US Coin Errors

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Your Guide to U.S. Error Coins

You may not want to spend that pocketful of coins without checking to see if there are any U.S. error coins in it. Many of these coins are very collectible. First, however, you must know what to look for along with how to find pre-owned and used error coins for sale on eBay.

Types of error coins

A double-stamped penny and an off-center buffalo nickel are two examples of errors on U.S. coins. The mint did not make these coins correctly, but they did not discover their mistake until it was too late. There are many different types of affordable error coins for sale, including:

  • Off-center strikes - These coins with errors were struck outside of the collar holding the coin in place.
  • Clipped blanks - When these coins were made, the steel rod punched out part of the coin ahead or behind the one being minted.
  • Cracks - These coins have irregular raised lines in them because the die is old. They can also happen if the die is put under too much pressure.
  • Lamination errors - Part of the blank coin peeled away before workers created the coin.
  • Broadstrikes - Coins struck outside of the retaining collar causing the coin to spread when created.
What are some examples of quarter errors?

Mints have produced coins with a variety of errors, including:

  • Washington quarters - These quarters can have off-center strikes, clipped planchets, cracks, cuds, and lamination errors.
  • Bicentennial quarters - These quarters can have cracks, cuds, and lamination errors.
  • Wisconsin state quarters - These quarters may have an extra leaf on the corn stalk that points up or down.
  • Delaware state quarters - Extra metal left on the coin makes the horse appear to be spitting.
  • Kansas state quarters - Some of these coins read "In God We Rust."
Does the condition of a coin with errors affect the price?

Yes, the condition of the coin can affect the price paid for error coins on eBay. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. Adjectives are also used to describe coins. "Poor" coins are those where large parts of the design are flat. The date may be missing. "Fair" coins have enough of the date left to identify the coin. The design is very worn. On "Good" and "About Good," you can see the outline of the design. Most coins in your pocket probably fall into one of these two categories. Old coins and error coins are often rated "Very Good." At least three letters of the word "Liberty" must be easy to see. In "Fine," "Very Fine," and "Extremely Fine" coins, you should be able to read all seven letters of the word "Liberty" easily. The top rating for a circulated coin is "About Uncirculated." These coins look like new. Errors on U.S. coins usually increase their value.

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