Misprint Coins: Understanding the Right Terminology

If you have searched for "misprint coins," you are looking for what the coin collecting community calls "mint errors" or "error coins." Coins are not printed — they are struck, so the technically correct term is "mint error" rather than "misprint." But regardless of what you call them, the coins are the same: coins that were manufactured incorrectly at a government mint.

What This Means

The term "misprint" is commonly used by people new to the hobby and in general public conversation. In the numismatic community, these coins are called "mint errors" or "error coins." The manufacturing process is called "striking" or "minting," not "printing." Understanding the correct terminology helps you research effectively and communicate with other collectors.

What to Look For

• Doubled dies — doubling on lettering, dates, or design elements
• Off-center strikes — design shifted with blank metal visible
• Clipped planchets — missing portions of the edge
• Die cracks and cuds — raised lines and blobs from worn dies
• Broadstrikes — oversized coins without proper edges
• Wrong planchet — coins on blanks for other denominations

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using "misprint" in collector forums — it signals beginner status and may not be taken seriously
• Confusing damaged coins with mint errors
• Assuming "misprinted" paper money uses the same error types as coins
• Not learning the standard terminology for effective research
• Searching only for "misprint" online — search for "mint error" and "error coin" too

What Affects Value

Whether you call them misprints or mint errors, their value is determined by the same factors: error type, severity, denomination, condition, and collector demand.