Interesting Coin | The experts say this is not a mint error coin

[jcuve]

The buyer states within the description
HERE that, "The experts say this is not a mint error coin. I am selling this coin as an odd coin, for odd coin collectors or for educational study." So I would guess then if it isn't a Mint error that would make it a...
Right?

I have now seen three coins that look similar to this coin, that it is why I bring it up. Clearly the seller has warned everyone already, yet there's bidding nonetheless...

[shameless]

what about this one is this legit or just a die chip or something ?

http://cgi.ebay.com/1970-71-DATE-ERROR-LINCOLN-CENT-NO-INITIALS-ON-REVERSE_W0QQitemZ320476533741QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCoins_US_Individual?hash=item4a9de3d3ed

[hasfam]

I had a very similiar coin about 15 yrs ago, in fact, I think it was a 1978 too, but a lot dirtier. I hung on to it for a long time trying to find out what caused it and came to my own conclusion that it must have been PMD. I think I dumped it. If I found that coin today I would throw it on ebay just like that guy with all the warnings then take my money and run to the bank. Not everybody wants "legit" stuff but are willing to spend money on the weird or what we would consider stupid worthless stuff.
Also, it's all in the marketing and presentation.
Rock

[trails]

The first coin has been manipulated outside the mint by a soft die. Most coins that have this "error" type have only partial doubling (usually on the date) and only on one die (like this example). Most of the people that make these counterfeits are unaware that what happens on the obverse of a coin must show on the reverse as well. And the buyers seem to be equally unaware of this fact!!!!!. At least the seller was honest in his write up about this coin.

The second coin is a combination of post mint damage (coin counter is the likely cause) and an abraded die. The date on the Lincoln cent is a prime area for damage from a coin counter; in this case the 0 digit has been flattened and the extra metal has reshaped into a supposed 1 digit. The missing FG is either a case of an abraded die (to remove a die clash mark), or a grease filled design element or an extremely worn die.

In both cases, the coins are commanding a premium that is far above their actual worthy.

BJ Neff

[shameless]

thanks for that bj i thought it was something other then what they said it was because i probably would have heard about it on here first if it was what they said it was
co

[jcuve]

There have been two '55s that appear similar to this '78, except, the '55s have LIBERTY and the date more out of alignment than this one.

As have no intention of posting photos from eBay users without permission, but I do think one should be on the lookout for such Post-Mint Creations, so I created an overlay composite below that shows an approximation of what some of these questionable coins appear as: just soft doubling of LIBERTY and the date - nothing on the reverse - there is a rotation and then it is just a tad off-center.

[kloccwork419]

How exactly is this done. How can someone get a die? Im lost

[jcuve]

I really don't know, but would speculate that you wouldn't need to use spark gap erosion process to make the die, rather just a cast of the outside of a coin (so it was like a die). Next you could then polish it way down, get rid of the rims, motto and portrait and further hollow out those areas so they fit over their corresponding details on the coin, from there you would have a die that has LIBERTY and part of the date with hollowed out sections. Next you could then place it over a coin so it is aligned over (and not touching) the devices and place LIBERTY and the date in approximate locations and lightly hammer the details into the coin. After that I would imagine just trial and error, maybe a little heat...

Maybe BJ knows for sure...

[trails]

It is a lot easier than you think to make a soft die. For reasons that I think is the best, I shall not broadcast the method on this forum or any other forum. To many people read these threads and I do not want to be a part of this scam.

I have seen to many of this type of manipulation of a coin on E-bay and I rank it along with the Chinese counterfeits. Both are done to make money at the expense of the ill-informed. It is a sorry state to stoop that low, but we do have those who do it.

BJ Neff

[closelook]

I read how to do this about a year ago. I just went to my shop and made this in under 2 minutes. I had to try it after reading this post. It came out OK for a first try.

[jpl6332]

Oh My...Lord In Heaven....what folks will stoop to for the almighty dollar.

[jcuve]

I just read about it and discovered some people got arrested and prosocuted by the GOV. for doing this in the '60s...not good...