r o f t h e
Wo r l d ’s R a r e s t M i n t E r r o r s
TM

U.S. Errors • World & Ancient Errors

Die Trials • Currency Errors

mikebyers.com
buying & selling
MAJOR U.S. MINT WORLD GOLD & SILVER
ERRORS ERRORS
· ANACS, PCGS, NGC, ICG, SEGS & RAW · ANACS, PCGS, NGC, ICG & RAW
· U.S. 1¢ THRU $50 ERRORS · ALL DENOMINATIONS FOR MAJOR WORLD
· 19TH AND 20TH CENTURY TYPE COINS: COUNTRIES
ALL DENOMINATIONS · ESPECIALLY SWISS, GERMAN, ENGLISH,
· MODERN COINS: STATES QUARTERS, FRENCH, CANADIAN & MEXICAN
KENNEDY HALVES, IKE, SBA AND · ALL 12 COUNTRIES IN THE EUROPEAN
SACAGAWEA DOLLARS MONETARY UNION (EUROS)
· MAJOR AND DRAMATIC ERRORS FROM $500 · ALL COUNTRIES IN THE BRITISH
TO $100,000 COMMONWEALTH
· DIE TRIALS, SPLASHERS, UNIFACE AND · MEDIEVAL THRU MODERN
OFF-METAL STRIKES · MAJOR AND DRAMATIC ERRORS FROM $500
TO $50,000
· DIE TRIALS, SPLASHERS, UNIFACE AND
OFF-METAL STRIKES
U.S. CURRENCY ERRORS ANCIENT ERRORS
· ESPECIALLY ERRORS ON $2, $50, $100 & $500
NOTES · ANACS, ICG & RAW
· DRAMATIC AND UNIQUE PRINTING & CUTTING · ALL GOLD DENOMINATIONS
ERRORS FROM $500 TO $10,000 · 500 BC TO 950 AD
· DOUBLE DENOMINATIONS, MULTIPLE · GREEK, ROMAN AND BYZANTINE COINAGE
IMPRESSIONS & MULTIPLE ERRORS · MAJOR AND DRAMATIC ERRORS FROM $500
· LARGE SIZE NOTE ERRORS TO $10,000

Mike Byers
P.O. Box 5090, San Clemente, CA 92674
Office: (949) 276-7072 • Fax: (949) 276-7073
E-Mail: [email protected] Website: mikebyers.com
Fed Ex Address only: 1001 Avenida Pico #C 612, CA 92673
Mike Byers, Professional Numismatist since 1978
Byers Numismatic Corp. A California Corporation Since 1980
Mike Byers is a consultant to ANACS for Mint Errors
“Around The World”
- Updating Activity In and Around Error World Groups -
by Jim Archibald - EW Founder

I n recent weeks new memberships have declined a

bit due to the hot weather and outside activities, but
activity is still up. The recent ANA show turned out to
EW4 U.S.Coin Collecting has been our fast-
est growing area, but it has slowed down a little bit
this summer. This is the room to watch though. I
be a great success as far as the market is concerned. In predict this will eventually be our biggest area. Cur-
Error World, we have added a new message forum in rent members number 387. Recently, I have promoted
the Coin Talk website: www.cointalk.org. Jim Reeves to Assistant Manager in EW4. Also, our
manager Wes Walker has returned after being away
Our Club Medal design contest is now con- for some time due to a auto accident, welcome home
cluded and judging will begin shortly, and I want to Wes!
thank all of our members who took time to enter this
contest and to actually produce a design. In my opin- EW5 World Coin Collecting has been the
ion, every one of you are winners. recent leader bucking the trend for new members.
This is our newest group, but it’s already attracting a
Our membership continues to grow in every international following with many new foreign coin
forum and I’ll review them for the record here begin- traders beginning to get involved here. Currently our
ning with our main forum Error World 1. membership stands at 105 and growing!

EW1 now has 414 active members and has In other news, Error World Member Jason Re-
had it’s 5th month with over 1,000 messages posted. naud has gotten together with a few other well known
I believe that EW1 is the most active and useful coin variety collectors to form the Shield Nickel Group
group on the Internet today. on Yahoo Groups. It is dedicated to one of the most
fun areas of variety collecting and has several noted
EW2 recently passed EW1 in memberships experts on hand. I recommend this group to anyone
and has become our largest group with 415 current interested in this great area for ‘Cherry Picking.’ It is
members. located at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shield_Nickels.
EW3 Variety Coins has been making steady
progress and the activity level is good. We currently All MSN Groups have recently been under
have 186 member’s enrolled here. Recently we have attack by porn spammers. Since we have 4 groups
added a new section here called the Odditorium, for currently on MSN, it affects us. I want to assure mem-
those...unusual pieces, like horned Lincoln Cents and bers that spammers get one shot and then they’re gone.
runny nosed Roosevelts! Come check it out, it’s man- EW has a strict anti-spam policy that we enforce.
aged by member Frank G. Lamondie aka Glody2 who
is well known to all you Yahoo club regulars. Until next issue...happy collecting!

Join the hottest

Error Coin Club on the Net!
e r r o r w o r l d c l u b . o r g
Page 11 minterrornews.com
1910 Lincoln Cent Uniface Test Strike
by Mike Byers

Y et another unique die trial has surfaced. This 1910

Lincoln Cent Uniface Test Strike was certified by
PCGS and is unique and unreported. It is not listed in
Judd, Pollock or any other numismatic reference.

It was purchased from an east coast estate which

included several other unique and spectacular United
States major mint errors.

Considering the fact that the Lincoln Cent series

is one of the most popular and collected series of U.S.
Coins, it is amazing that there is no reference to this
1910 Test Strike Piece anywhere.

There are two 1909 Obverse Lincoln Cent Die

Trials struck in lead. One is ex-Judd, the other is the
Pollock plate coin.

It is fascinating that a test strike was made in

1910 of the obverse on a copper planchet with a uniface
reverse.

Contest For $1,000 Mint Error

Mint Error News will give away FREE a major mint error valued at $1,000 for
the best article written, submitted and published in minterrornews.com and the
Mint Error News Magazine.
Please make sure you have copyrights to any content that you submit. Your
article may be subject to revision. The only stipulation is that the articles
submitted for this prize are about mint errors and exclusively submitted to Mint
Error News. If you include images with your article, please use a minimum
resolution of 300 DPI.
Please submit all content to:
[email protected]
Page 12 minterrornews.com
Page 13 minterrornews.com
1944 Steel Cent
This article is a submission by a collector who wanted to
share his transitional with the readers of Mint Error News.

I first started coin collecting as a youngster in 1941

in Denver, CO. I collected only circulated coins as
many young people did at that time. I collected coins
until about 1948.

In 1950 while I was a student at the University

of Colorado, I received a 1944-D Steel Cent in circula-
tion.

Recognizing the uniqueness of this coin, I

promptly placed it into a Capitol holder to keep the
coin essentially moisture tight. This proved to be a
very effective moisture barrier because the coin, 52
years later, still does not show any sign of rust corro-
sion. The only time I took it out of this holder was to
photograph it. In the 1960’s I sent a picture of this coin
to Frank Spadone. He included it in his book, Variety
and Oddity, Guide of United States Coins. I realize
that his book is probably not as highly referenced to-
day as it was then.

Join the hottest

Error Coin Club on the Net!
e r r o r w o r l d c l u b . o r g
Page 14 minterrornews.com
Since I did not know a procedure to have the Rick Montgomery replied, “PCGS has made
coin authenticated without mailing it to an authenti- it our policy to plainly state that the coin is struck
cator, I kept it in a safe place for the next 52 years. I on a steel planchet without implication as to what the
joined PCGS in the spring of 2002 and hand carried intended planchet was initially made for. It would not
the coin to the Long Beach Spring coin show to have necessarily be correct to say that any 1944 Steel Cent
it authenticated while I was there. PCGS authenticated was struck on a planchet that was intended to be a one
the coin as “PCGS AU58, Struck on Steel Planchet”, cent coin originally when it could have been slated to
(E2725.58/50012674). I sent an E-Mail to Rick Mont- be a Belgian piece.”
gomery at PCGS asking if they could have placed
“Struck on 1943 Steel Planchet” on the slab rather than When I asked Rick Montgomery relevant to
“Struck on Steel Planchet.” the Denver mintage, he said, “Your point that your
coin was struck in Denver is a stronger argument,
In 1944, the Philadelphia Mint contracted to however, for the sake of consistency, PCGS has elected
strike 2-Franc coins for the Allied occupied Belgium to maintain its description in the generic form.”
using left over 1943 steel planchets. There is confusion
whether some of the planchets designated for the Bel- I agree with Rick Montgomery that it is better
gium coins were accidently struck as the 1944 cent or to stay with the generic form since it apparently makes
whether it was steel planchets originally scheduled for no difference to the potential value of any 1944 steel
the 1943 coins that were still in the system during the cent. It is just an interesting area of discussion.
change over to 1944.
I do not intend to sell the coin at this time. After 53
It is my understanding that the Denver Mint years the coin is like family to me.
did not mint any of the 2 Franc steel coins for Belgium
so there should not be the same confusion about the in-
tent on how these coins would be used. Therefore, my Editor’s note: Rick Montgomery is no longer with
argument was that there should be no confusion about PCGS. He has joined NGC as Vice President.
the intent for the 1943 steel planchets used in minting
any 1944 D and 1944 S steel cents.

Page 15 minterrornews.com
85 Reasons to Collect
Error Coins by Frank Vedel

T he results of my ‘Why Do You Collect Error Coins?’ survey were published in the summer issue of Mint Error
News 2003. The 41 reasons were background material for 2 different polls at Error World Club.

Many answers were left out, either because they were almost identical or because they arrived too late to
be incorporated in the polls.

This is a list of the 85 additional reasons to collect error coins. All answers have been posted by fellow
error coin collectors.
· They are fascinating. categories of center hole error coins. That would include
· My father brought a quarter blank home for me when coins where the center hole is punched off-center, or if the
he had found it while at work. I thought it was the coolest coin has several punched holes, etc.
thing I had ever seen! · I got interested in numismatic errors back in 1972 when I
· I try to discover how each coin was made. found a Danish 2 øre 1942 struck from rotated dies.
· My favorite error is the RPMs1. · There are off center strikes, cuds, coins with die cracks,
· I learn something new every year, and I’ve been doing this brockages, indent strikes, incomplete punches, doubled
for 30 years. dies, wrong metals, and a host of other error coin types,
· The famous 1955/1955 one cent double die is by far my each of which is available in each domination. Now some
best error. of the upper denominations will be harder to locate than
· I am always looking for cuds (major die breaks) and others, but after all, that is what collecting is all about, isn’t
retained cuds on US coins. I prefer atheist cuds and one it?
cents with base of bust cuds. · Since the early ‘80s I have collected ancient Roman
· Off center strikes, double strikes, and mushroom strikes republic and imperial coins which have spelling errors or
collected by dates and clock positions. I arrange the interesting striking errors. Imagine that a knowledgable
completed sets in nice displays. error coindealer in April 2001 sold a beautiful full mirror
· Being a State Quarter error junkie I collect 35%+ off brockage reverse antoninianus, Tetricus ll, (AD 270-73)
center struck State Quarters - one from each State. to me for US $ 36. The same kind of error exists today
· My main interest is Lincoln cent errors. - even though the minting process has been immensely
· Cherry picking. Buying a BU original roll and opening it improved.
up (after I get the heart to) and searching each coin with the · I collect error coins because they are so much more
loupe is a thrill! (however my wife doesn’t seem to agree) interesting than “normal” coins. Each one can be unique
-finding or purchasing coins that are ‘errors’ becomes and trying to figure out step by step what happened to an
thrilling for me, because they are rare and fascinating - error coin can be quite fun.
sometimes one of a kind. · Sacagawea errors are the best.
· I am 15 years old, and have been collecting error coins for · There is room in minting variety and error collecting for
about 4 years. I collect Lincoln cent RPMs, a few types of everybody. All that is needed is an insatiable curiosity.
Morgan dollar VAMs2, and I am trying to get a complete · In 1976 I became a collector of world mis-struck coins
collection of all types of errors known. (brockages, double strikes, off- centers, and broadstrikes.
· Always looking for 75% off center coins @ K-12! I would buy any of these that came on the market (if they
· I enjoy collecting error coins from the year I was born. were affordable) and soon I was specializing in pre-1900
· My main interest in error/mis-struck coins lies in the ones. I was hooked!
Page 16 minterrornews.com
· The new bimetallic error coins and planchets are very planchet errors happen in a totally random manner. Since it
interesting. isn’t a repetitive error (one which is repeated over and over
· I have had a mentor for many years with whom I can again in the same way), no such errors are ever precisely
correspond and with whom I can share experiences. It is the same. Even though some may look similar, there will
really important that a collector has someone with whom always be enough difference to point out that no two are
they can swap stories. ever identical. I always look for errors which APPEAR to
· My goal is to achieve an error coin from each country be identical twins or even identical triplets.
possible. · I like the attention that I get when I share at coin clubs!
· My realization was of our imperfect world, the trail of · Our error coin collecting hobby has become a mostly
evidence it leaves behind and the movement underway to unofficial extension of the quality control process which is
perfect it. I’m now collecting that which is imperfect, a used at the mint. As we find the oddities, the mint people
reflection of reality. take notes and move to rectify the cause of such mistakes.
· I especially collect clipped coins with pronounced That is why there are no doubled dies or RPMs made any
Blakesley’s effect. longer. They heard of the problem and solved it.
· For me coin caps, rolling folds, chain strikes, and mated · Error coin collecting is not a matter of grabbing up one
pairs are the best numismatic errors. or two of the new high priced errors and then sitting back,
· I assemble sets of different types of coins on clipped waiting for the market to go up so that a profit can be
planchets. The sets include such combinations as single gleaned. It is a far more complicated matter. It requires the
curved clips, double curved clips, triple curved clips, collector to study up and learn about how errors are made
straight edge clips, ragged edge clips, elliptical clips and and what their significance is.
blanks with clips. I try to get one in each domination. · I don’t know why I just prefer clad coinage errors right
· The discovery of the ‘ram strike’ last year got me into now.
collecting them. · I like the thrill of the hunt...yes, I kiss a lot of frogs in order
· I like to find a neat error, and I never let a coin go through to find a prince...well worth the search, due to the fact that
my hands before checking it for any little thing. the item can be worth more than face value...An extra treat
· The main reason for my involvement in the hobby is the for carrying the change around..Just maybe I will make a
ability to turn a nice profit in the buying and reselling of new discovery.
error coins. · Being a seasoned error coin collector I still have an
· Sometimes arguments about how an error coin came to be itching curiosity about the misstrikes and oddities that can
can be prolonged and heated. come out of the Mint.
· If the error coin can be held at arm’s length and be seen · Doubled Dies are classified as varieties. That’s one of
easily as a distorted or flawed coin, it is desirable. the nice things with varieties. They are all catagorizable/
· I am interested in collecting error coins of Asia. catalogable by die number. Thus, making it easy to
· German error coins from the Third Reich with swastikas assemble a collection. However, there are thousands of
are very hard to come by. dies just for the cent and assembling a collection to include
· I’m still looking for my first error coin. A beginner! all die numbers (say for example the doubled dies) would
· Help me understand the error world in which I live.... take lots of money and a long, long time. Errors on the
· I love the Jefferson 5 cent errors. other hand are just the opposite. They are a random matter
· In many cases the error collector will have displayed his and no two are ever the same. I had a type collection of
or her collection to a friend or associate. If that person errors at one time. I started with memorial cents. Finding
reacts with, “Wow! That’s a beauty!”, the reward cannot be all different “types” of errors I could locate on memorial
measured in dollars and cents. It becomes part of the aura cents, in BU, to assemble the collection. Then, I moved on
what error coin collecting is allabout. to wheat cents, BU Red, (more money) and did the same
· I collect them because it is profitable! thing. BU Jefferson nickels, etc, etc...
· Collecting mint errors is one of the most fascinating and · I collect error/varieties because even after 30 years of
potentially profitable areas of collecting. doing so, the excitement of finding one (no matter how
· I research die varieties. minor) makes all of it worth while. Your heart gets to
· Error coins with Bicentennial dates and ‘change of pumping a little faster and you know that your efforts have
century dates’ are my choises. paid off. Let’s face it...it’s cool to collect!!
· I am looking for one error coin from each of the 12 EURO · I think the main reason I collect error coins is because of
countries. their uniqueness. I find regular date/mint collections boring
· Saddle strikes which look like Mickey Mouse ears are - a lincoln cent is a lincoln cent is a lincoln cent, even if one
always on my want list. is pocket change and the other has a microscopic “1909S-
· Due to the nature of the errors, striking errors and VBD” written on it somewhere. I also hate “condition
continued on page 18...
Page 17 minterrornews.com
85 Reasons To Collect Error Coins continued from page 17

rarity” - “hey, this coin in XF is worth melt value, but at got interested in them...They were not so easy to come by
MS-whatever it’s worth tens of thousands of dollars”. Error which made my wallet happier and each one was unique in
coins usually aren’t as affected by dates or condition, but itself...
more by the “big picture” of what the error is and what does · The reason I collect errors is the potential of finding an
it looks like. Each one looks different, each tells a story. error at the grocery store,and it keeps me out of the coin
They have so much more “personality” to them, I think. shops...I still look but only to see if there are errors there...I
· I have given this a lot of thought before posting, and here went last week and got a V-nickel with a crack half way
are my top answers as to why I am a variety hunter and across the back, and I also found a Roosevelt dime with a
researcher... huge lamination in their junk coins...Errors don’t interest
1. Cost per coin: It expands a single series into a highly them, so to them it’s junk...Haha on them...
challenging collection for which the single pieces can be · Mis-struck coins like off-centers, doublestrikes,
had at not much more per coin than you would spend on the brockages, and broadstrikes are avidly sought by collectors,
normal series. particularly if the error is clearly obvious to the naked eye.
2. Thrill of the hunt: It offers additional challenge in · The collecting of error coins is a wonderful diversion for
that some of them, even on very common date coins, are those of us who like it.
extremely rare and difficult to find. It can turn a 20 cent · I collect errors because I like to cherry-pick. My first error
find into a $200 coin. coin was a rotated reverse nickel. Since then I have found
3. Focus on specialty: For people like me who do not like several RR coins, including a 1971 Deep Cameo Proof
collecting nickels or silver and can’t afford gold, it allows Nickel with 20 degrees rotation. I would have never found
a collection to constantly challenge me through a lifetime my 1989 dime with a tiny die chip amongst the olive leaves
without having to expand beyond that which I love, copper. on the reverse without cherry-picking. For me it is the hunt
I guess since all of these reasons incorporate “challenge”, for the errors that I enjoy.
that would have to be my single overlying answer as to why · At the time of this writing there is currently over 2000
I do this. I love the challenge of collecting a huge set (over error coin listings to view on eBay. Many of which are
3,000 coins in my case - of which I have about 1,700). multiple coin lots. This pleasant ritual of searching through
· I collect error coins because they are THERE! I love the a few errors before I get my day started, is still pleasant
really tough ones, like the off-Center Buffalo Nickels, yet just a whole lot more involved than I remember it to be.
overdates, almost unique ones, etc. Oh, I am also fascinated My want list is old and starting to show some wear. I must
by off-center IHCs3, various DDOs4 and DDRs5 , among admit there are a few items that I have proudly scribbled off
others. Blank planchets get me going, too. I am getting all in the last few years. But one would think, with all of the
excited, just writing about all of this. recent bombardment of errors available, this list would be
· Not really into errors, but having been a collector for finished by now. But it is not, and I am sure if by the time
42 years and finally getting my first error coin makes me it is, there will many more additions. I guess this is the
wonder what have I overlooked in the past. Maybe you definition of a hobby!
folks can teach this old dog some new tricks. · I personally find it interesting since coin errors seem
· Varieties and errors are harder to find - there are a to appreciate in value, consider the 1955, 1969, and 1972
miniscule amount of them compared to regular mintages. double die coins. From 1 cent face value to thousands of
They are more of a challenge and it’s very exciting to find dollars. The stock market can’t beat that.
one. · I have had a strong interest in error coins for 25 years. I
· One nice thing about error collecting is you can drill down specialize in caps, bonded coins, mated pairs, fragments,
after a level is completed. For instance, if you collect clips and off-metals.
and get a curved, straight, incomplete, ragged etc, you can · Armed with the Internet, my coin books and catalogues,
expand the collection to denominations and/or percentages. my modest knowledge of coin production and a 31-year
Most types lend themselves to a logical expansion. background in numismatics I try to figure out exactly what
· For me error collecting is all about the money. I collect the error coin is. Sometimes I figure it out and sometimes I
errors for profit. Some I collect for the rareness, but mostly don’t, but I always learn something. And I’m always better
for profit. off for the effort.
· Error coin collecting is a very unpredictable hobby, · I’m just getting started in errors, after coming across a
because you never know what happens next. 1976 US clad quarter without the reverse nickle layer that I
· I started reading and learning about error coins and really had taken from a mint bag, put in a cardboard flip, and then

Page 18 minterrornews.com
forgotten about for 26 years! most appeal for me.
· I am trying, attempting, wishing, undertaking, striving, · Double denominations are interesting, and I have quite a
struggling, seeking to try to, sort of, in a way, maybe, few in my error collection.
possibly, to complete a date and mint mark set of off center · I like to collect Morgans by VAM2 and any other
Lincoln Cents. I have discovered that some of these dates interesting errors I can find. My most recent acquisition, a
are very very elusive. Of course the usual rare dates of 1983-D cent with the copper layer missing. My sister found
any series are hard to find. But the old common date Off it in change at the store where she works and gave it to me
Center Lincolns are getting very hard to locate. Many of for my birthday.
the modern issues are getting scarce it seems. Is there that · Being a coin collector since 1970 I sometimes buy bags
many collectors for this set that very few of the dates ever of unsearched coins. Then I examine them with my 15x
show themselves? Or is it simply the fact that some of the magnifying glass, and if I am lucky I find a few error coins
dates just are not out there? I have been collecting errors or varieties at a low cost!
since God created dirt. As a matter of fact I drove the · I started collecting coins when I was a child. Then one
bulldozer! I have passed up many many error coins because day I found an error, I have to admit I’ve been hooked ever
they wanted $2 instead of $1 for them. Then as time went since.
on $5 was too much. All of a sudden I was paying $10 and · Because I can sell them for profit just by looking at my
was thinking how I “got over” on that dealer. I recently paid change.
a “very nice sum” of money for another “slot” I needed to · I’ve started to collect varieties as a means of still being
fill in this endeavor. I recently tried to purchase another able to collect nice high grade coins without having to pay
that was sold for over five times my offer! At that point the nice high grade prices of rarer coins.
reality set in. Either I need to get a better job or terminate · Defaced coin dies and T1 and T2 planchets with clips are
this endeavor! I have a reasonably achievable goal in mind among my favourites. When I get a planchet with a clip
at this time. I would like to at least complete the Copper I try to get a struck error coin with an identical clip. A
Memorial Set of the dated off center Lincoln Cents (1959- matching set is wonderful.
1982) before I get hit by a bus! · I was born in 1953. I collect the best possible error
· The reason I collect error coins is: My father collected coin from every year since I was born. This gives me an
error coins as well as dated coins of the time he was alive, in interesting and varied collection, which I update when
the early years of my life. My father would sit with me and possible.
explore his collection. The coins of his life were my legacy, · Off center Lincoln cent by date and mint are my choices.
and each time he would bring them out, he would explain to I have been trying to complete such a set as long as I have
me where he was in his life and the circumstances in which been collecting. I have many of the ones that are considered
he gained this coin or coins. My father passed away in tough dates to obtain however I am still in search of a few
1982, leaving his collection to me and my siblings. I got the others. I recently decided to just concentrate on the Copper
errors and my brothers and sister divided the rest. I collect memorials 1959-1982 with the approach that it “might” be
error coins out of respect for my father and to remember possible to complete such a set.
him in a way no others can. 1. RPM refers to Re-punched Mint Mark. A mint mark
· I am new to collecting errors but it’s allure is strong. I that has been repunched creating a doubled, tripled, or
think the main reason I look for errors is the fact that they quadrupled appearance. P/P, D/D/D. etc.
have a life all their own. First of all, in a perfect sense they 2. VAM refers to Van Allan and Mallis catalog numbers
are not supposed to exist. The many safeguards in place at for die varieties in the Morgan and Peace Dollars.
the mint plus all the watchful eyes give almost legendary 3. IHC refers to Indian Head Cents.
status to anything that doesn’t fit the norm. Escaping the 4. DDO - Doubled Die Obverse. A coin that exhibits
mint only to be placed in circulation with the countless doubling on the obverse lettering/design in one one or
millions and millions of coins that are exactly alike, it is more places.
a wonder any turn up. Secondly, I think it is the fact of 5. DDR - Doubled Die Reverse A coin that exhibits
owning something that few people will ever be able to. doubling on the reverse lettering/design in one or more
You are sort of excluding yourself from the millions of places.
ordinary coin owners in a way by either finding or buying
a coin that is in a class all by itself. Last but not least is the
originality of errors. No two are alike. Even though several Once again I’d like to thank all our fellow error
may fit into a general class, each one has a different story coin collectors who took time to support these surveys.
to tell about its origin and how it came to be from the mint I can be contacted at: [email protected] if you have
to your collection. I think as a collector this aspect has the comments about this article.

Page 19 minterrornews.com
Unique Quarter Multi
Struck On Copper Core
by Tim Bullard

T his is a spectacular major mint

error and a unique discovery
coin. It is the only known U.S.
Quarter (pre-state or state) struck
on the pure copper core.

It is multiple struck, uniface,

expanded to the size of a Half
Dollar and has a reeded edge.

It is in choice mint state

condition and has an attractive red
and brown color.

Page 20 minterrornews.com
BUYING MAJOR ERROR COINS & CURRENCY
If you have a single major mint error coin, either a recent issue or an older
type coin, or 1,000 Off-Center Cents, please contact us. We stock over
60,000 Major Mint Error Coins and constantly need to purchase Major
Error Coins for our clientele (please note that we do not deal in or buy Die
Varieties, Damaged Coins, Doubled Dies, Filled Dies, or Die Cracks).

We do buy Major Mint Errors - such as Off-Center, Off-Metals, Double

Strikes, Clad Layers missing, Die Caps, Double Denomination, etc.

Because of the many differences in each Error Coin we request that you
send scans of your coin(s) to us for our examination and firm offer.

Postal Correspondence: Telephone/Fax:

16311 Ventura Blvd. Phone: (818) 986-3733

Suite #1298 Toll-free: (800) 338-6533
Encino, California 91436 Fax: (818) 986-2153
e-mail: [email protected]

fredweinberg.com
Humidity - The Silent Attacker
by Bob Mc Laughlin Editor’s Note: Maximum Security Safe Corp. sets up
Maximum Security Safe Corp. three times a year at the Long Beach Coin & Collect-
(800) 838-0600 ible Expo. They have safes on display.

N o matter what asset you want to protect, whether

it be coins, currency, stamps, knives, autographs,
etc., the subject of HUMIDITY always appears.
rounding temperature increases, moisture will collect,
“condense” on the outside. Any increase in air tem-
perature will draw out moisture. This will happen also
in a closed location as in a safe, deposit box, etc.
Most people want to protect against burglary
and fire, but there is always considerable concern The true control of moisture can only be ac-
about humidity. complished by not allowing ambient (surrounding)
temperature to suddenly increase.
Since it is well known that humidity affects
the condition of any item, the age old problem is how This is one of the reasons that testing on con-
to control the humidity in your storage place, safe (or tainers (safes) accepted ratings emphasize that the
safe deposit box) so as not to lower the value of your “internal” temperature inside a safe shall not go higher
investment, or have a negative effect on that which than, for example, 350° F., while the outside tempera-
you are collecting. ture is maintained for 1850° F. for a constant 2 hours!

There have been many attempts to accomplish This will protect the inside contents from fire
this control, but many are not adequate because the temperature, time and humidity with a safe:
understanding of humidity and the protection against
it, is not a simple answer, BUT...there are ways! (See the chart below for temperature humidity and
time relationships.)
Poured concrete for a bank vault does not re-
ally prevent permeation of moisture through the walls
with outside temperature variances. The morning of-
fers minimum relative humidity problems, but as the
day progresses, moisture increases in the air.

This is a basic reason that many banks will

not usually offer safe deposit vault holders’ policies
against fire and moisture, because it can not be guar-
anteed or controlled. Keep in mind every time there is
a wide range of temperature (inside or out), moisture
will present itself within the inside of the container,
safe or vault.

The answer is...at what point the relative hu-

midity in the air surrounding the coin affects the item Now the question is HOW much moisture is
in question? tolerable without causing damage?

Consider this: A commercial refrigerator in the UL testing states that a proper safe tested to
summer will “sweat” on the outside. Why, as the sur- meet their standards during a fire for the stated dura-

Page 22 minterrornews.com
tion will not exceed a relative humidity of 85%. This 4. Buy a new safe of composite construction
perhaps does not meet your requirements. This is a to not only protect against burglar tool and
threshold point. It may be less at associated tempera- torch attack, also offer adequate fire protection
tures. without transferring moisture through the safe
doors and walls during a fire.
The problem now is HOW to keep the relative
humidity inside a container (safe) l-o-w-e-r than the [Fire safes, even though they were originally
accepted ratings. tested at a time of construction, may have old insula-
tion that is no longer effective because of aging, or
The solutions are quite simple, but your par- made of a moisture holding character to keep moisture
ticular location and method of fighting unacceptable within the wall, and then spew out a fine mist to wet
humidity will vary. the interior contents to keep the contents from burn-
ing.] [you can always detect these kind of safes, know
With respect to the very sime case. A coin col- as “weepers”, the moisture within the walls or door
lector lives near the ocean. The proximity of high rela- will cause rust marks on the door frames].
tive humidity always is present each time the safe door
is opened. This may seem simple, but it is the best solu-
tion, for these cases or existing safes.
If the door (which of course is not hermeti-
cally sealed) is not opened frequently, the moisture in If you ask an expert, many times you will not
the air will cling to the safe walls and contents, and get an answer as to WHAT LEVEL OF RELATIVE
keep building up...total disaster...as the ambient tem- HUMIDITY CAN I ALLOW?
perature changes. Thus you have unwanted moisture
because of a high moisture ambient air, coupled with The answer is 85% warranted by UL fire tests.
external temperature changes causing a higher water It could be lower but it depends on:
content, added to this the uncirculated air inside.
1. The relative humidity in the ambient air at
This happens to a heavy, extra thick steel that time.
burglar safe that sweats on the inside (steel will draw 2. It depends, on the length of time the fire
great amounts of water from the atmosphere, inside burns (response time, cool down time, etc.)
and out).
This has been not acceptable to many con-
Suggestion cerned dealers, investors and collectors who not only
are concerned with their own inventments but also
1. Allow the inside air to circulate by either their client’s investments.
openeing it frequently and...
2. Add a moisture drawing desiccant. These are This has prompted a new age of protection.
crystals that absorb moisture and can be heated Many data storage systems cannot tolerate a humidity
in an oven to dry out and be reused. Devices, factor at 85%. Discs are lost, memory is destroyed.
such as a Perma Pack can control relative hu- A new breed of safe has entered the market. But the
midity to below 40%. humidity is kept to acceptable levels.
3. Or, use a special electric heating rod. It is
available under the name of “Dri-Rod” or This is called a “DATA SAFE”. This safe
“Golden Rod.” It heats the air inside the safe. A is rated 150° F or 125° F to protect media specifi-
temperature rise inside a safe at the bottom to cally. This particular temperature rise (as we have dis-
keep the air dry circulating it to the top. It only cussed) again limits a sudden temperature rise keeping
draws about 7 watts and keeps a three degree unwanted moisture away.
control. A 12” rod is adequate for a 35 cubic
foot cap safe. These particular safes are primarily construct-

continued on page 24...

Page 23 minterrornews.com
Humidity - The Silent Attacker continued from page 23
ed as a “safe-within-a-safe”, (although there are some 3. Adequate Humidity Protection: Also by the
built with single door and wall construction). If a fire reason this composite is made up of concrete,
burns at 1850° F for two hours the inside tempera- it will resist moisture and moisture transfer-
ture does not go above 150° F/ 125° F. It is great for ence through the walls.
magnetic media that cannot handle moisture but these 4. Flexibility: You can locate the inside safe
safes can be rather expensive as compared to a UL TL- anywhere within the large composite safe.
30 composite safe. 5. Large Space Capacity: You will be able to
obtain a large internal capacity with this ar-
My suggested solution is that you consider the rangement.
following: 6. Reasonable Low Cost (vs. a Data Safe):
A Data Safe will run approximately 1 1/2 - 2
1. Obtain a safe that is very secure from any times the cost of using a Composite with a fire
burglar torch, or tool attack. safe inside.
2. Make sure that this safe is made of a com-
posite construction (new state-of-the-art) on all
six sides with appropriate locking and relock-
ing devices that offers no, or minimal, mois-
ture transference through its walls or door.
3. With respect to fire, make sure you have an
UL rating to give you basic fire and humidity
protection as the external temperature rises.
4. If you have rare coins where you cannot al-
low any humidity problems add another small
safe inside with a 2 hour rating.

The inside of the composite 2 hour rated safe, will at

the worst, only see 350° F with a 1840° F external safe
temperature. The inside safe will only see 350° F on
its outside (at the worst) and subsequently, the inside
of the small safe will have virtually no temperature
change, i.e., no moisture added to the air inside.

This has the same effect as the “data safe” but offers
you:

1. Adequate Burglar Protection: It offers tool

and torch protection against attacks on lock,
door and safe body by having composite con-
struction that consists of various nuggets of
dissimilar metals, steel filings, special metallic
rods, etc., that will cause the burglar to keep
changing tools, drills and saws to continue the
attack. Also this amalgamate is encased with
high stress concrete, with drill offset bars, etc.
2. Adequate Fire Protection: By the fact that
the safe is of composite construction, the con-
crete barrier offers a perfect insulation.

Page 24 minterrornews.com
1862 Indian Cent
Obverse Die Cap
T his is one of the most spectacular
and dramatic die caps known.
It capped the obverse die and struck
the planchet split in many places
before it fell off.

many blanks. This Civil War Copper/Nickel

Indian Cent die cap was preserved
This cap became so high that and is in gem condition.

Editor’s Note: The photo of this unbelievable major mint error was submitted by Northeast Numismatics.
You can reach them at (800) 449-2646 or via their website: northeastcoin.com.
Page 25 minterrornews.com
1901/0-S $5 Liberty Gold Struck 10% Off-Center
PCGS AU 55
A ll major mint errors on U.S. Gold coins are ex-
tremely scarce. This piece is one of the most
spectacular gold errors ever discovered.

Although it is described as being struck 10%

off-center, it appears to be 15% off-center. It is very
dramatic because it expanded on the blank planchet as
it was struck.

It would be the centerpiece of any mint error

collection or U.S. Gold collection. An added bonus is
the fact that it is an off-center gold piece on an over-
date.

Page 26 minterrornews.com
Byers Numismatic Corp
mikebyers.com
T he Lar ge st D e a ler of the World’s R are st M i nt Er ror s
TM

U.S. & World Major Mint Errors • Die Trials • Numismatic Rarities
Unique 1866 $2½ Struck on a 3 Cent Pair of Indian Head 1¢ Die Caps Barber Half
Nickel Planchet Obverse & Reverse Full Obverse Brockage
NGC MS 66 PCGS MS 64 PCGS AU 58 UNIQUE

Unique Set of Four 1921-S Morgan Dollar 1895-O Barber Dime

Paraguay Gold Overstrikes Struck 45% Off-Center Obverse Die Cap
NGC Certified NGC MS 63 PCGS MS 64

1846 J-110A $5 Obv Die Trial 1924 SL 25¢ 1862 Indian Head 1¢
Struck on $2½ Trial Double Struck Deep Obverse Die Cap
NGC MS 65 BN ANACS AU 55 PCGS MS 62

Unique Set of Three 1887 $3 Indian Gold Proof 1942 Walking Liberty 50¢
Paraguay Gold Overstrikes Triple Struck Struck on Silver 25¢ Planchet
NGC Certified PCGS PR 63 PCGS MS 65

Unique Jefferson Nickel 1802/1 $5 Draped Bust Gold 1865 2¢

Die Trial Triple Struck Obverse Deep Obverse Die Cap
PCGS Certified ANACS EF 45 & Brockage

1804 $2½ Capped Bust To Right 1898 Barber 25¢ 1945-S WL 50¢
Double Struck Obverse Die Cap & Brockage Struck on El Salvador 25¢ Planchet
NGC Fine 15 PCGS MS 62 NGC MS 63 UNQUE

1806 $5 Capped Bust Triple Struck 1865 $1 Indian Gold Proof 1920 Buffalo Nickel
Rotated 90° Triple Struck Reverse Struck on Copper Planchet
PCGS AU 50 PCGS PR 64 Cameo NGC AU 55 UNIQUE

1874 $1 U.S. Gold T3 1873 $20 Closed 3 J-1344 1901/0-S $5 Liberty Gold
Full Brockage Double Struck 10% Off-Center
PCGS MS 62 UNIQUE NGC PF 61 RB PCGS AU 55

1853 U.S. Assay Gold $20 1965 English Penny 1875-CC $20 Liberty Gold
Double Struck Struck on Gold Planchet Partial Collar
NGC AU 55 PCGS MS 62 NGC MS 62

Pair of Barber Dime Die Caps Franklin Half Dollar 1910 Lincoln Cent
Obverse & Reverse Struck on 1948 Cent Uniface Test Strike
PCGS AU 55 UNIQUE NGC MS 64 BN PCGS AU 58

1904 $20 Gold Indian Cent on Half Dime Planchet 1851 3¢ Obverse & Reverse
Double Struck Uniface Obverse Die Trials
ANACS MS 60 Proof-Like PCGS MS 63 Struck on Cardboard

1864 2¢ Obverse Die Cap Martha Washington Dollar Test Piece 1869 Indian Cent
Mated With Brockage Clad Plan w/Exp Edge Struck on Silver Dime Planchet
PCGS MS 62 NGC MS 64 PCGS AU 55

1856 Large Cent Obverse Cap/ Martha Washington Dollar Test Piece 1906-D $20 Liberty Gold
Brockage Reverse Sac Plan w/Exp Edge Broadstruck
Gem BU NGC MS 64 NGC AU 58

1920 SL 25¢ 1838 $5 Die Trial Splasher 1866 Shield Nickel with RAYS
Struck on Peru 20C Planchet J-A1838-6 Struck on Indian Cent Planchet
NGC MS 60 FH Unique PCGS MS 65 UNIQUE PCGS XF 45
Double Struck 20¢ Piece
- Unique Discovery -
M ajor mint errors on 20¢ Pieces are unheard of.
It’s one of the toughest U.S. Denominations
with major mint errors. The only two errors on 20¢
This would be the highlight of any collection
of major mint errors, silver type coins or 20¢ pieces.
It is one of the most spectacular major mint errors that
pieces that come to mind are a broadstruck in VG has recently surfaced.
condition and a 5% Off-Center in Fine condition.

This is a unique discovery. This 20¢ Piece was

double struck and the obverse rotated between strikes.
Upon close examination much of the detail of the
original strike is present on the obverse.

To top it off, this 20¢ piece is a better date

(1876 with a mintage of only 15,900). It is also in
choice mint state condition with medium original
toning.

Page 28 minterrornews.com
Unique Gold Brockage Sells For
Record Price of $75,000
by Mike Byers

T his is the only known full brockage on any U.S.

Gold Coin of any denomination. It is a first strike
obverse brockage of the reverse. It is in choice mint
state condition with proof-like surfaces.

This unbelievable gold major mint error was

in Fred Weinberg’s personal mint error collection for
over twenty years. After months of negotiations I was
able to convince Fred to part with one of his all time
favorites. He couldn’t pass my offer and reluctantly
sold me the coin.

It was instantly placed in one of the largest

mint error collections currently being assembled. The
owner wishes to be anonymous, but stated that it may
be displayed in the near future. It sold for $75,000 and
set a record price.

Page 29 minterrornews.com
Unique 2 Headed Shilling
by Mike Byers

T here are approximately thirty genuine two-headed

or two-tailed coins that have been authenticated
by ANACS, PCGS or NGC. There are only three
known “Two Tailed” U.S. coins: two Quarters and one
Dime. One of the Quarters recently sold for $80,000.

I have handled most of the world coins that

were struck with either two obverse or two reverse
dies. Two of these are Canadian Copper Cents that
were struck with two reverse dies and authenticated
by PCGS. I purchased these in a Canadian Mint Error
Collection and they have since been featured in a front
page Coin World article.

The coin featured here is a discovery coin.

It is the first reported and authenticated two-headed
English Victorian Shilling (Young Head). This type
was struck by the Royal Mint from 1838 to 1887. It
was authenticated by the Royal Mint in 1969, certified
by NGC and also authenticated by several mint error
experts. Since this Two Headed mint error is quite cir-
culated it was most likely carried as a pocket piece and
it is amazing that it survived all these years.

Page 30 minterrornews.com
Martha Washington Dime
Sells For $51,750

A n extremely rare Martha Washington Test

Piece struck on a clad Dime planchet sold
in the Bowers and Merena Baltimore ANA Auc-
There is one known Martha Washington
Test Piece struck on a clad Quarter blank in private
hands. This coin is the plate coin for Judd #2115
tion for $51,750. To date, this is the only known on page 290 of the eighth edition of United States
Martha Washington Test Piece on a Dime blank in Pattern Coins, Experimental and Trial Pieces.
private hands.
There is one Martha Washington Test
In the recent Heritage Auction at the Char- Piece on a Cent blank that is considered unique.
lotte Mid-Winter ANA, a Martha Washington Half This coin is the plate coin for Judd #2180 on page
Test Piece struck on a clad Quarter planchet sold 294 of the eighth edition of United States Pattern
for $29,900. This piece is considered unique. Coins, Experimental and Trial Pieces.

uspatterns.com
The Society of U.S. Pattern Collectors is dedicated
to the study of many of the rarest coins struck at the
U.S. Mint: patterns, die trials and experimental pieces.
Page 31 minterrornews.com
Extraterrestrial Numismatics

w w w.a n a cs.c om
ANACS is the Collector’s Choice because we
know what counts: knowledge, integrity, and
service. How much we value coin collecting is
evident in our work.

The ANACS team enthusiastically works to

advance coin collecting by offering unequaled
expertise and developing new services.

This makes ANACS the choice of hobbyists,

professional numismatists, and dealers. We are
the coin grading service to contact when you
want to know all the details about your coin’s
authenticity and grading.

Collect with passion.

Mint Error News Price Guide
This price guide is brought to you by Mint Error News. It has been compiled by
many of the top major mint error dealers.
This price guide is a guide. Prices fluctuate due to the date, grade, eye appeal and how
dramatic the striking error is. Rarity is also a factor. The price is sometimes based on
the rarity and grade of the type of coin as well as how rare the error is. The price can
also vary depending on whether two collectors are bidding for the same rare major
mint error. When purchasing a mint error, it is important to use multiple resources to
determine value, as there are many mint errors that do not fit into one category.

Indents
A n indent error occurs when two blanks are
fed inadvertently into the same collar, with
one blank partly overlaying on top of the other.
When the hammer die strikes this combination,
the upper blank will be forced into the lower
blank, creating a depression which is shaped
similar to the upper blank. A scarce type of
indent occurs when a blank intended for one
denomination lands on top of a blank from a dif-
ferent denomination.

Denomination 10% - 25% XF 30% - 50% XF 10% - 25% Unc 30% - 50% Unc
Large Cent $300 – – –
Indian Cent $250 $500 $400 $650
Lincoln Cent 1943 Steel $100 $300 $175 $500
Lincoln Cent Wheat Ears $30 $75 $75 $125
3 Cent Nickel $500 $1,250 $1,500 $3,000
Shield Nickel $1,000 $1,500 $2,000 $3,000
Liberty Nickel $400 $1,000 $750 $1,500
Buffalo Nickel $300 $1,000 – –
Jefferson Nickel War Time $200 $400 $400 $750
Jefferson Nickel $10 $25 $15 $30
Barber Dime $1,000 $2,000 $1,500 $3,000
Mercury Dime $300 $750 $500 $1,500
Roosevelt Dime Silver $30 $60 $50 $100
Roosevelt Dime Clad $10 $20 $15 $30
Washington Quarter Silver $100 $200 $150 $300
Washington Quarter Clad $25 $50 $35 $100
State Quarter N/A N/A $200 $350
Kennedy Half Clad $150 $300 $200 $400
IKE Dollar $350 $1,000 $500 $1,500
SBA Dollar N/A N/A $250 $500
Sac Dollar N/A N/A $400 $750

Page 33 minterrornews.com
Mint Error News Price Guide
Capped Dies
A capped die is caused when a struck coin
sticks to the upper hammer die. Once the
coin is struck to the die face, the reverse of the
struck coin becomes the new die face. When the
next blank is fed into the collar and the strike oc-
curs, the reverse design of the adheared struck
coin impresses itself into the new blank. This
struck coin is a brockage strike. The coin adhered
to the upper die is known as a die cap. This pro-
cess repeats itself as more coins are struck by the
cap. The greater the number of strikes, the higher
the cap metal will be pushed around the upper die
shaft. Eventually, the cap brakes away from the
die in the shape of a thimble.
Denomination Obverse Cap XF Obverse Cap Unc Reverse Cap XF Reverse Cap Unc
Large Cent $12,500 $15,000 – –
Indian Cent 1859 $10,000 $15,000 – –
Indian Cent 1860-1864 $8,500 $12,500 – –
Indian Cent 1864-1909 $6,500 $10,000 $5,000 $7,500
Lincoln Cent 1943 Steel – – – –
Lincoln Cent Wheat Ears $1,000 $1,500 $500 $750
Lincoln Cent Memorial $150 $200 $50 $100
2 Cent Piece $12,500 $20,000 $10,000 $15,000
3 Cent Nickel – – – –
Shield Nickel – – – –
Liberty Nickel $12,500 $20,000 – –
Buffalo Nickel (1 Known) – $30,000 – –
Jefferson Nickel War Time $10,000 – – –
Jefferson Nickel $200 $350 $150 $250
Barber Dime $12,500 $15,000 $7,500 $10,000
Mercury Dime (2 Known) $6,500 $10,000 – –
Roosevelt Dime Silver $750 $1,250 $500 $750
Roosevelt Dime Clad $200 $400 $200 $250
Barber Quarter $15,000 $20,000 – –
Washington Quarter Silver $1,500 $2,500 $1,500 $2,000
Washington Quarter Clad $350 $500 $250 $350
State Quarter N/A $1,000 N/A $600
Kennedy Half Silver $3,000 $5,000 $2,000 $3,000
Kennedy Half Clad $2,000 $3,500 $1,500 $2,000
Kennedy Half Bicentennial $2,500 $4,000 $1,750 $2,500
IKE Dollar – $20,000 – –
SBA Dollar N/A $20,000 N/A $15,000
Sac Dollar N/A $20,000 N/A $15,000

Page 34 minterrornews.com
Mint Error News Price Guide
Die Adjustment Strikes

D ie adjustment strikes are also known

as die trials. This error occurs when a
coin is struck from the press with very little
pressure. When the press is being set up and
adjusted, extremely weak strikes occur as the
strike pressure reaches its optimum level.
These die trials are destroyed after being
struck and are rarely found in circulation.

Denomination XF/AU Unc

Indian Cent $3,000 $4,000
Lincoln Cent Wheat Ear $200 $300
Lincoln Cent 1943 Steel $750 $1,500
Lincoln Cent Memorial $50 $75
2 Cent $5,000 –
Liberty Nickel $.3,000 $5,000
Buffalo Nickel $4,000 $7,500
Jefferson Nickel War Time $1,250 $2,000
Jefferson Nickel $75 $100
Proof Jefferson Nickel N/A $4,000
Barber Dime $4,000 $5,000
Mercury Dime $3,500 $5,000
Roosevelt Dime Silver $350 $500
Roosevelt Dime Clad $100 $125
Seated Quarter $10,000 $15,000
Standing Liberty Quarter $15,000 $20,000
Washington Quarter Silver $500 $750
Washington Quarter Clad (Pre-State) $125 $150
State Quarter N/A $250 +
Walking Liberty Half $10,000 $12,500
Kennedy Half Silver $500 $750
Kennedy Half Clad $200 $250
Proof Kennedy Half 40% Silver N/A $5,000
Proof Kennedy Half Clad N/A $4,000
Morgan Dollar $10,000 $15,000
Peace Dollar $10,000 $15,000
IKE Dollar $300 $400
IKE Dollar Bicentennial $350 $500
SBA Dollar N/A $500
Sac Dollar N/A $1,000

Page 35 minterrornews.com
Mint Error News Price Guide
Double Denominations
O ne of the most expensive, popular, and
desired types of errors are the double
denominations. This error happens when a
coin is struck on a previously struck coin of a
smaller denomination. Examples are a cent on
a struck dime, and a nickel on a struck cent.
The most dramatic are those with consider-
able design visible from the original strike.
There are a few known double denominations
with different dates.

Denomination Struck On Circulated AU Unc

Lincoln Cent Wheat Ears Mercury Dime $6,000 – –
Lincoln Cent Wheat Ears Roosevelt Dime $4,000 – –
Lincoln Cent Wheat Ears Foreign Coin $2,000 $2,500 –
Lincoln Cent Memorial Roosevelt Dime Silver $3,000 $4,500 $6,000
Lincoln Cent Memorial Roosevelt Dime Clad N/A N/A $500
Lincoln Cent Memorial Foreign Coin N/A 600 $750
Jefferson Nickel Lincoln Cent Wheat Ears $1,500 $2,000 $2,500
Jefferson Nickel Lincoln Cent Memorial $500 $600 $750
Jefferson Nickel Foreign Coin $1,000 $1,250 $1,500
Jefferson Nickel Roosevelt Dime $1,000 $1,250 $1,500
Roosevelt Dime Silver Foreign Coin $4,000 $5,000 $7,500
Roosevelt Dime Clad Foreign Coin $3,000 $4,000 $5,000
Washington Quarter Silver Lincoln Cent Wheat Ears $3,000 $4,000 $6,000
Washington Quarter Silver Lincoln Cent Memorial $2,500 $3,000 $3,500
Washington Quarter Silver Foreign Coin $2,500 $3,000 $3,500
Washington Quarter Silver Jefferson Nickel $3,000 $4,000 $6,000
Washington Quarter Silver Roosevelt Dime Silver $2,500 $3,000 $3,500
Washington Quarter Clad Lincoln Cent Memorial $2,500 $3,000 $3,500
Washington Quarter Clad Foreign Coin $2,000 $2,500 $3,000
Washington Quarter Clad Jefferson Nickel $2,500 $3,000 $3,500
Washington Quarter Clad Roosevelt Dime Clad $2,000 $2,500 $3,000
State Quarter Jefferson Nickel N/A $5,000 $6,000
State Quarter (Extremely Rare) Any Other Denomination N/A $10,000 + –
Kennedy Half (Extremely Rare) Any Denomination – – –
IKE Dollar (Extremely Rare) Any Denomination – – –
Sac Dollar Maryland State Quarter N/A $4,500 $5,500

Page 36 minterrornews.com
Mint Error News Price Guide
Brockages
A brockage error can only occur when there
are two coins involved. One of the coins
involved will always be a struck coin which has
not ejected properly. That struck coin will find
its way back between the dies and will be struck
next to a blank planchet which was fed into the
collar. The image of that first struck coin will be
impressed into that side of the blank planchet.
The result will be a second coin which has im-
ages of the first coin impressed into it. Those im-
ages will be pressed into the coin and the image
will be in reverse. This incuse sunken image is
known as a brockage.

Denomination 50% Brockage XF 100% Brockage XF 50% Brockage Unc 100% Brockage Unc
Large Cent $600 $1,000 $3,000 –
Indian Cent $500 $1,250 $1,500 $4,000
Lincoln Cent 1943 Steel $350 $500 $650 $1,000
Lincoln Cent Wheat Ears $125 $200 $200 $350
3 Cent Nickel $1,250 $2,000 $3,500 $5,000
3 Cent Silver $2,000 $3,000 $3,000 $6,000
Shield Nickel $1,500 $2,500 $3,500 –
Liberty Nickel $1,250 $2,250 $2,000 –
Buffalo Nickel $2,000 – – –
Jefferson Nickel War Time $250 $750 $750 –
Jefferson Nickel $50 $75 $50 $150
Barber Dime $2,500 $3,500 $5,000 $7,500
Mercury Dime $1,000 $2,000 $1,500 $4,000
Roosevelt Dime Silver $100 $200 $150 $250
Roosevelt Dime Clad $50 $100 $75 $150
Washington Quarter Silver $200 $500 $500 $1,000
Washington Quarter Clad $75 $150 $150 $250
State Quarter N/A N/A $750 $1,500
Kennedy Half Clad N/A N/A $650 $1,500
IKE Dollar $1,500 $2,000 $3,000 $5,000
SBA Dollar N/A N/A $500 $1,500
Sac Dollar N/A N/A $1,500 –

Page 37 minterrornews.com
Mint Error News Price Guide
Double & Multiple Strikes

W hen a blank planchet is struck by the

dies, the normal procedure is for the
feeders to eject the struck coin out of the
collar and into a chute. If there is a malfunc-
tion and the struck coin isn’t ejected, it may
receive a second or third strike by the dies.
A multiple struck coin can happen in many
ways and have many combinations of errors.

Denomination XF/AU Unc

Large Cent $1,000 –
Indian Cent $600 $1,000
Lincoln Cent 1930 and Earlier $850 $1,500
Lincoln Cent 1943 Steel $400 $1,000
Proof Lincoln Cent N/A $4,000
3 Cent Nickel $2,000 $3,500
Liberty Nickel $4,000 $10,000
Buffalo Nickel $6,000 $10,000
Jefferson Nickel War Time $750 $2,000
Proof Jefferson Nickel N/A $6,000
Barber Dime $4,000 $10,000
Mercury Dime $3,500 $8,500
Proof Clad Dime N/A $6,000
Standing Liberty Quarter $12,500 $20,000
Washington Quarter Silver $200 $350
State Quarter N/A $350 – $750
Proof Clad Quarter N/A $7,500
Walking Liberty Half $7,500 $12,500
Franklin Half $5,000 $10,000
Kennedy Half Silver $1,500 $2,500
Kennedy Half Clad N/A $750
Proof Kennedy Half Clad N/A $7,500
Morgan Dollar $12,500 $20,000
Peace Dollar $15,000 $25,000
IKE Dollar $2,000 $3,000
SBA Dollar N/A $1,000 – $2,500
Sac Dollar N/A $1,500 – $3,000

Page 38 minterrornews.com
Mint Error News Price Guide
Off-Center Strikes

O ff-center coins are one of the most com-

mon and best known types of errors.
This happens when a blank which is sup-
posed to be fed into the press, lands in the
collar improperly. When this occurs only part
of the blank is between the upper and lower
dies. When the dies strike the blank, only that
part will be struck with a design.

Denomination 10% - 15% XF/AU 25% - 60% XF/AU 10% - 15% Unc 25% - 60% Unc
Large Cent $400 $2,500 $1,000 $7,500
Flying Eagle Cent (1857 – 1858) $2,500 $10,000 $5,000 $15,000
Indian Cent $100 $400 $200 $600
Lincoln Cent 1930 and Earlier $75 $300 $150 $750
Lincoln Cent 1943 Steel $40 $250 $100 $500
Proof Lincoln Cent N/A N/A $1,500 $3,000
3 Cent Nickel $300 $1,500 $600 $3,500
3 Cent Silver $1,000 $5,000 $2,000 –
Shield Nickel $750 $2,500 $1,000 $7,500
Liberty Nickel $250 $1,000 $500 $2,500
Buffalo Nickel $250 $750 $400 $1,500
Jefferson Nickel War Time $100 $500 $200 $1,000
Proof Jefferson Nickel N/A N/A $2,000 $5,000
Seated Half Dime Legend $3,000 $7,500 $5,000 $15,000
Seated Dime Legend $2,000 $7,000 $3,500 $10,000
Barber Dime $300 $1,500 $500 $2,500
Mercury Dime $100 $750 $150 $1,250
Proof Clad Dime N/A N/A $2,500 $5,000
Barber Quarter $1,500 $5,000 $2,500 $10,000
Standing Liberty Quarter $5,000 – $15,000 –
Washington Quarter Silver $50 $100 $75 $150
State Quarter N/A N/A $75 $300
Proof Clad Quarter N/A N/A $3,000 $6,000
Barber Half $3,000 $8,500 $5,000 –
Walking Liberty Half $4,000 $12,500 $7,500 –
Franklin Half $2,500 $4,000 $3,500 $6,000
Kennedy Half Silver $100 $500 $250 $1,000
Kennedy Half Clad $60 $250 $100 $400
Proof Clad Half N/A N/A $4,000 $7,500
Morgan Dollar $3,000 $13,500 $7,500 $20,000
Peace Dollar $7,500 $15,000 $8,500 $30,000
IKE Dollar $125 $1,250 $150 $2,000
SBA Dollar N/A N/A $100 $500
Sac Dollar N/A N/A $1,000 $3,500

Page 39 minterrornews.com
Mint Error News Price Guide
Off-Metals
O ff-metal and wrong planchet errors occur when a correctly made
blank from one denomination is accidentaly fed into a press for
another denomination. Examples are a nickel struck on a cent planchet
and a cent struck on a dime planchet. The coin struck on an incorrect
blank will weigh exactly what the denomination of that blank would
have been. An even more dramatic wrong planchet error is a coin
struck on a previously struck coin of a different metal.
Denomination Off-Metal Planchet Circulated AU Unc Choice Unc – Gem
Indian Cent Foreign Planchet $1,000 $1,500 $3,000 $5,000
Indian Cent Dime Planchet $7,500 $12,500 – –
Lincoln Cent Before 1919 Dime Planchet $4,000 $6,500 $10,000 –
Lincoln Cent Before 1919 Foreign Planchet $1,500 $3,000 $6,000 –
Lincoln Cent 1919 – 1940 Dime Planchet $2,000 $2,500 $4,000 $6,000
Lincoln Cent 1919 – 1940 Foreign Planchet $750 $1,250 $2,000 $2,500
Lincoln Cent 1943 Steel Dime Planchet $1,500 $2,500 $3,500 $4,500
Lincoln Cent 1943 Transitional Copper Cent Planchet $40,000 + $60,000 + $85,000 + $100,000 +
Lincoln Cent 1944 Transitional Steel Cent Planchet $7,500 $12,500 $17,500 $25,000
Lincoln Cent Wheat Ears (1941-1964) Dime Planchet $500 $600 $1,000 $1,500
Lincoln Cent 1965 and Later Dime Planchet $125 $150 $200 $350
Lincoln Cent 1964 Transitional Clad Dime Planchet $2,500 $4,000 $5,000 $6,500
Lincoln Cent 1965 Transitional Silver Dime Planchet $2,750 $4,500 $6,000 $7,500
Shield Nickel Foreign Planchet $7,500 $12,500 – –
Shield Nickel Cent Planchet $6,000 $12,500 $15,000 –
Liberty Nickel Foreign Planchet $400 $750 $1,250 $2,000
Liberty Nickel Cent Planchet $2,000 $3,000 $6,000 $7,500
Buffalo Nickel Foreign Planchet $2,500 $6,000 $10,000 –
Buffalo Nickel Cent Planchet $2,000 $4,000 $6,000 $8,000
Jefferson Nickel Before 1950 Cent Planchet $250 $500 $750 $1,000
Jefferson Nickel 1950 and Later Cent Planchet $125 $150 $200 $250
Jefferson Nickel 1943 Steel Cent Planchet $1,000 $2,000 $3,000 $5,000
Jefferson Nickel 1964 and Earlier Silver Dime Planchet $200 $300 $350 $400
Jefferson Nickel 1965 and Later Clad Dime Planchet $150 $200 $225 $250
Roosevelt Dime Silver Foreign Planchet $2,000 $2,500 $3,000 $3,500
Roosevelt Dime Clad Foreign Planchet $1,500 $2,000 $2,250 $2,500
Roosevelt Dime 1964 Transitional Clad Dime Planchet $5,000 $6,500 $7,500 $8,500
Roosevelt Dime 1965 Transitional Silver Dime Planchet $5,000 $6,500 $7,500 $8,500
Washington Quarter Silver Cent Planchet $300 $400 $500 $750
Washington Quarter Silver Nickel Planchet $300 $400 $500 $600
Washington Quarter Clad Cent Planchet $250 $300 $400 $500
Washington Quarter Clad Nickel Planchet $100 $150 $200 $250
Washington Quarter Silver Dime Planchet $300 $400 $500 $650
Washington Quarter Clad Dime Planchet $250 $300 $350 $400
Washington Quarter 1964 Transitional Clad Quarter Planchet $5,000 $6,500 $7,500 $8,500
Washington Quarter 1965 Transitional Silver Quarter Planchet $5,000 $6,500 $7,500 $8,500
State Quarter Cent Planchet N/A $6,500 $7,500 $8,000
Delaware State Quarter Nickel Planchet N/A $500 $650 $750
All Other State Quarters Nickel Planchet N/A $1,000 $1,250 $1,500
State Quarter Dime Planchet N/A $5,000 $5,500 $6,000
Walking Half Quarter Planchet $12,500 $15,000 $17,500 $22,500
Walking Half Foreign Planchet $10,000 $12,500 $17,500 $20,000
Franklin Half Cent Planchet $3,000 $4,000 $5,000 $6,000
Franklin Half Nickel Planchet $3,000 $4,000 $5,000 $6,000
Franklin Half Dime Planchet $3,500 $4,500 $5,500 $6,500
Franklin Half Quarter Planchet $600 $750 $1,000 $1,250
Kennedy Half Silver 1964 Cent Planchet $1,000 $1,250 $1,500 $2,000
Kennedy Half Silver 1964 Nickel Planchet $1,000 $1,250 $1,500 $2,000
Kennedy Half Silver 1964 Dime Planchet $1,000 $1,250 $2,000 $2,500
Kennedy Half Silver 1964 Quarter Planchet $400 $500 $600 $750
Kennedy Half Clad Cent Planchet $750 $850 $1,000 $1,500
Kennedy Half Clad Nickel Planchet $750 $850 $1,000 $1,250
Kennedy Half Clad Dime Planchet $750 $850 $1,000 $1,400
Kennedy Half Clad Quarter Planchet $350 $400 $450 $500
Kennedy Half 1964 Transitional Clad Half Planchet $5,000 $6,000 $7,000 $9,000
Kennedy Half 1965 Transitional Silver Half Planchet $5,000 $6,500 $7,500 $10,000
Kennedy Half 1964 Transitional Clad Quarter Planchet $5,000 $6,000 $7,500 $8,500
Kennedy Half 1965 Transitional Silver Quarter Planchet $6,000 $7,500 $8,000 $9,000
Ike Dollar Cent Planchet $3,000 $3,750 $5,000 $6,000
Ike Dollar Nickel Planchet $3,000 $3,500 $5,000 $6,000
Ike Dollar Dime Planchet $3,250 $3,750 $5,500 $6,500
Ike Dollar Quarter Planchet $2,750 $3,000 $4,000 $4,500
Ike Dollar Half Planchet $1,600 $1,750 $2,000 $2,500
Ike Dollar Foreign Planchet $900 $1,000 $1,250 $1,500
Ike Dollar Transitional 40% Silver Planchet $2,750 $3,000 $3,500 $4,000
SBA Dollar Cent Planchet N/A $1,750 $2,250 $3,000
SBA Dollar Nickel Planchet N/A $6,000 $7,000 $8,000
SBA Dollar Dime Planchet N/A $6,000 $7,000 $8,000
SBA Dollar Quarter Planchet N/A $600 $850 $1,000
Sac Dollar Cent Planchet N/A $8,000 $9,000 $10,000
Sac Dollar Nickel Planchet N/A $7,500 $8,000 $9,000
Sac Dollar Dime Planchet N/A $8,000 $9,000 $10,000
Sac Dollar Quarter Planchet N/A $1,500 $2,000 $2,500

Page 40 minterrornews.com
TM

Exclusive Discounts
Good for purchases on-line, eBay and at coin shows!

alscoins.com $10 off a purchase of

a mint error valued at
$100 or more from Al’s
Coins.
Offer valid on purchases made from alscoins.com, eBay and at coin shows. This offer is good for any purchase made in
the year 2003. One coupon per purchase. This coupon can not be used in conjunction with any other offer.

errorcointrader.com $20 off a purchase of

a mint error valued at
$200 or more from Error
Coin Trader.
Offer valid on purchases made from errorcointrader.com, eBay and at coin shows. This offer is good for any purchase
made in the year 2003. One coupon per purchase. This coupon can not be used in conjunction with any other offer.

mikebyers.com $250 off a purchase of

a mint error valued at
$2,500 or more from
Mike Byers.
Offer valid on purchases made from mikebyers.com, eBay and at coin shows. This offer is good for any purchase made
in the year 2003. One coupon per purchase. This coupon can not be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Page 41 minterrornews.com
How To Use The Auctions
Without Getting Skinned by Raymond Gaudette

T he on-line auctions held on eBay, Yahoo and oth-

ers like it are a good place to pick up those hard
to find coins. While deceptively simple to use, there
want you to see. Unless it’s a $50,000.00 one of a kind
coin, the general rule of thumb is, there will always be
another one coming along sometime soon so wait for
are many things of which to be wary. The following it.
tips are the result of my long experience with on-line
auctions… A FOOL AND HIS MONEY …

IF IT SOUNDS TO GOOD TO BE TRUE… Make sure that you know the value of the coin
on which you are bidding! There are plenty of good
Oftentimes you will see an item up for auction reference materials around (Red Book, Blue Book,
at a very low price and rush to get a bid in on such a Black Book, Coin World Trends, COINage Trends,
bargain. Well, it’s true that there is no such thing as a etc.) that will give you an estimate of the value of that
free lunch. Many times a fantastic item put up for auc- special coin on which you are bidding. Read them
tion has been found to be a fake. Recently a Sacagawea and don’t get infected by “auction fever” where you
Dollar / Washington Quarter mule came up on one of bid continuously higher and higher just because you
the auction sites for less than $25.00. The price in it- WANT that coin! Know what the coin is worth and
self should have been a giveaway, as there is probably what it is worth to you. Stop bidding when you reach
only one collector, somewhere in Adak, Alaska, who that figure.
has not heard of “The Mule” and it’s $50,000.00 and
up price tag. If it were real, why would someone sell it CHECK THE FEEDBACK
for $25.00?
A PICTURE IS WORTH… Each auction site allows the buyers to rate the
sellers and the sellers to rate the buyers. This is called
Always check the picture (scan) that accompa- “feedback” and shows up as a number next to the sell-
nies the auction. Make sure that the seller is clear that ers (or buyers) name. Click on it and you will see what
this is a scan of the actual coin upon which you will other buyers have had to say about this seller. If you
be bidding and not just, “one like this”. Grading is an read too many negative comments about this seller
art and not a science so make sure that you are con- then by all means pass him/her by. If others have had
formable with the seller’s grade for the coin. Check problems with this person then don’t take the chance
for nicks, scratches, gouges, dents, holes, fingerprints that you will too. Common sense prevails here, though.
and/or signs of cleaning. This is your only opportunity No one is perfect and if you sell or buy long enough
to “examine” the coin before you buy it so make the you will accumulate “some” negative feedback. Use
most of it. If an auction doesn’t have a scan, pass it by, your head. If a seller or buyer has a rating of 500 and
regardless of the price! If the seller can’t post a picture you find 5 negative comments, chances are this is a
of the coin, there may be something that he doesn’t good seller or buyer.
Page 42 minterrornews.com
CHECK THE SELLERS TERMS ALWAYS GET INSURANCE

When you bid at an on-line auction, you are en- If the seller requests reimbursement for in-
tering into a binding contract to purchase the item on surance or makes insurance optional, always request
which you bid if you are the high bidder for that item. the insurance. While the law is on your side in cases
Read the seller’s terms very carefully before you bid. where the package never arrives, it’s worth the small
These terms can generally be found in the Description price of insurance to avoid the hassle of having to take
section of the auction. This is where the seller will tell the seller to court to get a replacement coin or to get
you how much you must include for Shipping & Han- your money back.
dling and Insurance.
LET THE BUYER BEWARE
Some sellers try to pad their profit by charging
an exorbitant amount for shipping/handling/insurance Always ask questions! There is a link provided
and if you win the auction you must pay this inflated in all auctions to ask the seller a question. Use it if you
amount. Check it out first and if you think the amount have any questions for the seller about the auction.
is extreme then pass this seller by. Someone else will After the bidding has ended, it is too late to ask ques-
always be along to sell another of these coins at a rea- tions. Be a wise bidder and you will almost always be
sonable price. a satisfied buyer!

Robert L. Astrich P.O. Box 981

Hempstead, TX 77445
Office: (979) 826-2221 Fax: (979)826-6566

I BUY AND SELL MAJOR ERROR COINS, ALL U.S COINS & EARLY FOREIGN CROWNS & GOLD, HIGH
GRADE CERTIFIED MORGAN & PEACE DOLLARS, U.S DATED GOLD & HI RELIEFS, EARLY 1936-42
PROOF SETS CERTIFIED & RAW.

I AM A STRONG BUYER OF ORIGINAL EARLY MINT SETS 1947-58, AND PAY STRONG PRICES FOR
ORIGINAL ROLLS OF CENTS THRU HALF DOLLARS 1954 & EARLIER. I ALSO BUY ORIGINAL BU
DOLLAR ROLLS. I AM A FULL TIME USER OF THE CERTIFIED COIN EXCHANGE AND THE COIN NET
SYSTEMS. I AM AN ACTIVE BUYER OF LARGE COIN COLLECTIONS.

ALL TRANSACTIONS WILL REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL.

The Software Clinic

Specializing in numismatic
website creation.
Ray Gaudette New Book - 100 Greatest U.S. Coins

[email protected] by Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth

Order your copy today!
Coi n Fact s.com

Page 43 minterrornews.com
Order your copy today!

The Cherrypickers’ Guide

To Rare Die Varieties
Volume Two, Fourth Edition
The Second Volume of the Fourth Edition of The Cherrypickers’ Guide is just around the corner. We are now
accepting prepublication orders at a 20% discount off the retail price. The discount will be applied to orders placed and
paid for by September 15, 2003. To place your order, please visit www.cherrypickersguide.com. Or send an e-mail to
[email protected] for instructions, or write to J. T. Stanton, P. O. Box 15487, Savannah, GA 31416-2187.

There are three versions being offered for this volume. The standard 5.5” x 8.5” page size coil bound, the most
popular version. A hard bound version with a 5.5” x 8.5” page size (available appx. November, 2003). There will
also be a new, large format version available. The copy will be the same as for the 5.5” x 8.5”, but will be printed
on an 8.5” x 11” page. Again coil bound, this version will allow about 1.5” space on all 4 sides of the copy for
notes, plus will include extra note pages within the book. Those who like to keep detailed notes of their collection
and of new varieties will find this version the most accommodating.

Only orders place with J. T. Stanton either by mail, fax or via the web site will be autographed and numbered. If
you have a copy of Volume One which is numbered, please note your Volume One book number and your Volume
Two will also have the same book number. Payment by check, money order or PayPal only.

5.5” x 8.5” Coil bound $39.95

5.5” x 8.5” Hard bound $69.95

8.5” x 11” Large format, spiral bound $64.95

P & H is $3.50 for the first copy, and $1.50 for each additional copy.
Mailing will be via Media Mail.

For mail orders, send check or money order to:

(PayPal account is [email protected])

J. T. Stanton
P. O. Box 15487
Savannah, GA 31416-2187

Phone: 912-355-1976
Fax: 912-355-3399

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.cherrypickersguide.com
Upcoming Coin Shows
Visit Mike Byers at his table.
Sept 18-21 Long Beach Coin & Collectible Expo

Nov 21-23 Santa Clara Coin and Stamp Show

Dec 4-7 Baltimore

50 years of quality Tradition: Make new friends
but keep the old - one is silver the other is gold. Jan 8-12 FUN Show

silve r tow ne.com Feb 27-Mar 2 Long Beach Coin & Collectible Expo
Discovery of Error on
Experimental Currency by Frederick J. Bart

S ince the introduction of small (modern) size paper

money in 1929, the Bureau of Engraving and Print-
ing (BEP) has--on very rare occasions--experimented
Although the BEP produces in excess of
twelve billion pieces of paper money per year, excel-
lent quality control accounts for very few errors being
with compositional changes in the currency paper. released into circulation. Scarce errors--such as those
The BEP, in cooperation with Crane & Co. of Dalton, with the serial numbers and seals printed on the back-
MA (exclusive supplier of paper stock for currency -are produced infrequently and in very tiny quantities.
printing since 1861), has conducted a mere handful Even fewer still escape the watchful eyes of human
of tests to assess the durability of various papers. In and electronic inspectors, making the so-called third
each instance, extremely limited and tightly regulated print on back error extremely popular. Aside from the
numbers of experimental notes were produced. scarcity issue, other factors contribute to the popular-
ity of the mistake: (1) the error is readily obvious to
Perhaps the most famous--and most familiar- even the non-collector and (2) errors are apparent on
-of experimental paper money involves the so-called both sides of the note with the face/front resembling
“R” and “S” notes of World War II-era vintage. These “play money” as there is no serial number or seal and
tests occurred on $1 silver certificates of the 1935-A the back appears to crowded with the overprint ele-
series. The “R” surcharge, in red ink in the lower right ments resting atop the normal design.
corner of the face or front of the note designated “reg-
ular” composition, while the “S” reflected a “special” At the 112th convention of the American Nu-
formulation. Slightly more than one million of each mismatic Association in Baltimore, MD, a discovery
variety was released into circulation in 1944, with the note appeared: it is a $1 1977-A Federal Reserve note
intention of analyzing the results of paper durability experimental (on Natick test paper) with the serial
upon redemption. However, the rate and quantity of numbers and seals printed on the back.
return was so small that a statistically significant result
was never achieved. This note combines the ultimate in rarity
with a mistake of noteworthy importance arising on
Other less-known experimentals were pro- experimental paper. It is certain to highlight the next
duced on $1 silver certificates during the series of collection it enters. Although rumors of two such
1928-A and 1928-B, plus the series of 1935. notes have long existed, until this piece surfaced and
traded hands via private treaty confirmation was non-
On Federal Reserve notes (easily identified by existent. It bears serial number E 78779660 H, well
the green Treasury seal and serial numbers), only one within the known range of the Natick experimentals.
regular issue of experimentals was produced. This The discovery note grades Choice Crisp Uncirculated,
involves an extremely scarce test conducted in 1981 and bears a tiny ovoid area of discoloration above the
on $1 notes. Although the total experiment involved “R” in ONE DOLLAR on the back. It is hundreds
printing 3,849,000 notes few exist. Either the print- (or perhaps thousands) of times rarer than a generic
ing was not released in its entirety or an exceptionally example of the third print on back error.
high attrition rate accounts for the paucity of available
specimens. Such notes are printed on Natick test Further information about the note is available
paper and identified by the serial Number range of E from Frederick J. Bart, P.O. Box 2, Roseville, MI 48066,
76800001 H through E 80640000 H. (586) 979-3400 or via email at [email protected].

Page 46 minterrornews.com
Saul Teichman’s I am looking for the following off-metal errors:
Wartime Nickel on a Copper Cent planchet.
Bicentennial Quarter on a Dime planchet.
Kennedy Half on a Sacagawea Dollar planchet - if it exists.
Ike Dollar on a Cent planchet.

Want List Bicentennial Half on a Cent planchet.

Bicentennial Half on a Nickel 5 Cent planchet.
Bicentennial Half on a Dime planchet.
Ike Dollar on a Nickel 5 Cent planchet.
Ike Dollar on a Dime planchet.
Ike Dollar on a Quarter planchet.
[email protected] Bicentennial Half on a Quarter planchet. Susan B. Anthony Dollar on a Sacagawea Dollar planchet.

Page 47 minterrornews.com
Proof Sacagawea Dollar
Die Crack
T here are now two different obverse die cracks that
have been discovered on a few 2003-S Proof Sa-
cagawea Dollars.

One of the die cracks is located at 11:00 and

runs from the rim to the portrait. The other die crack
(pictured below) that has been discovered is at 1:00
and starts at the edge and runs thru the rim and into
the forehead of the portrait.

Die cracks found on proof coins are very rare

and are popular with collectors of mint errors. Other
proof die cracks have been discovered on coins dated
from 2000 thru 2003:

2002-S Jefferson Nickel Obverse Die Crack

2002-S Silver Proof Kennedy Half Dollar Obverse Die Crack
2000-S Silver Proof Massachusetts 25¢ Reverse Die Crack
2003-S Clad Arkansas 25¢ Reverse Die Crack

“The Perfect Scale for the Numismatist”

$59.00 + $7.95 (S,H & I) This Pocket Sized Digital Scale weighs in Grams, Ounces,
Carats, Pennyweight, Troy Oz. (Maximum capacity is 200 grams X 0.1 gram). My
Weigh Brand PalmScale Version 5.0. SIX YEAR Manufacturer Warranty! Many
Sold. Many Delighted. You will be also. [email protected] or order direct:

C. Gokey
P O Box 72345
Louisville, KY 40272

Page 48 minterrornews.com
Error Oddit y Coi n s
W hat Are T hey?
by Fra n k G. La Mond ie

D own through the years, error coins were identi-

fied as Freaks, Irregulars, Defects and Oddities.
Then someone came up with the idea of creating a
coln One Cent “striking die” became brittle after strik-
ing thousands of Lincoln cents and a crack formed on
the die from the rim at the 3:00 position to the front
name from the first letters of these descriptions. So, bust of Abraham Lincoln. From then on, a jagged
error coins were also called F.I.D.O.’s. Today, numis- raised line will appear at the same location of numer-
matists recognize them as “Mint Errors” and/or “Error ous Lincoln cent planchets that were struck with that
Coins”. cracked die. Those Lincoln Cents will have a minor
error and will be recognized as a “Cracked Die” error
The error coins with titles such as Spiked coin.
Head, Three-Legged Buffalo, Floating Roof, Mus-
tached Roosevelt etc., are recognized as “Oddities”, a Now, let’s take another Lincoln Cent “strik-
title which tends to separate them from the error coin ing die” that formed a crack from the rim at the 12:
hobby and place them in a category of their own. I 00 position to the top of Abraham Lincoln’s head. A
prefer to call them “Error-Oddities”. My reasoning for raised line will now appear at the same location on all
this is because they are formed by minting errors and future Lincoln Cent planchets this cracked die strikes.
I hope by renaming them will give them a new begin- This crack on the Lincoln Cent resembled a “spike” to
ning and in time, bring about more acceptance by coin someone many years ago and they titled it as a “Spiked
dealers and collectors alike. Head” Lincoln cent.

The first step in understanding Error-Oddity Spiked Head Lincoln’s can be found on several
coins is to know what they are and how they “fit in” different dates of Lincoln cents and are still available
to the error coin hobby. So, let me begin the defini- on current issued dates. This is only one example of
tion of “oddity”, according to Webster’s Dictionary- how most Error-Oddities are created by a mint error,
----Queer, eccentric, strange, out-of-the-way, outside then given a special title.
the reckoning----and I will add, different from what
was intended. These words and definitions basically Now, just because that coin bears a minting
describe what mint errors and error-oddity coins are. error and that error formed an unusual and different
They are coins that were produced at the U. S. Mints design, and was given a special title “Spiked Head”,
and were formed by an accident, malfunction or hu- does not mean this coin warrants pricing that is several
man error anytime during the minting process and the dollars higher than the mint error that produced it. The
designs of the coins were altered to look different than only way the price should increase is if the demand for
what was intended. that particular error-oddity increases. There have been
and always will be those within our hobby who will
Next we must understand how Error-Oddities try to make a “fast dollar” by putting a title on a coin,
originate from minting errors. The best way for me to post a ridiculously high price on it and then advertise
explain it is to list an example of the creation of an them as a “one-of-a-kind” and/or “low-mintage” odd-
error coin and how that same error can also create an ity coin. This kind of activity should not be acceptable
error-oddity coin. within the error coin hobby. Also, in my opinion, this
has held back the popularity of the error-oddity hobby.
Let’s start with a Cracked Die error. The Lin- The best way to decrease this “bilking” is to not pur-
continued on page 50...
Page 49 minterrornews.com
Er ror Odd it y Coi n s - W hat Are T hey? cont i nued f rom page 49

chase any of these over-priced coins. Another way to draw more attention in collecting Error-Oddities and I
limit the sales of these coins, is to make all collectors believe collecting and studying how they were formed
aware of them. The Error World Coin Club does a ter- would be a good start and “primer” for the beginning
rific job in notifying their members of these type of collector of mint error coins.
listings on the internet auctions. So, all of you novice
collectors-----BEWARE and please do not support The majority of oddities are formed by “minor”
those kind of sales. You will only be left with a coin mint errors. What a good way to introduce mint errors
that you may never recover your cost if you decide to to the youth and novice collectors. I solidly stand by
try to sell it. that if you want to collect error coins, it would be a
good idea to study the minting process and learn how
Some Error World Coin Club members who error coins are created at the U. S. mints. By first un-
read this article, may not be familiar with Error-Odd- derstanding minor errors and how they were formed,
ity coins. Some members may not have taken the in- will be easier for youth or novice collectors to under-
terest or time to collect Error-Oddity coins. And some stand and identify most mint errors. Another good
members may separate them from the mint error coin reason to be knowledgeable of the minting process is,
hobby altogether. Some of you may just set them aside it can help collectors to more easily identify “faked”
and store them with the rest of your “junk” coins. You or “man-made” errors. This type of activity seems to
held on to them because there was something “un- be on the increase as of late. It all falls in line with an
usual” or “peculiar” about the coins and maybe, some- old proverb, ”You must learn to crawl before you can
day in the future, they would become more collectible. walk.”
Whatever the reasons, Error-Oddity coins have not
been very popular and collected by most collectors Another reason I am trying to create more ac-
in the Numismatic world. Mostly only those oddities ceptance of Error-Oddity coins is, they are plentiful
that are in higher demand and therefore realize higher and very affordable. There are hundreds of different
prices, are more acceptable and collected. It is my de- Error-Oddities on all denominations of coins. They
sire to re-introduce the Error-Oddity Variety coins of can be found from bank rolls to pocket change. Error-
all price ranges in a way that will help popularize them Oddity coins can be collected and displayed in coin
and be more acceptable in the mint error coin hobby. albums just like any other error coin. The majority of
Error-Oddity coins can be purchased at reasonably
I have been asked a few times, “Why would low prices. The demand for them has been low, so
you want to waste your time and efforts trying to the their purchasing prices are low also. They are just
popularize a hobby that has been tried before and another way of collecting error coins and can make
failed in the past?” I hope this article helps in answer- minor errors more appealing to some collectors.
ing that question. In the January, 1997 issue of Arnold
Margolis’s “Error Trends Coin Magazine”, he was Now that the U. S. Mints have revamped their
kind enough to allow me to write an article about the machinery and procedures, fewer mint errors will be
Lincoln Cent Floating Roof error-oddity and how it produced. If they discover mint errors on coins, they
was under-rated and unrecognized in the error coin destroy them and melt them down to coin metal stock.
hobby. I wrote that article to draw more attention to The error coin hobby is already realizing the results of
that particular error-oddity. After that article was pub- the U. S. Mints actions. Fewer mint errors have been
lished, I noticed that error-oddity coin being offered coming out of the mints since the year 2002. Will the
for sale more frequently on eBay and Yahoo Auctions. mints new machines and procedures decrease the
The demand and price for them has actually increased interest and members of the error coin hobby in the
and I strongly believe my article accomplished what years ahead? It may, if we let it. Error coin collectors
I was aiming for. This is the same reason I am writ- may have to “revamp” their style of collecting. Major
ing this article and hope it will be as successful as mint errors will become available mostly from some
the Floating Roof article was. It is my desire to try to collectors who may decide to sell some or all of their

Page 50 minterrornews.com
collections. I believe a way to keep our hobby intact his definitions and illustrations were improper. In my
and prevent collectors from leaving the hobby alto- mind, one advantage of Mr. Spadone’s book was, he
gether, more attention should be given to the Error- recognized the oddity variety coins and illustrated and
Oddity coins. If this does happen, then the demand and listed them, even though some of those were question-
prices for them will increase in time. Some members able. He drew the attention of only a few coin collec-
may not agree with me. But, please keep in mind, the tors that found interest in oddity coins. I am one of
U. S. mints first took away the RPM and Doubled Die those few.
errors. Now they are desperately trying to take away Collecting Error-Oddities can be fun to share
the major mint errors and it looks like they are going with family, friends and other collectors. They can be
to succeed. However, I believe all will not be lost for exciting and fun when you find a new type of Error-
our hobby. There are quite a few mint errors that will Oddity and create your own title for it. Plus, they can
continue to be produced by the U. S. mints. Here is a be found on all denominations of coins of almost all
“partial” list of errors that will be hard for the mints to years coins were struck in the 20th century. I wonder
cease production of and some of them will continue to how many oddities there are in circulation or in some-
form Error-Oddity coins; one’s drawer, tin can or glass jar that have not been
found yet?
Chipped Dies, Clashed Dies, Clogged Dies,
Filled Dies, Cuds (all types), Blistered Planchet, Bub- Whether you are a dealer or collector, you ap-
bled Planchet, Mechanical Doubling, Worn Dies, Pol- parently desire coins that are “peculiar” and “odd”,
ished Dies, Copper-washed, Rim Burrs, Rim Spurs, which gives reason you should think about including
Laminated Planchets, Finned Coins, Struck-thru, Error-Oddity coins in your inventories and coin col-
Misaligned Dies, Missing Clad Layer, Unplated coins, lections. I hope this article has given some of you a
Partial Collars, Rolling Fold, Rotated Reverse. To better understanding of the Error-Oddity coin hobby
decrease the numbers of these error coins leaving the and how it can be a fun, exciting and a more accept-
mints, they would have to inspect almost every coin able hobby of the future.
leaving the mint. I do not think that will ever happen.
Frank G. Spadone tried to popularize oddities with his Photos of some of my Error-Oddities in my
eight editions of his book “Major Variety and Oddity coin album can be viewed on EW3. I will be posting
Guide of United States Coins”. more photos in the days ahead.

After reviewing his books, I found some of Good hunting and enjoy!!

Northeast Numismatics has an impressive inventory of over 1,200 U.S. and foreign coins. We have a strong selection
of mint errors, both U.S. and foreign. And we carry every area of United States coinage from colonials through rare
gold including type, commemoratives, silver dollars and much, in addition to our extensive inventory of world coins.
Northeast Numismatics
10 Concord Crossing, Ste. 220 High quality “fresh” coins are what we are known for and take pleasure in offering. We constantly are hearing from
Concord, MA 01742 our customers about our excellent prices and high customer service. 2003 is our 39th year of business, so order with
800-449-2646 complete confidence. Also, please keep in mind that we are always buying coins of all kinds, certified and uncertified,
www.northeastcoin.com to fill our want lists.

Page 51 minterrornews.com
Errors From The Royal Mint
by Harold Oldham

T he Royal Mint of the United Kingdom has the rep-

utation as being one of the tightest “quality con-
trolled” mints in the entire world. This scrupulously
releasing any coin out into circulation.

I’m a collector of world errors and I think that

stringent organization inspects it’s finished coins and they are so undervalued and hard to find. Here are 3
makes them undergo numerous examinations before English errors that I’d like to share with all of you.

1964 6 Pence Off-Center 20 Pence Double Clip 1998 50 Pence Major Clip

Numismatic News & Rare Coin

Web Site Directory

coinlink.com
Page 52 minterrornews.com
Double St r uck Swedi sh Gold C oi n
by R ich a rd L e w i s

I thought that the readers of Mint Error News would

like to see this coin. I have an 1884 20 Kroner gold
coin that is double struck.
This is the only mint error on a Gold coin
that I’ve handled. It is for sale, please e-mail me at
[email protected] if you are interested.

It has been authenticated by ANACS and is

graded MS64. It is quite spectacular. As you can see
it rotated between strikes and has the nose, mustache
and eye from the first strike in the neck of the second
strike.

Page 54 minterrornews.com
Postal Correspondence: Telephone/Fax:

16311 Ventura Blvd. (818) 986-3733, (818) 986-3800

Suite #1298 Toll-free: (800) 338-6533
Encino, California 91436 Fax: (818) 986-2153

fredweinberg.com

Harry E. Jones
Rare Coins & Currency
Sell Harry Your Mistakes!!
Leading Dealer in Error Currency For Over 30 Years. Buying and Selling the
Finest in Error Currency. Especially Want Errors on National Currency. Also
Buying Uncut Sheets of Nationals Large and Small.

7379 Pearl Rd.

Cleveland, OH 44130

440-234-3330

LM ANA PNG PCDA

V Nickels On
Cent Planchets
by Saul Teichman

A s part of my research involving United States

pattern coinage, I often come across wrong
planchet mint errors that are often confused with so-
States Pattern, Experimental and Trial Pieces” and
also in Don Taxay’s “Comprehensive Encyclopedia of
United States” but as I started researching what dates
called “regular dies trial pieces”. This article is about were really out there, I noticed that their listings were
the Liberty or “V” Nickel struck on a Cent planchet. woefully incomplete.

As a collector of “rejects”, I collect not only I have recorded the following examples thus
patterns but also mint errors. As a researcher, I came far and do not know of any date having more than 3
to note that while there is excellent pedigree and pieces in existence. I hope that collectors out there
census information on rare patterns coinage, there is will be willing to add their pieces to this listing so
not similar information available on mint errors. that we can find out how rare these pieces truly are.
If enough people respond, we will issue a revised
Many dates are listed in the mint error sections pedigree listing in a subsequent edition.
of the first seven editions of Dr. J. Hewitt Judd’s “United

Page 56 minterrornews.com
1883 2) NERCA 11/81 VF - check description – same as
No Cents 1) P.C. Clark (Bolender 11/32 lot 859) as above ??
AU, 58 ANA lot 443 as XF, 64 ANA lot 733 Unc, B/R 3) one in UNC was in Bolt collection – same as #1 ??
1/85 Unc at $1210 – are there two coins existing or is
it unique? 1902
Reported by Judd
1886
1) NERCA 11/81 VF 1903
1) Numismatic Enterprises 2/68 lot 586 Unc
1888
1) X. Chamberlain AU or better 1904
1) F. Weinberg 12/98 FPL AU, F. Weinberg 9/99 FPL,
1889 2000 ANA – PCGS XF45
1) An example is known overstruck on an 1973 indian
cent shown in a September 2002 edition of Coin 1905
World. 1) T. Elder 6/35 lot 1944 Unc

1890 1906
Reported by Judd 1) F. Weinberg 3/99, Heritage 2/02 at $805, F.
Weinberg, 2002 ANA as PCGS F15, Stacks 1/03
1892 unslabbed
1) P.C. Clark (M. Bolender 11/32) lot 867 as Fine 2) F. Weinberg 3/02 FPL, Heritage 7/02 - PCGS63
3) R. Schemmer at 96 ANA, X. Chamberlain
1893 – ANACS63RB
1) F. Weinberg 3/99 PCGS XF40, 99 ANA (not sold) One of the last 2 is ex Virgil Brand (journal #40155
2) Smithsonian (279171.001) bought in 1907)
Note: one of these is ex-PC Clark lot 868 as VF and/or
Bolender’s 86th. 1907
1) eBay in August 27, 2002 bought by F. Weinberg
1896 now PCGSAU58
1) 64 ANA lot 734 as VF, this or another F. Weinberg 2) Superior 5/2003 ANACS Net VF20 scratched
3/02 FPL - PCGSAU50 3) 2003 ANA ANACS63BN

1897 1908
1) F. Weinberg 12/98 FPL Unc, F. Weinberg 9/99 FPL 1) 91 ANA lot 722 Unc, 2000 ANA – PCGS64
- PCGS AU55
1910
1898 1) 2003 ANA Fine 12
1) F. Weinberg 12/98 FPL XF, F. Weinberg 9/99 FPL,
S. Teichman for $2600 - PCGS AU55 1911
1) Federal Brand 9/55 lot 1039 VF, Superior 9/98 lot
1899 855 AU/Unc, J. O’Donnell, Superior 2/01, F. Weinberg
One is known struck on an 1873 Indian cent – See PCGS AU55 – are there 2 coins here.
September 2002 Coin World

1900
1) B/R 11/83 lot 2475 XF45, J. Leidman inventory
9/20/00 - ANACS AU50, Ebay 9/00, Heritage 4/3/01
online auction, R. Schemmer 4/02, B/M 9/02 at $4600
now NGC-AU55BN
Page 57 minterrornews.com
Independent Coin Grading Company
A Company Formed By Some Of
The Industry’s Top Graders.
Only ICG offers you all this:

ICG’s “No-grade, No-Fee” policy. We charge a $5 processing

fee if we “no grade” a coin.
Intercept Shield, Ultimate protection for your collectibles.
$1 credit for returning our insert tags, (pre 1950 coins) and a
50¢ credit for all 1950 or later coins.
Quick turnaround times to preserve cash flows.
Sonically sealed, tamper-evident, attractive holder with our
SECUREGRAMTM hologram system.
And, most important ... expert, consistent grading by the
Keith Love, Founder and President most respected names in the business.

ICG
7901 East Belleview Ave., Suite 50
Englewood, CO 80111
877-221-4424 (Toll Free) - 303-221-5524 (Fax)

Subscribe to Error Trends Coin Magazine

2003 - 2004
Accepting Consignments
Call 800-421-0754 to Consign Today!

SANTA CLARA ELITE COIN AUCTION

NOVEMBER 21, 2003 | SANTA CLARA, CA
The Official Auction of the Santa Clara Coin & Collectibles Expo
CONSIGNMENT DEADLINE: September 26, 2003

ORLANDO ELITE COIN AUCTION

JANUARY 5-6, 2004 | ORLANDO, FLORIDA
Featuring United States Coinage
CONSIGNMENT DEADLINE: October 31, 2003

PRE-LONG BEACH ELITE COIN AUCTION

JANUARY 25-27, 2004 | BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Featuring United States, World and Ancient Coinage
CONSIGNMENT DEADLINE: December 5, 2003
Matched Brockage Pairs
by Bill Snyder - worlderrors.com

C ollectors of brockages know that all brockages are

scarce. Brockages are usually not unique. If one
was produced by accident, it is likely that a few more
always be a struck coin which has not ejected properly.
That struck coin will find its way back between the dies
and will be struck next to a blank planchet which was
were struck. For any given type of World coin, nearly fed into the collar. The image of that first struck coin
all Brockages will be found on the obverse. Foreign will be impressed into that side of the blank planchet.
Mints usually place the Reverse Die in the upper The result will be a second coin which has images of
hammer position. the first coin impressed into it. Those images will be
pressed into the coin and the image will be in reverse.
Since Brockages are usually produced when This incuse sunken image is known as a brockage.
the upper Coining Die is covered by a previously
struck coin, the coin will show two images of the same It is difficult to find both obverse and reverse
design. A brockage error can only occur when there brockages of the same coin type. Here are some
are two coins involved. One of the coins involved will examples:

A Brockage Pair of English Shillings (Obverse and Reverse)

Page 60 minterrornews.com
French 20 Franc Obverse and Reverse Brockage

India Rupee Obverse and Reverse Brockage

Page 61 minterrornews.com
TM

Enjoy viewing the major mint errors in our museum. These

are exciting and dramatic examples of major mint errors that
we wanted to share with our readers.
1865 2¢ 1898 25¢
Obverse Die Cap & Brockage Obv Die Cap & Brockage
ANACS PCGS MS 62

1954 25¢ 1964 25¢

Struck on 1¢ Planchet Struck on 1964 10¢ Planchet
ANACS MS 63 BRN ANACS MS 63

Page 62 minterrornews.com
1998-P 25¢ 1999-P CT 25¢
Struck 3x on Aluminum Scrap Multi Struck Reverse Cap
ANACS MS 62 ANACS MS 65

50¢ Franklin on 10¢ Planchet 1971-D Kennedy Half

Reverse Retained Struck Thru Indent by 1¢ Planchet
ANACS MS 61 ANACS MS 62

2000-P Sac $1 1855 $3 Indian Gold

Double Denom F/O on MD 25¢ Broadstruck
PCGS MS 64 PCGS AU 50

Page 63 minterrornews.com
Euro Cent 1775-86 1/2 G Geo III
Struck With 2 Reverse Dies Full Brockage
ANACS MS 63 RED ANACS AU 58

1897 10G Netherlands 1928 Ducat Netherlands

Full Brockage Off-Center
ANACS AU 58 ANACS MS 66

$500 Note 1893-O $10 Liberty Gold

Major Third Printing Shift Broadstruck Out Of Collar
PCGS AU 58
Unique

Page 64 minterrornews.com
1906 5¢ 1857 H10¢
40% Indented Strike Struck 30% Off-Center
PCGS AU 55 ICG MS 65

Unique Mated Pair of Franklin Halves Unique Dual Date/Dual State

PCGS ANACS MS 64

Bonded Two Piece Silver Kennedy Cap 1920 Buffalo Nickel

Struck on Copper Planchet
NGC AU 55

Page 65 minterrornews.com
F A Q
requently sked uestions

What is a
Martha Washington Test Piece?

Martha Washington Quarter Test Piece

Pollock #2082, Judd #2115 Plate Coin

A Martha Washington Quarter, has been discovered and was purchased by

Michael Byers of Byers Numismatic Corp. (mikebyers.com). So far, this is
the only known example in private hands. There is one set of a Dime, Quarter
and Half struck by the Martha Washington dies that are permanently housed in
the Smithsonian Institute, embedded in blocks of lucite. According to United
States Pattern and Related Issues, by Andrew W. Pollock III, “the only trial
pieces purported to have survived metallurgical testing in 1965 were the Dime,
Quarter Dollar, and Half Dollar equivalent strikes in copper-nickel clad over
copper.”

Page 66 minterrornews.com
F A Q
requently sked uestions

What are Die Adjustment Strikes?

Die adjustment strikes are also known as die trials. This

error occurs when a coin is struck from the press with very
little pressure. When the press is being set up and adjusted,
extremely weak strikes occur as the strike pressure reaches
its optimum level. These die trials are destroyed after being
struck and are rarely found in circulation.

Page 67 minterrornews.com
Highlights From
My Collection of
Swedish Error Coins
by Martin Wettmark Another double-strike I want to share is this
1/16 Riksdaler from 1855 which is off-center double-
strike.

T his is a journey through my Swedish collection of

error coins. When I started to collect error coins
in Sweden 20 years ago I did not know of any other
collector of such coins in Sweden. I was sometimes
met with the attitude that these coins did not actually
count, they were misfits and people should not collect
them. After some years I realized, through the con-
tact with Arnold Margolis and ECTM, that this was a
respectable way of collecting coins with its concepts, Better errors on Swedish silver coins are very hard to
literature and tradition. find. Here are two more double-strikes from the same
period of Gustav VI Adolf period, one 2 Ore 1966 with

Double Strikes a flip-over double-strike and one 5 Ore (no date) off-
center double-struck.

This one shilling is one of my nicest errors. As

you see it is a flip-over double-strike. The interesting
thing is that the two images of this coin are almost
identical. I bought this coin from a US dealer in Texas
that also had some other nice errors for sale. Generally
it is very hard to find good Scandinavian error coins in
US.

Page 68 minterrornews.com
Off-Center Strikes Brockage strikes
Here are some 1 Kroner Off-Center Errors Another kind of error that is very sought after
from 1875 1973. In the middle is an off center struck 2 also by Swedish collectors are brockage strikes. Pic-
Kroners coin from 1953 from Gustav VI Adolf. This is tured below are two capped die strikes.
the only known off-center 2 Kroner coin!

The 1 Krona from Gustav V’s period is the only known

incused or brockage struck silver crown coin. Notice
that both coins have expanded opposite sides.

Planchet errors
Continuing this journey through my Swedish
collection I want to show some planchet errors. First
is a 1 Kroner 1943 struck on an iron metal 2 Ore plan-
chet.

The quality control at the Swedish Mint is very

strict regarding higher denominations. Here is an off-
center struck 1 Ore 1858 from the reign of Oscar I with
nice brown color.
Next is a 5 Ore 1968 struck on a 2 Ore planchet
off-center.

Page 69 minterrornews.com
Highlights From My Collection of TM

Swedish Error Coins continued from page 69

The third is a Kronor 1997 struck on a Finnish
5 Mark planchet.

Coming in Issue 4
- Another Unique Discovery Mint Error
- An Article on a 1974 Aluminum Cent
- A Unique Coin Bonded With a Wrench
The last planchet error is a funny coin. It is a ½ - Two Double Struck U.S. Proof Patterns
Ore from 1858 which has lost a piece of the planchet.
This indicates that the error was created during the - Mint Error Market Report
striking and it is strange that it did not fall away from
the coin. - Unique Proof Jefferson Nickel Brockage
- An Article on Safes, Storage and Security
- A Unique, Rare Date U.S. Broadstruck $5
- An Expanded Price Guide

Wanted To Buy:
Error collecting in Sweden has expanded and
today there are hundreds of collectors. There are
Buffalo Nickel Errors
also two books written about error coins. If some- Large laminations, straight clips, curved
one wants to give feedback on this article or has any clips, off centers, broadstrikes or cuds on
questions on Swedish errors, feel free to mail me at: any of the following dates: 1925-D, 1926,
[email protected]. 1926-D, 1927-S, 1928-D, 1935-D, 1937-S.
Also:

Karl Stephens
Off centers 1930, 1931-S, 1938-D
Off centers 55% & 70%
Off centers 55% to 75% at 9:00
ANA LM 3112 Misaligned die 10% or more
Reverse cuds K-3, K-8, K-10
Curved Clips Obverse - K-1, K-7, K-12

Dealer in World Coins, Please describe & price.

Patterns & Mint Errors Bob Entlich

c/o Stacks
P.O. Box 3038, Fallbrook, CA 92088 123 W. 57th St.
760-731-6138 • FAX: 760-731-9132 New York, NY 10019
www.karlstephensinc.com

Page 70 minterrornews.com
Byers Numismatic Corp
mikebyers.com

The Lar ge st Dea ler of the World’s R are st M i nt Er ror s

TM

U.S. & World Major Mint Errors • Die Trials • Numismatic Rarities

We handle the world’s f inest Major Mint

E r r o r s a n d Nu m i s m a t ic R a r it ie s . O u r
p r e m i e r M U LT I - M I L L I O N D O L L A R
INVENTORY includes only the best,
museu m qu alit y, world class a nd exot ic
U.S. and World Major Mint Er rors and
D i e Tr i a l s . M a n y of o u r p u r c h a s e s a r e
immediately sold to our customers, and
don’t even reach our website to be sold, or
eBay t o b e auct ione d . Se nd u s you r wa nt
list, we may have what you’re looking for.

Mike Byers
P.O. Box 5090, San Clemente, CA USA 92674
Office: 949-276-7072 • Fax: 949-276-7073
Fed Ex Address only: 1001 Avenida Pico #C 612, San Clemente, CA 92673
E-Mail: [email protected] • Website Design: [email protected]
Mike Byers, Professional Numismatist since 1978
Byers Numismatic Corp. A California Corporation Since 1980
Mike Byers is a consultant to ANACS for Mint Errors