Lincoln struck on a washer (off metal error)

[jcuve]

Here is a no date Lincoln memorial struck on a washer.
Shot it at the ANA show. I was in a hurry so the pics are not up to my standards.
NGC MS67 (how they graded this I do not know) weight 1.17GR
Coin courtesy Mark Lighterman

[Roller]

Incredible. How was it found?

[seal006]

Looks like something that would have to been done intentionally at the mint. Then smuggled out. Would that be an illegal coin?

[Maineman750]

I'm curious as to how the hole got that jagged look to it. That's not how a normal washer looks....I'm assuming the pressure of the strike moved/distorted the metal towards the hole.

[coincollectingenterprises]

What is the metal property of the washer? I could "make" that using an existing penny so I assume the metal property is different to prove it was done in a mint?

[jcuve]

Look closely, the there is metal flow toward the incomplete peripheral areas distorting the design. You cannot fake that with an existing Lincoln cent. I suppose if you just happened to have a cent struck on a small piece of steel, you could make a hole in the center...

I do not know the back story - or even if there was one. I could see it being intentional or some very odd mistake...

[coincollectingenterprises]

Look closely, the there is metal flow toward the incomplete peripheral areas distorting the design. You cannot fake that with an existing Lincoln cent. I suppose if you just happened to have a cent struck on a small piece of steel, you could make a hole in the center...

I do not know the back story - or even if there was one. I could see it being intentional or some very odd mistake...

Interesting. I wonder if a 1943 steel cent could be manipulated to give a similar appearance.

[liveandievarieties]

That's phenomenal, nothing I see would make me question it's authenticity, though I'm sure that there's no shortage of people who would be willing to attempt replicating it (not suggesting you Dan).

Any idea on vintage? From the hub style, it looks '83-'85, but the off metal could be throwing me too. Amazing coin, er... hardware.

[seal006]

I have a lawnmower in need of repair. That looks like the right size for the job. Think the owner would let me use it?

[flyhi3]

I have a lawnmower in need of repair. That looks like the right size for the job. Think the owner would let me use it?

I HOPE NOT!

What a spectacular coin, washer, error thing

[jcuve]

Any time something is struck where the collar is not containing the energy of the strike, you get metal flow on the coin. This is true of incomplete planchets (clips) and off-metals that are smaller than the intended collar assembly (such as this washer). Another source is if the collar is jammed or the planchet is on top of the collar. So off-center struck coins, broadstrikes as well as some MADS will also have this metal flow. I cannot imagine how you would duplicate it on a previously struck coin.

[DCW]

It's nice, but I'm detecting some rub on the high points. Probably AU58 at best

[trails]

Washers struck with denominational dies are uncommon and are rather pricey to own ($6000.00 to $8000.00). Here is the link to error-ref.com and that subject:

http://error-ref.com/Coins_struck_on_washers__gears__and_other_hardware.html

BJ Neff

[coincollectingenterprises]

Any time something is struck where the collar is not containing the energy of the strike, you get metal flow on the coin. This is true of incomplete planchets (clips) and off-metals that are smaller than the intended collar assembly (such as this washer). Another source is if the collar is jammed or the planchet is on top of the collar. So off-center struck coins, broadstrikes as well as some MADS will also have this metal flow. I cannot imagine how you would duplicate it on a previously struck coin.

Fascinating. Thank you for the detailed response. This makes me curious as to some of the coins I see come through my door that have some obscure looks to them or the rim clearly shows some kind of "breakage" on it. There's a dime in particular that looks like someone hacked it in half across the thickness and then soldered it back together. Now you're making me rethink that some of these may not be external errors but internal errors relating to the mint.