Hobbies And Interests
Minting Process
Coins are struck by a pair of dies that contain the images of the two sides of the coin. Normally, the design of the obverse, or head, side of the coin is contained on the moveable upper die. The image on the reverse, or tail, side of the coin is contained on a fixed lower die that acts like an anvil. Metal discs, called blanks, are finished to the precise dimensions and qualities of the ultimate coin. These finished blanks are known as planchets. In the modern minting process, a high-speed machine feeds the planchets into a collar that is then inserted between the dies.
Off-Center Strikes
Off-center strikes are a common error in the minting process. The planchet is hit in the wrong place by the upper die, causing part of the design to be missing. Prices for off-center strike error coins vary according to the availability of the particular coin. Indian Head pennies from the period 1859 to 1909 are worth about $5. 1943 steel cents, a much rarer coin to begin with, can command from $100 to $750. An extremely rare World War II commemorative half dollar that was struck incorrectly on both sides is worth $25,000. In all cases, off-center strikes vary in value depending on the amount of the design that remains visible.
Clipped Planchets
Sometimes planchets are produced incorrectly if one sheet of blanks overlays a previously punched-out portion of blanks. The resulting planchet will be irregular in shape, or actually lack metal in some area of the finished coin. Indian Head pennies produced in this manner are worth far more than those that were minted off-center. Prices can run from $10 to as much as $100. The current style of quarter, with its portrait of George Washington, can fetch anywhere from $3 to $75 depending on condition.
Cracked Dies
Minting dies are subjected to enormous pressures. Sometimes coins require multiple strikes to produce the proper effect. Dies can crack or lose portions of their interior. Coins struck with broken dies can possess incomplete or pitted images. Such coins may also have raised areas, or "cuds." Indian Head pennies with damaged images are worth only about $1 to $5. Those with cuds are worth from $10 to $30. Current issue quarters can be worth as little as 50 cents if the image has been damaged by a cracked die, but as much as $20 if they possess prominent cuds.
Broadstrikes
Broadstrikes are a less common minting error. The planchet was not sitting properly in the collar when it was struck. The resulting blow actually spreads out the coin, causing a piece of much larger than normal size. The coin also acquires a raised rim that gives it the appearance of a round tray. Broadstruck Indian Head pennies can be worth $50. Current quarters are worth $40. Broadstruck quarters from the recent State Quarters series can command $100.