PART VI. Striking Errors:

Brockage:

Full

Definition: A brockage is an incuse, mirror-image version of the design.  It is produced when a coin is struck into a planchet or another coin.  A full brockage is one that covers the entire face (obverse or reverse).  The coin carrying the brockage can be struck inside or outside the collar.  The brockage can be complete or incomplete.  The first impression of a coin is called a first-strike brockage.  If the coin sticks to a die and becomes a die cap, it will strike additional planchets.  These later impressions are called “early-stage”, “mid-stage”, and “late-stage” brockages.  The sharpest, most complete first-strike brockages occur when both the coin (the “brockage-maker”) and the planchet are confined by the collar.  These “mirror brockages” are highly sought-after.

The images below show an undated Liberty Head cent (Indian Head cent) with a full, early-stage brockage of the reverse design on the obverse face.  It represents an early strike from an obverse die cap. The image to the right is the reverse of the coin.

Images are courtesy of Heritage Auctions.