$4.4 Billion in one day Know about P-D-S Error Coin: P-D-S errors in coins, referring to planchet, die, or strike errors, can significantly impact a coin’s value, especially when they are rare and well-documented. The value of such coins can vary greatly, ranging from a few hundred dollars to thousands or even millions, depending on the specific error, the coin’s condition, and its rarity.
What P-D-S Error Coins
Planchet errors refer to a problem with the coin blank/planchet itself—whether it’s misshapen, too
large/small, or the wrong metal for the denomination. Sometimes the different metals that make up a planchet may be improperly mixed, creating what looks like part of the coin’s surface “peeling” away (what specialists refer to as a lamination error). These alloy errors can sometimes give older cents a wood-grain appearance.
Die errors happen when there is a problem with the creation of the dies in the Mint’s tool shop or during the production life of a die. Sometimes dies break apart and form small cracks that look similar to lightning bolts on coins. Errors known as cuds occur when parts of the die break apart near the outer edges, creating a blobbed
appearance on a coin. Sometimes dirt and/or grease gets trapped in the negative recesses of a die causing these
filled-in portions to appear as “missing” from the image on a struck coin.
Strike errors can also happen within the coin striking chamber if a coin isn’t centered correctly, if it gets
stuck in the press and becomes subject to repeated blows from the dies, or if foreign material gets trapped between the planchet and a die at the moment a coin is struck.
Error Coins
Photos courtesy of HA.com
Eisenhower dollar blank (left) and Eisenhower dollar planchet (right). Notice that the blank is completely flat
across the surface. The planchet has gone through the upsetting mill, as evidenced by the raised rim along the
edge. Blanks are usually turned into planchets before they are struck.
1985 Lincoln cent with clashed dies—an error nicknamed a “Prisoner Penny” as it appears Lincoln is behind
bars! These raised lines surrounding Lincoln are from the spaces between the columns of the Lincoln Memorial
design seen on the reverse. They were transferred to the obverse die from the reverse die when they smacked
together without a planchet in between them.
1890-CC Morgan silver dollar with a “tail bar” die gouge (right, normal reverse die left). Look under the arrow
shafts for the thick line going down to the wreath, above the “E” in “ONE.” A gauge on a die will show up as a
raised mark on the coin struck from it.
1972 Eisenhower dollar struck with partially filled-in dies. (Note: Circulated specimen but the lack of obverse
details is due to a filled-in die as evidenced by the strength of the reverse design. The reverse die was also
partially filled-in as evidenced by weakness on the “NE” and “D” in “ONE DOLLAR.”)
1921-S Walking Liberty half dollar, planchet lamination on obverse. Lamination errors are often the result of an
improper mixture of coinage metals (reverse not affected).
2007-D Idaho statehood quarter double-struck (not a doubled die). The first strike was centered properly, but
the accidental second strike was struck about 40 percent off-center.
1971-S Lincoln cent with a major obverse die break. This huge cud was created by a piece of metal breaking
off the obverse die face. (Notice the area on the reverse that couldn’t be struck because of the void created
by the missing portion of the obverse die.)
1970-D Washington quarter struck on a planchet the thickness of a dime. (Not struck on a dime planchet, but
on copper-nickel stock that was rolled out for dimes. The coin was not able to receive a full/strong strike due to
the thinness of the planchet. Dimes are thinner than quarters.)
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1859 Indian Head cent die cap error. A planchet became affixed to the obverse die face after being struck.
Repeated strikes molded the stuck coin onto the obverse die to the point where it formed over the sides of the
die neck creating a “bottle cap” appearance. Any coins struck by this die cap would have a normal reverse
with an obverse looking like a distorted mirrored image of the reverse design. The reverse of this stuck coin
functioned as an obverse coin die.
1874 $1 gold piece, full brockage error. This coin was struck by a normal reverse die, but the obverse was struck
by a die cap that got stuck to the obverse die just before striking this piece. As gold is a soft metal, the details of
the obverse die cap transferred wonderfully with nearly full details.
Value Factors: Several factors influence the value of error coins:
- Rarity: How many other coins with the same error are known to exist.
- Condition: The overall condition of the coin, as errors can be more or less visible.
- Coin Type and Year: Certain coins and years are more sought after due to their historical significance or inherent value.
- Documentation: Errors that are well-documented and recognized by numismatists tend to command higher prices.
Examples of Valuable Error Coins:
- Doubled Dies: Where the coin’s design is imprinted twice, often due to a problem with the die.
- Off-Center Strikes: Where the coin is struck unevenly, causing the design to be off-center.
- Planchet Errors: Including double strikes, where the coin is struck twice, or struck through, where an object was placed on the planchet during the striking process.
How to Determine Value:
- To accurately determine the value of a P-D-S error coin, it’s recommended to:
- Consult numismatic resources: Examine books, websites, and apps dedicated to error coins.
- Consult with experts: Seek guidance from experienced coin dealers or appraisers.
- Consider grading
FAQ
What does the P-D-S system mean in coin collecting?
The P-D-S system stands for Planchet, Die, and Strike errors. It helps collectors understand where the error occurred during coin production.
Who created the P-D-S coin error classification system?
Alan Herbert, a well-known coin expert and writer, is credited with creating the P-D-S system.
What is a planchet error?
A planchet error happens when there’s something wrong with the coin blank before it’s stamped. Examples include the wrong metal, wrong size, or surface problems.
What is a cud on a coin?
A cud is a blob-like mark on the edge of a coin caused by a broken piece of the die falling off during striking.
Are error coins valuable?
Yes, some error coins can be rare and worth more than regular coins. Their value depends on the type and visibility of the error.
