Rare error coins are fascinating and highly sought after by both amateur and experienced coin collectors. Unlike regular coins, which are minted with a high degree of precision, error coins result from mistakes during the coin-making process. These mistakes create unique features on the coins, making them rare and often valuable. Let's explore what error coins are, the types of errors that can occur, and why these coins are so coveted by collectors.

What Are Error Coins?

Error coins are coins that have some form of irregularity that occurred during the minting process. These errors can range from small, nearly imperceptible imperfections to dramatic mistakes that significantly alter the coin's appearance. Due to the United States Mint’s stringent quality control measures, most error coins are caught and destroyed before circulation. However, a few make it out into the public, making them rarities.

These minting mistakes can happen for a variety of reasons, including mechanical issues, human error, or a combination of both. Error coins are distinct from varieties, which are intentionally made design differences, such as different mint marks or special finishes.

Common Types of Error Coins

1. Off-Center Strikes

   
   

   One of the most noticeable types of error coins is the off-center strike. This occurs when the coin is not properly aligned with the dies that stamp the design onto the metal blank. The result is a coin that has part of the design missing and a blank area where the image should be. Off-center coins can range from slightly misaligned to dramatically off-center, with the value typically increasing with the degree of the error.