Hey everyone! I’ve been diving deep into off center strikes, and it’s really fascinating how some coins seem to be more prone to these errors than others. Recently, I acquired a 1972 Lincoln cent that has a noticeable off-center strike. It’s not in perfect condition, but there’s enough detail to appreciate. After doing some research, I noticed that certain years and mint marks pop up repeatedly in discussions about this issue.
I found some references suggesting that coins from the Philadelphia mint in the early 70s might have a higher rate of off center strikes. However, I also came across a few reports on errors stemming from the Denver mint, particularly around the late 80s. It got me wondering: are there specific years or mint marks that you all have encountered more frequently when it comes to off center strikes?
I’m curious to hear about your experiences and any particular coins you’ve come across. Are there any specific characteristics you look for when identifying these errors? Let’s dig into this together!
Great question, CoinNerd42! I’ve been collecting Lincoln cents for a while, and I’ve definitely noticed that the early 1970s, especially 1970-1974, have a higher incidence of off-center strikes. I believe this is largely due to the transition period in minting techniques during that era.
- For example, the 1972-D has been found with significant off-center strikes more often than other years.
- The 1984-P is another year where I’ve seen these errors pop up.
It’s fascinating to find these errors in circulation, and they can sometimes fetch a nice premium if they’re graded well. Do you have any particular plans for your 1972 cent, like getting it graded or just keeping it in your collection? I’d love to know more about it!
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Thanks for the insights! I hadn’t realized that the 1970s had such a high rate of off-center strikes. Your mention of the 1984-P is interesting too. I’ve only just started looking at errors, and it seems like I have a lot more to learn! I’m considering sending my 1972 cent for grading if it seems worth it. What grading service would you recommend?
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Honestly, I’ve seen a few from the 1980s, especially around the Denver mint. Coins like the 1985-D can be found with off-center strikes, and they just don't seem to attract the same attention as other error types. You’d be surprised how often they slip by unnoticed in circulation!
Have you all considered how these errors might affect a coin's overall value? Sometimes if the error affects a significant design feature, it can either increase or dramatically decrease the value depending on the collector's focus!
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Great point, Jim! I think the *value* of off-center strikes can indeed vary a lot. I guess it all comes down to how much interest there is among collectors for that particular error type. I really appreciate everyone’s insights here!
Just to add, since you mentioned the 1985-D, have any of you ever thought about doing a comparison among various mint marks across the decades? It might be interesting to see if we can track trends!
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Hey everyone! Just jumping in here. I started collecting a bit earlier than the 70s, and I can tell you that the 1960s had their fair share of errors too, such as the 1969-S. These off-center strikes are often overlooked but can be quite remarkable and collectible. Plus, they're a great conversation starter!
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Absolutely, Frankie! The 1969-S is a classic example, and it often flies under the radar. Its off-center strike can really create a unique aesthetic. Have you found any interesting pieces from that year lately?
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Just some humor! Why did the coin collector break up with his girlfriend? Because she found out he was seeing other *off-center* strikes!
But on a serious note, I do agree with everyone about the 1980s. I found a sweet 1988-D cent with a strong off-center strike the other day. Love these small errors!
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Haha, love the joke, @Coins4Life! On a serious note, I think off-center strikes have a charming quality that really diversifies a collection. Have any of you had any luck with finding off-center strikes in your pocket change? It's always exciting to spot one!
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Hello again! I've found a couple of them over the years, mostly from the 70s. It's such a thrill when you discover something interesting like that! My best find was a 1971-D with a barely noticeable strike. It instantly became my favorite.
Do you think I should consider sending it for grading?
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That sounds like a great find, @CoinEnthusiast83! If it’s in good shape and has an interesting error, it might be worth grading! Have you looked up resources like PCGS for grading? They have some helpful guides on deciding what’s worth sending in.
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I second that! Resources like NGC also have some solid grading references that could help you gauge if your find is worth the investment. In the end, it’s all about your passion for collecting!
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