Complete Coin Error List: Every Error Type Explained
This is your master reference for coin mint errors. Every major error type is listed below with a brief description and a link to its detailed guide. Whether you're a beginner learning the basics or an experienced collector looking for a specific error type, this page connects you to the information you need.
Planchet Errors (Before Striking)
These errors occur during the preparation of the coin blank before it enters the coining press:
Clipped Planchet — missing portion of the blank from blanking press overlap
Lamination Error — metal layers separating due to impurities or gas pockets
Wrong Planchet — coin struck on a blank intended for a different denomination
Blank / Planchet — unstruck coin blank that escaped the mint
Die Errors (Die Manufacturing)
These errors originate during the creation or maintenance of the coin dies:
Doubled Die — misaligned hub impressions creating doubled design elements
Rotated Die — reverse die turned from its correct alignment
Repunched Mintmark — mintmark punched more than once in slightly different positions
Repunched Date — date numerals showing evidence of multiple punches
Striking Errors (During Striking)
These errors happen when the dies and planchet come together in the coining press:
Off-Center Strike — planchet not properly seated, missing part of the design
Broadstrike — struck without the collar die, coin is larger than normal
Partial Collar — collar partially engaged, creating a stepped edge
Misaligned Die — die shifted horizontally, design off-center but rim normal
Brockage — previously struck coin acts as a die, creating mirror-image impression
Strike-Through — foreign material between die and planchet leaves impression
Double Strike — coin struck twice, second strike may be shifted
Die Cap — coin sticks to die and cups over subsequent strikes
Die Deterioration (Die Wear)
These features develop as dies wear out during use:
Die Crack — raised line from fracture in the die face
Die Break — larger area where die metal has separated
Cud — raised blob at rim where piece of die broke away
Die Clash — dies strike each other without a planchet, transferring ghost design elements
Scan for Any Error Type
ErrorHunt's AI scanner is trained to detect all major error categories listed above. Upload a photo of your coin to check for any of these error types.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main categories of coin errors?
Coin errors fall into four main categories: planchet errors (issues with the blank before striking), die errors (problems with the die itself), striking errors (mistakes during the striking process), and die deterioration (wear-related features that develop during die use).
Which coin errors are most valuable?
Generally, the most dramatic and scarce errors carry the highest values. Major doubled dies, wrong planchet errors, significant off-center strikes with dates, and full brockages are among the most valuable error types. However, values vary widely by specific example.
How do I learn to identify coin errors?
Start by reading the individual error guides linked on this page. Learn what each error type looks like, what causes it, and how to distinguish genuine errors from damage. Practice by examining coins under magnification, and use ErrorHunt's scanner to help train your eye.
Check your coin against every error type in our database.