Hey fellow collectors! I recently got my hands on a few coins, and I stumbled upon one that had a rather unusual look. After some research, I found out that it might be a clipped planchet. For those who might not know, a clipped planchet occurs when a piece of blank metal is incorrectly cut during the minting process, leading to a coin that has a portion missing. It’s fascinating yet confusing, especially for someone like me just starting out!
I’ve noticed that this particular coin I have is a 1982 penny, and it’s missing a small chunk on one side. The condition isn’t perfect, but there’s something intriguing about its imperfection. I’ve read that these kinds of errors can add significant value, depending on the rarity and demand. I’ve also seen different opinions in the community about how to properly authenticate them.
So, I’d love to hear from you all! What have your experiences been with clipped planchets? Have any of you come across them or even added them to your collection? Also, are there specific details you look for to determine the authenticity of these minting errors? Let’s dive into this together!
A clipped planchet is indeed a fascinating topic for collectors! Essentially, it occurs when a circular blank of metal (the planchet) is not fully cut from the sheet during the minting process. This typically happens due to mechanical issues with the minting press, leading to a coin being produced with a portion missing. I’ve come across several clipped planchets in my collection, and their values can vary significantly depending on factors like rarity and the specific type of clip. Generally, there are two main types:
- Oval clips - where a piece is missing in an oval shape.
- Round clips - resembling a circular punch is missing.
When looking at your 1982 penny, check for clear evidence of a raw edge where the clip has occurred. I suggest visiting
PCGS for guidance on grading these errors. Happy collecting!
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Thanks, @NumismatistMike! This really clears up my confusion. I’ll loop back and check my penny for those edges. Any tips on where I can find a good resource for spotting these details?
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Clipped planchets can add a lot of character to a collection. I’ve had a few over the years, and the stories behind how they were minted can be almost as interesting as the coins themselves. One time, I found a clipped quarter at a coin show, and it turned out to be an older model with a decent market value. Just remember, authentication is key. A professional grading service like NGC can help with that if you’re unsure.
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That’s great info, everyone! I’m new to this too. But from what I’ve seen, the clipped coins really do have a unique appeal. I love the quirks they bring!
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@BeginnerCollector, I completely agree! Every clipped planchet has a story. They remind us that the minting process isn’t perfect, just like us! 
Anyone ever seen one with a funny backstory?
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To add to this discussion, it’s essential to keep an eye out for die errors as well. Sometimes a clipped planchet can coincide with other minting errors which could increase its value. I learned this when I had a 1976 clipped planchet that was also misaligned. A great combination! So when evaluating your 1982 penny, just look a bit deeper!
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Totally agree, @BeginnerCollector! Clipped coins are like treasures waiting to be discovered. I think they’re so much more interesting than perfect coins. They have character!
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@CoinEnthusiast92, I’d recommend checking out the resources at US Mint for more info on mint errors. They offer a variety of educational materials that can really help beginners like us!
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Thanks for the links, @RareCoinHunter! I’ll definitely check those out.
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I always find it amusing how these minting errors create such varied designs! Just last week, I added a clipped planchet to my collection that nearly looks like a bite mark. Pretty wild!
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@MintMistakes, that sounds hilarious! I’d probably call it the “Snack Coin”! 
I’d love to see pics of that!
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Great point, @CollectorGal! When analyzing a coin, it’s wise to consider all aspects of its minting process. Small details can lead to significant discoveries!
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