How do you identify a mint error?

Look carefully for anything in the lettering that seems odd or unusual . Many doubled die varieties show doubling in only part of a word. Die abrasion, polishing, or greasy dirt collecting on the die face can cause letters to fail to strike accurately upon the coin.

Planchet errors encompass all mistakes resulting from a defective blank, whether or not it has passed through the upsetting mill . One error that can occur is for the planchet to be counted and bagged without going through the press at all. The result is a blank planchet, which may or may not be milled.

PMD stands for Post Mint Damage, and refers to any damage a coin has suffered after leaving the mint . Post Mint Damaged Coins. Fingerprint. Touching a coins surface with your bare fingers can leave oils that will show on the coin as time passes.

Bent or Mutilated Coins Some stores and banks will take coins at face value if they’re not too badly damaged, but it’s totally at their discretion . Banks will then forward them to the Federal Reserve for deposit and replacement. If they’re in really bad shape, you can send them to the U.S. Mint.