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Transitional Reverse 1992 Cams

Part III. Die Installation Errors:

Transitional Reverse (Minor temporal mismatches):

1992 (P) and 1992-D cent with (Close AM) reverse

Definition: Subtle differences in design details can differentiate dies used in different years. Whether accidental or purposeful, obverse dies are sometimes mated with a reverse die meant for a previous or subsequent year. These are often called “transitional reverses”. Well-known examples include 1992(P) and 1992-D Lincoln cent obverses mated to a 1993 reverse.

Shown below is the normal reverse for 1992 (left) and the reverse of 1993, otherwise known as the Close AM or CAM reverse. A few 1992 obverse dies from both the Philadelphia and Denver Mints were paired with the reverse of 1993. The most noticeable difference between the two reverses pertains to the distance between the A and M of AMERICA. There is hardly any gap between the two letters in the Close AM style. The font used for the designer’s initials (“FG”) is significantly different between the two reverses as well.

The normal, Wide AM reverse is found in Lincoln cents from 1989 until 1992. After that, the Close AM style became normal for business strikes while the Wide AM style became normal for proofs.

As to why these die swaps occurred, there is no clear answer. It could have been accidental, an expedient measure when there was a temporary shortage of the normal die, or an experiment.

Two Or More Splits In Die

Part IV. Die Errors:

Shattered Die:

Two or more splits in die

Definition: A “split die” occurs when a rim-to-rim die crack
propagates deep into the die shank, allowing the sides of the crack to spread
apart. Two or more splits seen on the face of a coin are rare.

Two Hammer Dies / Domestic

Part III. Die Installation Errors:

Two Hammer Dies:

Domestic

Definition: This error occurs when a planchet is struck by two identical dies bearing the hammer die design. There are several domestic examples, an 1859 Indian Head cent that is unique and the 1863 Broas Pie Baker store card token.

The 1863 Broas Pie Baker Civil War store card token shown above was struck with two obverse dies. It has been theorized that the reverse die, which had shattered, was replaced by an obverse die on purpose. More than likely the manufacturer of this token had no reverse dies on hand to replace that shattered die.

Two Or More Splits In Die

Part IV. Die Errors:

Shattered Die:

Two or more splits in die

Two Anvil Dies / Domestic

Part III. Die Installation Errors:

Two Anvil Dies:

Domestic

Definition: This error occurs when a planchet is struck by two identical dies bearing the anvil die design. There are several domestic examples, a unique two-tailed dime and 2-3 two-tailed quarters. All these errors are thought to have been struck in 1965.

This Cu-Ni clad two-tailed Washington quarter is thought to have been struck in 1965. It is one of two known examples. There is another two-tailed quarter that is more likely to be a double-struck pseudo-mule.

Un-Plated Coins

PART XI:

Manipulated Outside of The Mint:

Un-plated coins (Chemically or Electrolysis Stripped)

This 1995P Lincoln cent appears to be struck on a planchet of zinc that is missing the outer copper layer.

However, examination shows a series of striated raised lines on both the obverse and reverse of the coin in question. This lines are that of a coin that has been chemically (or electrolysis) stripped of the copper layer.

The black arrows indicate the raised portions seen on the reverse of this coin. These lines are not to be confused with gas bubbles that are common in the copper plated with zinc core cents. Gas bubbled cannot form where there is no layer between metals.

A 1995 Lincoln cent that was stripped of its copper plating after it left the Mint.

Unidentified Origin And Purpose

Part V: Planchet Errors:

Wrong planchet and off-metal errors:

Unidentified origin and purpose (Orphan)

This survey just scratches the surface of diversity found within the outer limits of the off-metal & wrong planchet universe. These outer limits are fun to explore, but don’t expect any easy answers. Error collectors enjoy pondering these mysteries, & hold out the hope of solving some of them. Enjoy the images posted & pick up a bit of an expanded education along the way.

Orphan wrong planchet and off-metal errors can be grouped into a number of categories:

1. Originally normal planchets that are so profoundly and strangely damaged that they are no longer recognizable.

2. Non-standard planchets that may have been intended for a foreign denomination, a token, or a medal and that somehow got mixed up in the supply stream.

3. A coin struck on planchet whose composition matches that of another U.S. coin, but whose size, weight, and appearance fails to correspond to any normal issue.

4. Coins composed of a conventional U.S. or foreign alloy/composition that present an oddly rough or unfinished appearance.

5. Coins struck on defective or damaged foreign planchets.

6. Planchets or blanks with a composition that is seldom, if ever, used in coinage.

7. Coins of normal diameter and relatively normal appearance, but with a density (specific gravity) that is significantly higher or lower than normal.

8. Discs that are completely bizarre with respect to appearance, composition, density, or texture.

1964 Jefferson nickel struck over a 1940 India ¼ rupee. Prior to the strike, the Indian coin was cancelled with a waffle pattern of diamond-shaped indentations. This coin is not unique; on page 262 of the 5th edition (1991) of Alan Herbert’s Minting Varieties and Errors we find a photo of a 1964 cent struck over a cancelled 1942 India ¼ rupee.

2001-P Jefferson nickel struck on a steel planchet. Strongly attracted to a magnet, the steel is covered by a glossy black cortex of uncertain composition. Underweight at 3.33 g, the cortex has flaked away around the edges and elsewhere, revealing underlying gray steel.

1982 cent struck on a dime-sized silver-alloy planchet (84% Ag/ 16% Cu). The coin is also double-struck.

Photos courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

1945-P wartime nickel that is abnormally heavy (5.58 g). It paradoxically exhibits abnormally low density (Specific Gravity = 8.58). Density is not only lower than a silver-copper-manganese alloy, but is lower than copper-nickel. Instead of a typical sharp ring, the coin produces a low thud when tapped. A green tint adds an exotic flair to a rather unexceptional appearance.

1941 Lincoln cent struck on a heavy, brass planchet. Although abundant, the origin of these planchets remains a mystery.

An off-center nickel struck on a normal-diameter, underweight (3.38 g), and badly pitted planchet. The pits are filled with a hard white matrix.

This off-center nickel was struck on a slate-gray planchet with a very peculiar pattern of upset or edge damage.

It was struck some time in the 1980’s and features an off-center uniface strike. The weight, size, and density of this slate-gray planchet matches that of a nickel but its appearance is quite unexpected. The interior shows a fine, uniform matte texture without contact marks. The edge has been squeezed and rolled, and a thin pleated apron of metal has been forced onto both faces. This all occurred before the strike.

1964-D Jefferson nickel struck on a copper-plated copper-nickel planchet. This composition does not correspond to that of any nation’s coins. Although fully struck, it weighs a modest 3.88 grams. A strategic edge scraping revealed a thick, uniform layer of copper over a copper-nickel core. Copper-plated copper-nickel is a composition that is not to be found in any denomination produced by any mint. It does not appear to be an improperly annealed planchet, as the copper, thick as it is, exhibits no cracking or flaking.

1964-D Jefferson nickel was struck on a thin planchet that weighs only 2.92 grams. Several other nickels of similar appearance are known from this time period.

1972-D Roosevelt dime struck on what appears to be a solid copper-alloy planchet. At 2.20 grams, it weighs slightly less than the average for normal dimes (2.28g). Small flecks of gray metal are embedded in it and seem to be part of the alloy, rather than struck-in. A rim scraping on the reverse reveals only copper.

1976-D Lincoln cent was struck on a solid copper-nickel planchet that weighs 3.76 grams. Its specifications don’t match up with any planchet the Mint was producing for any foreign country at the time. It remains a mystery.

Coin courtesy of Fred Weinberg.

This Jefferson nickel was struck on a small, (1.86 g), lumpy copper-nickel planchet covered by a dull brown patina. A planchet with a decidedly bizarre appearance, its origin and destination are completely opaque.

The last specimen is a 1978 Roosevelt dime which is undersized, extremely thin & light at 1.20 grams. Its outline is slightly irregular and its surface and edge have a rather rough texture. All surfaces show a mash-up of copper- and nickel-colored patches. The edge shows no trace of a normal “sandwich” of two clad layers enclosing a copper core. Appearances suggest that this might be an “agglomerated planchet”. An agglomeration of copper and copper-nickel flakes can theoretically form in the rolling mill. Bits of metal can accumulate at the edges of the rolling mill or in the interstices of the mechanism. These can accumulate into fairly substantial heaps that then have the potential of falling out onto the strip and being rolled and compressed into solid masses. Plenty of quarters and other clad denominations struck on irregular “fragments” that show a similar patchwork of copper- and nickel-colored areas have been researched. These seem likely to be agglomerated planchets, but whether this circular dime planchet falls into the same category is questionable. Fine cracks in the reverse face expose underlying copper. Whether the interior is truly solid copper cannot be determined.

Lacking a normal clad composition, it remains a complete mystery.

Un-plated Cents

PART V. Plating Errors:

Plating Errors:

Un-plated Lincoln Cents

Definition: A Lincoln cent struck on a zinc planchet that was never plated with copper. This type of plating error coincides with the introduction of copper-plated zinc cents in 1982.

This error type is frequently duplicated outside the mint by either plating a normal cent with zinc (or another white metal) or chemically stripping the copper plating from a normal cent. For more information on these altered cents: click HERE for coins with plating removed; and click HERE for coins that have been plated outside the Mint.

The images below show a 1995P Lincoln cent that does not have the copper plating.

Below an unplated 1984 Lincoln cent with closeups.

Unstruck Planchet “Type II Planchet”

PART VI. Striking Errors:

Unstruck Planchet (“Type II Planchet”)

Definition: A metal disk or blank that has passed through the upset mill . This process smooths the edge of the blank and produces a low proto-rim.

Most unstruck planchets result from complete planchet misfeeds. The feeder mechanism malfunctions so that the planchet is either not pushed into the striking chamber or it is pushed beyond the striking chamber.

The image below left is a silver planchet that was intended to be struck by quarter dollar dies.

The image below right is a clad planchet that was intended for use as an Eisenhower dollar.

Images are courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

Unstruck Blank “Type I Planchet”

PART VI. Striking Errors:

Unstruck Blank (“Type I Planchet”)

Definition: When freshly punched out of the coin metal strip, a coin preform is called a “blank”. One side (the top side) is completely flat while the bottom side shows a subtle down warping along its perimeter. This reflects the fact that the disc was forced through a hole in a perforated base plate by the force of the blanking die (punch). The edge of a blank usually shows a “cut-and-tear” texture. As the blanking die penetrates the coin metal strip, it shears through the upper part of the strip, leaving the upper half of the edge relatively smooth. The remainder of the blank tears away from its hole, leaving the lower portion of its edge with a roughened texture.

A blank eventually makes its way to the upset mill, where it is compressed between a rotating inner drum and a fixed half ring. The upset millsqueezes the blank to a smaller diameter, whereupon it becomes a planchet. Upsetting smooths the edge and produces a
low proto-rim on both faces. Occasionally a blank evades the upset mill or the sides of the upset mill fall out of adjustment, so that the blank is not rolled and squeezed.

The below image shows a blank that has not been struck. The blank is gold and weighs 33.436 grams. It was presumably destined to be struck with $20.00 (double eagle) dies. Notice the lack of the proto-rim.

Image is courtesy of Heritage Auctions.