PART VI. Striking Errors:

Off Center Strikes:

With Collar Scar

Definition:  An off-center strike will often show a collar scar on the face struck by the anvil die.  A collar scar is a semi-circular groove that lies lateral to the die-struck design and the location of the design rim.  The collar scar is produced when the protruding portion of the off-center planchet is forced down upon the top of the collar by the descending hammer die.  The strength and completeness of the collar scar varies considerably, and a significant fraction of off-center strikes show no collar scar at all.

The above off center struck 1998-P Washington quarter has collar scars on the reverse of the coin (indicated by the black arrows).

The above undated Jefferson nickel shows a small area of where the collar indented the planchet (indicated by the black arrow).