Dropped Letter

[pman860507]

So how does it happen is it a letter that hits the die or is it a letter that actually hits the coin?

Thanks.

[coop]

The die fills with debris and when it falls out, it get struck into the next coin. Here is an example Bob posted one time.

[Rollem]

Struck through dropped filling/dropped letter errors are some of the more dramatic types from the group known as strike-throughs. Their dramatic appearance and unusual method of creation make them a very interesting addition to any error coin collection. They are caused when a design element of the die becomes filled with grease, iron filings, and dust or dirt. These foreign materials usually clog the smaller devices of the die, letters and numbers.

If a coin is struck while elements of the design are clogged, a common error is created known as a struck through grease type. Sometimes, the grease mixture becomes hard and compact through hundreds of strikes, is jarred loose and falls onto the planchet. When the coin is struck, a perfect letter, number or other feature is incuse into the coin.

The dropped letter can fall onto either side of the coin. For instance, even if a number fell off the date on the obverse, it can be struck into the reverse. If you have collected error coins for any length of time, you have probably heard many say that if a coin thought to be an error has an incuse letter, it cannot be an error. That however, as evidenced by dropped letter errors, is actually possible.

[pman860507]

Awesome Thanks for the info.

[Rollem]

I had some problems with the 1983 clo 002, which I thought to be a dropped letter since I understand is normally a one time strike and failed to look for it when examining the 83.
But later realized that it was one that the die took the clash or incuse so the coin would raised raised detail and possibly there is more out there to be found.

Oh well still haven't found example of the 83 clo 002 as featured on LCR homepage.

James

[jcuve]

I have a dropped letter somewhere with some of the debris still present...somewhere...no pics...

[Rollem]

Be nice to see Jason

James

[pman860507]

Pretty cool you will have to find that.