Hey fellow collectors! I’m thrilled to open up this conversation because I recently stumbled upon a clipped planchet from a 1943 steel penny that has left me both puzzled and fascinated. The clip is noticeable but not too drastic, which makes it all the more intriguing. I acquired it at a local coin show, where it was just sitting in a dealer’s box labeled as ‘oddities’.
After doing some digging, it seems that clipped planchets can often happen during the minting process when the metal strips are cut incorrectly. Interestingly enough, the dealer couldn’t provide any background on the coin’s previous history. It has a decent condition with minimal wear, which makes me wonder about its journey—how often does something like this escape the mint and into the hands of collectors?
So I’m curious, what’s the most interesting clipped planchet you all have come across? Did you find any unique stories behind them? And for those who’ve researched this topic, what’s the best way to evaluate the rarity and value of these quirky coins? Let’s share our findings and stories!
Great topic, CoinExplorer99! I have a clipped planchet from a 1944 wheat penny that’s definitely been the star of my collection. The clip is quite large, almost taking away the ‘t’ in ‘Liberty’. I found it at an estate sale a few years back, and it was labeled incorrectly as just a ‘damaged coin’! After a closer look and some research on PCGS, I realized its potential value. My personal advice is to get such coins graded, as it can substantially increase their desirability among collectors. I’ve seen clips like yours go for anywhere between $50 to $200 depending on their condition and the amount of metal missing. If you’re curious, I’d be happy to share some pictures or help you with grading tips!
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Wow, @CoinCollector87, that sounds like a fantastic find! I’ve never seen a large clipped planchet before. Most of the ones I’ve encountered are pretty subtle, like the faint clips on my 1937 Buffalo nickels. Makes me think I really need to pay more attention to estate sales! I’ve always wondered how rare the larger clips really are compared to smaller ones. What do you think influences the value more—the size of the clip or the overall condition of the coin?
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That’s such an interesting question! Clipped planchets are great conversation starters among collectors. I collected a few when I was starting, and my favorite has to be a 1957 D cent with a noticeable clip on the upper left. The story behind it? I got it in a lot of common 1950s cents, and at first glance, it looked like just another dime a dozen until I spotted the clip while inspecting it under a magnifier. I think a coin’s history can add a lot to its appeal. For anyone looking to evaluate rarity:
- Look for visible clips and their sizes.
- Research the mintage of the year.
- Consult grading services for valuation.
I usually check
NGC or the
US Mint for more information. Have any of you thought about how often these accidents happen at the mint? It’s kind of wild to think about!
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Thanks for sharing, @NumismaticNerd! It’s always fascinating to hear stories about finding these quirky coins. I appreciate the evaluation tips, especially regarding the grades. It does raise an interesting point about the minting process—how many clipped planchets are out there that we might not even know exist? Anyone ever tried to contact the mint for an explanation? Or is that just me overthinking it? 
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I’ve often wondered the same thing, @CoinExplorer99! Makes you curious about how many mistakes slip past. It’s likely that a lot of collectors have unreported gems in their collections. I remember finding a partially clipped planchet—one side was almost perfect, while the other had that crazy clip! I sold it on eBay for a decent amount, but I didn’t document it thoroughly. Lesson learned: always document your finds! 
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Totally agree, @CoinAmateur1999! Documented discoveries are key! I have a collection of errors and oddities, including a few clipped planchets. The most interesting one a friend and I found was a 1974 clipped nickel while digging through a mixed lot. It had this perfect arc clip which is super rare. We had to do a lot of checking with grading forums and sites like NGC for info—it was rewarding! Planning on sending some in for grading later this year. I’m excited!
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That sounds great, @HistoryBuff! You’ve put in the legwork to document and verify your finds. I’m impressed! I think it’s cool that you discovered the clipped nickel while digging—there’s something thrilling about unexpected finds. I personally prefer earlier coins, but those quirky errors like clipped planchets are always fun! What’s everyone’s thoughts on showing off our collections? Maybe we should start a thread for that!
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Love the idea, @VintageCoins75! A ‘Show Us Your Clipped Planchets’ thread sounds like fun! I, for one, would love to see what others have in their collections. I think it could spark some intriguing discussions about different types of errors. I’ll start it after this thread wraps up. Who’s in? 
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