PART IV. Die Errors:
Collar Cuds:
Rotating Collar Cud
Definition: Collars sometimes do rotate and this movement can only be detected if there is an imperfection in the collar that leaves a blemish on the edge of the coin.
In the July/August 2003 issue of Errorscope, William (“Ed”) Eubanks provided the definitive study of a rotating collar break (specifically a collar chip) on a large series of 2002-P Kennedy half dollars. In a sample of 261 half dollars, Ed showed the collar chip steadily rotating clockwise through a full 360 degrees. He tracked its movements across 9 die stages and 3 die pairings.
Note: The circumstances and mechanisms that lead to collar rotation remain obscure.
Edge view of two 2002-P Kennedy halves struck by the same die pair and within the same collar. The collar chip occupies a different position on each, relative to the coin’s design. This variable positioning documents the existence of a rotating collar or collar lining. Arrows point to the collar chips. Coins courtesy of Ed Eubanks.
