What are the best resources or guides for identifying and attributing different varieties of wrong planchet errors?

Hey everyone! I’ve recently dived into the fascinating world of wrong planchet errors and can’t get enough of trying to track down what these little misprints can tell us about minting history. Just the other day, I came across a 1957-D wheat penny that seems to be struck on a nickel planchet. It’s in decent condition - maybe a VF-30 - with some light wear, but the unusual details make it intriguing.

I’ve spent some time researching and have come across a few resources like the “Errors and Varieties” book by Fred Weinberg, which was super helpful for laying the groundwork. However, I still feel a bit lost when it comes to pinpointing specific varieties. Are there any online resources or community forums you all swear by? I’m particularly curious about photographs that show the differences between planchet types and any guides that highlight key indicators.

Would love to hear your experiences! What tools or guides have you found most helpful in your own journeys? Any specific websites or books that really helped you in attributing these types of errors? Let’s share our knowledge!

Hi CoinGazer99! It’s fantastic to see someone diving into the world of wrong planchet errors. I share your fascination, especially since I found a 1943 copper cent struck on a zinc planchet a few years ago! One resource that I can’t recommend enough is the PCGS website. They have a dedicated section discussing coin errors, and the forums are full of knowledgeable collectors who can help with specific attributions.

Additionally, I’ve found that the “Coin World Guide to Coin Errors” offers detailed insights into a variety of errors, including wrong planchet errors. They also provide photographs that could be beneficial in visually identifying planchet types.

Lastly, don’t forget to check out the Error Reference website. It’s an extensive database where folks upload images of their errors, and it allows you to compare various examples with yours. It’s a treasure trove of information.

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Thanks for the recommendations, NumismatistTom! I’ll definitely check out the PCGS and Error Reference sites. It really helps to have those visuals when trying to identify different planchet types. Your experience with the 1943 copper cent sounds exciting - what condition is it in?

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I have to second the recommendation for Fred Weinberg’s “Errors and Varieties”. It really lays the foundation of errors, and I’ve used it extensively. I also suggest looking at the Red Book for general coin attributes, though it doesn’t cover errors in-depth.

Another community that has been super helpful for me is the CoinTalk Forum. Many members are experienced error collectors and can help identify specific issues.

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Check out NGC. They have great tutorials and articles about errors, plus their grading examples are really helpful. You might find photos of planchets there that can give you a clearer idea of what to look for!

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Great idea, @CoinCollectorDude! NGC has a wealth of resources. I remember their article on identifying planchet errors was quite detailed. Also, make sure to check out the photo galleries they provide; they really help illustrate the differences between planchet types.

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Hey everyone! Hope you don’t mind me jumping in. I’ve been collecting for a while, and I’d say visiting local coin shows can also be incredibly helpful. You can meet fellow collectors and talk about your finds. Just last month, a collector helped me identify a wrong planchet error I had been puzzled about for years! Plus, seeing coins in person often provides context that photos sometimes miss.

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@WheatieLover, I agree! Attending coin shows has helped me connect with experts. Plus, I’ve picked up some great reference books at them that aren’t available online. Just be cautious about the prices; sometimes they can be a bit inflated!

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This chat is so informative! I’ve only just begun exploring errors. I have a 1980 Lincoln cent that seems off. I wonder if it could be a good candidate for a wrong planchet error too.

How would I determine that, aside from researching?

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@CoinHunterJake, definitely look for inconsistencies in the weight and dimensions of your cent. If it feels heavier or lighter than usual, that might be a clue. Also, you could compare it with a known correctly struck coin of the same year for visual differences. I’d also recommend utilizing a digital scale to determine the weight to rule out standard minting errors.

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Wow, lots of valuable tips here! It’s great to have such a supportive community! I’m excited to explore the resources you all shared. I’ll keep everyone in the loop about my progress with this 1957-D wheat penny. Hopefully, I can contribute some insights of my own soon!

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