NGC Error Coins & Mint Varieties 2

Question 1

What causes a 'clipped planchet' error?

Accepted Answer

A malfunction in the blanking press that removes a portion of the planchet before it is struck

Answer

Clipped planchet errors result from a malfunction in the blanking press where the strip of metal overlaps a previously punched hole, causing a curved or straight section to be missing from the planchet.

Question 2

The Sheldon variety numbering system was originally created to catalog which series of U.S. coins?

Accepted Answer

Large Cents

Answer

Dr. William Sheldon created his variety numbering system in 1949 specifically for Early American Large Cents, cataloging distinct die marriages that are still referenced as Sheldon numbers today.

Question 3

In numismatics, 'VAM' varieties specifically catalog die varieties for which coinage?

Accepted Answer

Die varieties for Morgan and Peace dollars, named after researchers Van Allen and Mallis

Answer

VAM stands for Van Allen-Mallis, honoring Leroy Van Allen and A. George Mallis who authored the definitive reference cataloging hundreds of Morgan and Peace dollar die varieties.

Question 4

A 'lamination' error on a coin is caused by:

Accepted Answer

Impurities or defects in the planchet metal that cause surface layers to separate

Answer

Lamination errors result from internal impurities, inclusions, or rolling defects in the planchet that cause a thin layer of metal to flake, peel, or separate from the coin's surface.

Question 5

What is the key distinction between a 'mechanical doubled die' and a 'hub doubled die'?

Accepted Answer

Hub doubling occurs during die creation while mechanical doubling results from die bounce or shift during the actual strike

Answer

Hub doubling is a true variety created when the die receives a doubled impression during hubbing, while mechanical doubling (also called machine doubling or strike doubling) is a worthless strike artifact caused by die movement or bounce during the coin-striking process.

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NGC Error Coins & Mint Varieties 2