by CoinWeek…
In numismatics, the distinction between an error and a variety is crucial to understanding a coin’s value and rarity. A coin “variety” is a repeatable difference in a coin’s design—whether intentional or unintentional—that results from a change or flaw in the die itself. Examples include the 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent, where the doubling was present on the die before striking, and the 1878 Morgan Dollar with either 7 or 8 tail feathers. These varieties are considered repeatable because every coin struck by that die will exhibit the same characteristic.
In contrast, an “error” is a non-repeatable, unintended mistake that occurs during the coin’s production process. These can stem from various issues, such as a coin being struck on the wrong planchet, an off-center strike, or a die being overused, leading to cracks or other damage. Because errors are not inherent to the die’s design, each one tends to be unique.
The numismatic market for errors and varieties remains active, with values driven by factors like rarity and condition. Modern coin errors, though less frequent due to improved minting technology, can still generate significant interest. For instance, the 2005-D “Speared Bison” Jefferson Nickel, resulting from a dramatic die gouge, is a notable modern variety.
Another standout example is the 2000 Sacagawea Dollar/Washington Quarter Mule, a highly rare mule error with only about a dozen known examples.
Such unique pieces often command premium prices because they were never intended for circulation.
The 2008 Chilean 50 Peso coin with the “CHIIE” misspelling (instead of “CHILE”) serves as a classic case study. Although sometimes labeled an error, it stems from a die-related flaw, making it more accurately a variety since the misspelling was repeatable across multiple coins struck from the affected die. Some even suspect that coiners at the Mint may have purposefully produced the error, although the Chilean government publicly confirmed that this might be the case.
The CHIIE error coins entered circulation in 2008, but the issue only gained public attention in late 2009, leading to the dismissal of the mint’s director, Gregorio Iniguez, and coiner Pedro Urzua.
Values vary based on condition, ranging from just above face value (about $0.05 USD) for circulated examples to around $10–$50 for better-preserved or graded ones.
A 2009-dated version with the same “CHIIE” flaw exists but is much rarer and typically more valuable, often fetching $40–$60 or higher in collector markets.
The post Chile’s Notorious 50 Pesos Error with Misspelling Still Popular appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.
