Struck Through Coin Errors
A struck-through error occurs when foreign material gets caught between the die and the planchet during striking. The result is an impression of that material on the coin surface. Common objects include grease, cloth fibers, wire, and even other coins.
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Struck Through Grease
Grease or oil filled part of the die, preventing the full design from being struck. Results in a smooth, filled area.
How to check: Look for smooth, undefined areas where design details should be. Common on dates and lettering.
$5 - $50Struck Through Cloth or Thread
Fabric fibers caught between die and planchet, leaving thread-like impressions.
How to check: Look for fine linear impressions in the design, often with a fabric weave pattern visible under magnification.
$25 - $200Struck Through Wire or Metal
A piece of wire or metal fragment caught during striking, leaving a distinctive impression.
How to check: Look for a linear indentation or raised area that follows the shape of a wire or metal fragment.
$50 - $500Struck Through Another Coin (Capped Die)
A previously struck coin stuck to the die and subsequent coins are struck through it.
How to check: The affected coin shows a mirror-image impression of another coin's design, often with mushrooming at the edges.
$100 - $1,000+Quick Checks
- Look for smooth areas where design details should be (grease fill)
- Check for linear impressions from threads or fibers
- Dramatic struck-through errors are visible to the naked eye
- The impression should be INTO the coin surface, not raised above it
- More dramatic and complete struck-through errors are more valuable
Frequently Asked Questions
Are struck through grease coins valuable?
Minor grease fills add $5-$10. Dramatic examples with large portions of the design missing can be worth $25-$50+. They are common on modern coins.
What causes struck-through errors?
Foreign material enters the coining press and gets between the die and the blank. This can be grease, lint, wire fragments, or even other coins that stick to the die.
How do I identify a struck-through error?
Look for smooth impressions, missing design details, or unusual marks that appear pressed INTO the surface. Upload to ErrorHunt for AI-powered analysis.
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