Error Coins

What are Doubled Die Error Coins? How to Find DDO / DDR Coins?

doubled die error coin value price double die machine doubling 1955 penny 1972

Let’s talk all about DOUBLED DIE (DOUBLE DIE) error coins! The coin die that strikes double die coins has a partial or fully doubled image. Therefore, the coin has two identical images that are slightly offset from one another. The doubling occurs from mistakes in the die hubbing process. This results in a coin die […]

What are Doubled Die Error Coins? How to Find DDO / DDR Coins? Read More »

What is a Wide Collar Coin?

Definition:  A coin struck inside a collar whose diameter is wider than normal.  This rare error is subtle and is often only detected when an otherwise normal-looking coin gets stuck in a plastic storage tube or won’t fit in its designated hole inside a cardboard Dansco album. An abnormally wide collar can arise in several ways: A collar intended

What is a Wide Collar Coin? Read More »

What are Lathe Rings?

lathe rings on lincoln cent

Lathe Rings Definition: These concentric rings are produced by a lathe which shapes the cone-shaped face of the unfinished working die.  The cone is supposed to be polished smooth before hubbing. If polishing is omitted or inadequate, the surface will remain covered by concentric lathe marks which will not be erased by subsequent hubbing. Concentric rings can be seen

What are Lathe Rings? Read More »

What are those circles on your coins?

circle mark on coin

Definition: Tiny raised circles, semicircles, and occasionally spirals that are most often found in or near the center of the design.  The imperfections can be found on either face.  First recognized in 2004 cents, these die imperfections have now been found as far back as a 1965 cent and as recently as a 2015 nickel.  Other examples

What are those circles on your coins? Read More »

The Morgan Dollar – The Complete Rundown

morgan dollar

The 1886 Morgan dollar, known more officially as the Liberty Head dollar, is a silver coin that was struck at the United States Mint in Philadelphia. Nearly 20 million 1886 Morgan dollars were made, and while the vast majority were ultimately melted, enough survive today to satisfy general collector demands. The Morgan dollar, as collectors

The Morgan Dollar – The Complete Rundown Read More »

The Cost to Make Coins in 2016

heritage auctions

The overall price of producing U.S. circulating coins fell for a fifth straight year even as the cost of making cents and nickels remained above their face values for an eleventh year in a row, the United States Mint disclosed in its recently published 2016 Annual Report. The unit cost to produce, administer and distribute

The Cost to Make Coins in 2016 Read More »

What is a Merovingian Tremissis ?

Merovingian Tremissis Gold Coin

Notes on Merovingian Tremissis This gold coin dates from between 580AD and 630AD. The Merovingian Dynasty was based in ancient Gaul (which is now France) and dates from the middle of the 5th century AD. One side of the coin has a central cross design but none of the letters can be read, which means it

What is a Merovingian Tremissis ? Read More »

Coin Grading Scales and How are Coins Graded

how are coins graded

Grading Scales Since rare coin quality varies widely, numismatists have adopted several coin-grading methods to assign more specific levels of quality to rare coins. The overwhelmingly popular method to use is the American Numismatic Association (ANA) grading scale. The ANA grading scale divides circulated and uncirculated coins into 24 grades: 13 circulated grades and 11

Coin Grading Scales and How are Coins Graded Read More »

Coin Certification Organizations and How They Function

ancient roman coins

Certification Organizations Several independent organizations exist for the sole purpose of grading coins, including the highly reputable Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). For a nominal fee, individuals can submit a coin for grading, which will be returned certified, graded and sealed in a tamper-evident plastic container known as a “slab.”

Coin Certification Organizations and How They Function Read More »

Scroll to Top