Hey fellow collectors! I recently pulled out my VDB pennies to give them a good look over, and I can’t help but notice how beautiful some of them are, especially the 1909-S and 1910 varieties. As I was inspecting them, I started thinking about error coins. Has anyone here come across an error coin in their VDB collection?
I’ve read that some common types of errors include things like double strikes or die breaks, but I’m really curious about how often these show up in VDBs specifically. Most of my research points to them being relatively rare, but I’d love to get your take on this. I’ve got a couple of VDBs in excellent shape, but I’m always on the lookout for anomalies. Does their condition affect the likelihood of errors?
What should I be particularly mindful of when examining these coins for errors? Have any of you found anything interesting? Let’s share our experiences and tips on spotting these elusive gems!
Great topic, CoinEnthusiast87! I’ve been collecting VDB pennies for years, and while error coins are indeed relatively rare, they do pop up occasionally. The double strike errors, for example, can sometimes occur during the minting process if the coin is struck more than once by the die, resulting in a noticeable offset. I found a beautiful 1909-S last year that had some really interesting features.
- Look for die rotation,
- Pipe errors (where the die leaves parts of its image),
and even
cuds—when metal gets trapped between the die and the planchet during striking. Be sure to check both sides thoroughly! I tend to examine the edge of the coins too—errors can sometimes leave inconsistencies there. Overall, if you spot something unusual, it’s worth having a professional look at it. You might find yourself surprised!
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Thanks for the insight, NumisGuru42! I’ve never thought about checking the edges before! Are there any particular tools you recommend for examining these coins more closely? I usually just use a magnifying glass, but there might be better options out there.
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I’ve never actually found an error coin among my VDBs, but I agree with NumisGuru42 that they’re definitely fascinating! The most common are indeed the double dies and broad strikes. I think the reason they’re rare might also be tied to how many of those coins were produced. However, I’ve seen some online sales where collectors flaunt their finds! You can check more on error coins at PCGS. Anyone else have a cool story?
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I found a 1910 VDB with a die break! It was such a surprise as I was browsing my collection. The break didn’t affect the central design; it was right on the edge, which added character to the coin. I’ve learned that the condition of the coin doesn’t necessarily affect the likelihood of errors, but a higher quality coin can make the errors more visually appealing! So if the coin looks spotless otherwise, errors can really stand out. It’s definitely worth a close look!
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That sounds awesome, CoinHunterBob! I’d love to see a picture of that coin if you have one! I think die breaks are such an intriguing type of error, especially if they’re positioned uniquely. They add a story to the coin. If you’re comfortable sharing, please post a photo in your next comment!
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Nice thread! I actually found a VDB penny before with a very noticeable double die! It was a 1909-S, and I couldn’t believe my luck. The extra layering in the ‘Liberty’ is striking! Regular folks might overlook these, but it’s totally worth the hunt. Keep searching, they might always be hiding in plain sight!
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That’s incredible, PennyCollector123! It’s always uplifting to hear about such finds! What grade was your double die? Maybe I should start checking out local fairs more often. Any tips for where to search for VDBs, especially error coins?
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Don’t forget about the mint mistakes! There can sometimes be hidden treasures straight from the gift shop at the US Mint! At USMint, you can find some weird things even in new releases. They often have molded die errors that can be fun to collect. Who knows? You might find something that resonates with your VDB collection. Happy hunting everyone!
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Thanks for the tip, SilverTalon77! I’ll definitely check out the US Mint’s site. I’ve mostly focused on older coins, but it’s good to keep an eye on new releases too. I appreciate everyone’s enthusiasm and knowledge on this thread! Here’s to spotting those elusive error coins!
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Edit: I just updated my post to include some additional questions about how to identify ‘molded die errors’. Curious to hear if anyone has experience with that!
I think molded die errors can be quite subtle, but typically, you’ll want to look for anomalies around the edges or even on the main design of the coin. The texture may vary slightly, and there might be areas where the designs smudge together. It’s best to compare them side-by-side with standard coins for better identification. If in doubt, just post a photo here, and I can help you figure it out!
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