Clipped planchet error coins have a missing piece of metal from their edge, caused by a misalignment during the coin blanking process where the punch overlaps an already-punched hole or the edge of the metal strip. These errors come in several types, including straight, curved, and ragged clips, and are valued by collectors because they are unique and provide insight into the minting process. Genuine clipped planchets can often be identified by features like the "Blakesley effect," which is a weakness in the rim opposite the clip.
This error occurs when a blank metal disc, called a planchet, is improperly cut during the coin manufacturing process, resulting in a visible "clip" or curved cut-out edge. These clipped coins are often caught and removed before they reach the public, but occasionally, one makes it into circulation unnoticed, making it a jackpot for collectors.
We are dipping into our hoard of error coins that we have put aside over the last 60 years of dealing with coins.
Please check back for some fun and interesting error coins as well as some common errors.