What is an error coin?
An error coin, also called a misstrike, is a coin that left the mint with an unintended flaw. Examples are coins struck off-centre, struck twice, struck on the wrong blank or missing part of their design.
Errors are different from varieties. A variety is a consistent difference between coins of the same issue, for example a changed die, a different map or a different mint master's mark. An error is usually a one-off mistake that affects a single coin or a small group of coins.
Because mints have strict quality controls, real errors are relatively uncommon. Be careful: damage after the coin left the mint, such as scratches, dents or discolouration, is not a minting error and does not add value.
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Frequently asked questions
Short answers to the most common questions about Error coin.
Possibly, but most unusual marks are caused by damage after minting. A real minting error has a clear cause in the production process.
Clear and dramatic errors can be worth much more than face value. Small or doubtful errors usually add little value.