Gold Error Coins
| Grade | Mintage | Population |
|---|---|---|
| N/A | 2 |
| Grade | Mintage | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 10,000 | 2,530 |
| Grade | Mintage | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 10,000 | 146 |
| Grade | Mintage | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 14,500 | 484 |
| Grade | Mintage | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 14,500 | 2,823 |
| Grade | Mintage | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 480,192 | 1,215 |
Gold Error Coins
Error coins are a fascinating part of numismatics, resulting from mistakes made during minting. These errors can occur in various forms, and each type of error can make a coin unique and potentially valuable to collectors.
Common Types of Error Coins
Off-Center Strikes
These occur when the coin is struck outside of the collar that holds the coin in place. As a result, the design is misaligned or partially missing.
Double Strikes
This error happens when a coin is struck more than once by the coining press, causing overlapping images.
Die Cracks and Cuds
Die cracks are small, raised lines on the coin where the die has cracked. A cud is a larger, raised area that occurs when a piece of the die breaks off.
Blank Planchet
Sometimes, a blank piece of metal (planchet) can be fed into the coining press without receiving a design. These blank planchets meant to be coins are rare and collectible.
Clipped Planchets
This error occurs when the metal strip used to create planchets is not properly aligned. This results in coins with a section cut or clipped out.
Wrong Metal or Denomination
Occasionally, a coin might be struck on a planchet intended for another denomination or even a completely different metal composition.
Overdates and Double Denominations
Overdates happen when a date is stamped over another date, while double denominations occur when a coin is struck with designs of two different denominations.
Mule Coins
A mule coin has mismatched sides, typically the obverse (front) of one denomination and the reverse of another.
Brockage Coin Errors
This error happens when a previously struck coin does not eject from the press and becomes stuck to one of the dies. When the next blank planchet is fed into the press, it is struck against the stuck coin, creating a mirror image of the stuck coin's design on one side of the new coin, while the other side receives the normal image from the other die.
Struck on Nails (or Other)
This error coin is rare. "Struck on Nails" refers to a minting error where a coin is struck on a nail instead of the standard metal planchet. This error can occur when a nail (or other item) is accidentally or intentionally put into the coin press at a mint. The result is a coin with its intended design imprinted onto the nail.
Error coins are prized for their rarity and uniqueness. The value of an error coin depends on its rarity, the type of error, and the condition of the coin. Some errors are more common, while others are extremely rare and can be quite valuable to collectors.
Graded Coins
Most of our graded error coins are graded by one of the reputable grading services such as NGC or PCGS. While error coins cannot be deemed "perfect," most are graded by PGCS or NGC. The grading service verifies the error and overall quality of the coin.
How Rare are Error Coins?
It depends. Some errors were mass-produced, meaning a considerable number may be available. Other error coins may have a limited mintage and, therefore, are more difficult to obtain. Either way, rare error coins are often graded so you can be assured of their authenticity.
In general, more severe errors may hold more value.
Rarity Influences
- Common Errors: Minor errors like small off-center strikes, minor die cracks, or slightly misaligned dies are relatively common.
- Uncommon Errors: More noticeable errors such as larger off-center strikes, significant die cracks, or partially missing designs are less common.
- Rare Errors: Dramatic errors like double strikes, significant off-center strikes, and wrong planchet errors are quite rare.
- Extremely Rare: Errors like double denominations and mules are rare and highly prized by collectors.
Who Collects Error Coins?
Collecting error coins is a specialized niche within the broader field of numismatics. Those who collect error coins are often drawn to the uniqueness and the stories behind the coins.
Here are a few collector types,
- Numismatists and Hobbyists: Coin collectors, ranging from casual hobbyists to serious numismatists, find error coins fascinating due to their rarity and unique insight into the minting process.
- Specialized Collectors: Within the numismatic community, some collectors specialize exclusively in error coins. They often seek specific errors, such as double strikes, off-center, or planchet errors, and may have extensive knowledge about the minting process and error categorization.
- Investors: Some individuals collect error coins as an investment. Due to their rarity, certain error coins can be quite valuable and may appreciate over time.
- History and Art Enthusiasts: Those interested in the history of coinage and the art of minting also find error coins intriguing.
- Educational and Research Institutions: Museums and educational institutions may collect error coins for display and research purposes.
- New Collectors: Error coins can appeal to new collectors as they offer a unique entry point into coin collecting. Some error coins are relatively affordable, which can make them accessible to beginners.
