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Homepage updated /11/01/2009

Members Share ...
Super 2007-P Split Die Dime Featured!

November 01, 2009 -- Brett Sherris of Northport, NY wrote to say: "I just picked up this coin from Key Numismatic, and since it was a 2007, I thought it might be of interest to you. I guess you could consider this a severely shattered die, or one of the largest retained CUDs you ever seen. If you examine this coin lengthwise, the entire bottom half of the coin is elevated along the die crack line." Nice error!!!

In The News ...
Liberty Seated Dime Varieties Web-book
Now Open For Public Reference

Images courtesy of Gerry Fortin
1875-S Dime With Retained Reverse Cuds

    November 01, 2009 -- Gerry Fortin is pleased to announce that his Liberty Seated Dime varieties web-book at www.seateddimevarieties.com has been converted from a subscription scheme to fully open to numismatic community access. The website and web-book entitled, "The definitive resource for Liberty Seated Dime variety collectors" provides a comprehensive analysis of individual dates and their respective obverse and reverse dies, die marriages and important die states. In addition, Gerry provides rarity assessments for each variety and suggested premiums. Throughout the web-book, varieties are cross-referenced to Kamal Ahwash's, "Encyclopedia of United States - Liberty Seated Dimes - 1837-1891" and Brian Greer's, "The Complete Guide to Liberty Seated Dimes."
    To enhance the Seated Dime variety collector's website experience, Fortin offers collecting objectives for the advanced specialist including a Top 100 Varieties set, a Top 25 Shattered Dies set and recently, a Top 25 Cud Dies set. Each set is well defined with supporting pictorials and linked individual descriptions for each variety. Other website features include a pictorial guide for each date in the Liberty Seated Dime series as a quick variety reference without having to navigate the extensive content of the web-book. An open registry is also available for seated half dimes through half dollars. Both raw and certified coins can be listed in the open registry. Finally, he recently added a Historical Collections module, which attempts to locate and document the provenance of Seated dimes, contained within the Eliasberg, Ahwash and Greer collections.
    Since his reference collection is significant and constantly being upgraded, a For Sale list is also presented to readers for passing along duplicates to serious collectors of the series. Fortin works closely with specialists towards guiding the construction of their sets and featuring their accomplishments in the open registry website module.
    Fortin has been collecting and researching Liberty Seated dimes exclusively since 1987 and published the www.seateddimevarieties.com web-book in August 2004. He publishes frequently in the E-Gobrecht and Gobrecht Journal, both publications of the Liberty Seated Collector Club. His PCGS registry sets have won numerous awards including Best Classic Set in 2007-2009. He will be exhibiting the PCGS registry set at the November 2009 Whitman Baltimore show as part of a Liberty Seated Collector Club display.

Members Share ...
Monster Mexican 1978 10c Doubled Die Rev!

October 07, -- CONECA member, Ron Pope sent in this monster doubled die reverse on a 1978 Mexican 10 centavos saying, "They don't come much better than this ... and a Class I to boot!." It is one of a number of monster Mexican doubled dies of the era with many found on the 10 and 20 centavo pieces (and other denominations too). This one was originally listed by me in the Variety Coin Register in March of 1999 for R. A. Medina of Texas as VCR#1/DDR#1. The one shown here is only the second specimen reported to me thus far. Considering it took over a decade for a second report, it may be very scarce to rare. Has anybody else found this one? KP

In The News ...
Second 1992 Close AM Reverse Specimen Appears!

Image © Ken Potter / Coin courtesy of Kie Brown

September 19, 2009 -- According to lead stories appearing in the current issue of Numismatic News and the September 7 issue of Coin World, a second known specimen of the elusive 1992 Philadelphia minted Lincoln cent struck with a "Close AM" (of AMERICA) design style reverse has been reported. Kie Brown of Gales Ferry, Conn., found it while searching circulated rolls of Lincoln cents on July 24. According to Potter, the variety, which had almost become mythological due to its rarity, is listed in Brian Allen and his book, Strike It Rich With Pocket Change, second edition (published by Krause Publications earlier this year) with a possible value of $10,000+ for an uncirculated specimen and freely admits that this may be far lower than its actual worth.

Coin World Subscribers May See The Story Here

See The Online Version Of The Numismatic News Story Here

See The Numismaster Version Of The Story Here

Note: Since these articles were published it has been confirmed that the Kie Brown specimen has been graded by PCGS as MS-62 Red; I have also learned (via images) that NGC has graded one as AU-55 BN but I have no idea from the information given when it was graded or why it is not listed in the NGC Population Report.

In The News ...
Major Die Cracks Reappear On Proof Cents!

Photo © Ken Potter 2009 / Coin Courtesy of Thomas Baalman

Photo © Ken Potter 2009 / Coin Courtesy of John Frye

    September 18, 2009 -- In Ken Potter's recent article in Numismatic News, he says: "After a major lapse in time, I am again getting reports on major die crack varieties found on proof coins. The latest two are both on the Professional Life Lincoln cent reverse and were found in August.
    Thomas Baalman of Kansas reported the first one to Numismatic News on Aug. 6. It features a major die crack that runs from center of the bushes at front right corner of the old Illinois capitol building into the field, through the "T" of CENT and the rim. He ordered two of the regular 18-coin proof sets from the Mint and found one in each set. I listed it in the Variety Coin Register for the date, Mint and type as VCR#1/DCR#1.
    John Frye of Kentucky found another major die crack on a proof version of this cent while searching through three 18-coin silver proof sets that he received from the Mint in early August and found one with a spike-like die crack that runs from the center of the bushes to the right of Lincoln down into the field and through Lincoln's left leg, (viewer's right), the tip of his right shoe, through the left vertical of the "N" of CENT and the rim. He found it on Aug. 17 when he decided to check over the three clad and three silver sets that he owned."
    He then goes on to describe the rarity of major die cracks on proof coins, possible causes, estimated values and explains that die cracks on business strike (circulation quality) coinage rarely ever adds any value.

See The Rest Of The Numismaster Story

Note to authors/publishers: CONECA is interested in publishing news releases highlighting current stories published elsewhere that are associated with error-variety coins and/or the minting process. Interested authors/publishers are encouraged to send an abstract along with a photo or more and details of when and where the article was published to the CONECA webmaster at: conecawebsite@koinpro.com (please -- only email submissions).

In The News ...
2001-P Convex Reverse JFK Halves Examined

Photos © Ken Potter 2008 / Coin Courtesy of Pepe DeMeo

    September 14, 2009 -- According to a story in Numismatic News, Pepe DeMeo of New York sent in a 2001-P Kennedy half dollar with some very interesting effects. While a normal coin has basined (concave) fields, the reverse of his coin is convex, somewhat like many brass buttons.
    A normal concave effect allows the central design to be raised up from the recess to gain relief and still be lower than the rims to protect the designs from undue wear and to facilitate the stackability of the coins.
    On DeMeo's coin, the area where it slopes down toward the rim the fastest begins at the circle of stars, though the field seems to actually begin its decent towards the rim much closer to center. Many of the stars that encircle the central design are connected by die stress cracks.
    As a result of the convexity, the coin does not lie flat on the reverse rim but instead teeters on the uneven high points of the design, upon which it could actually be spun like a top.

See The Rest Of Story

See Large Detailed Images Here

Note: Another story on one of these coins owned by CONECA member, Curt Stahl was published by CONECA president Mike Diamond in the Sept/Oct 2008, pp. 5-9 Errorscope.

Members Share ...
Monster India Doubled Die Picked On eBay!
by Jeff Ylitalo

September 06, 2009 -- This 1998-dated reverse displays a monster doubled die. It was minted by the 'Hyderabad' Mint located in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It's the first I've seen for this date on a 2 rupees coin. It just arrived and I am confident it is Class IV off-set hub doubling with huge spread to the SE. I bought it as a close double strike and suspected that it might be 'doubled die' but the auction images were just terrible. I was delighted to see that it is instead a monster doubled die rather than a close in-collar double strike!

See More Detailed Images Here

Membership News ...
Errorama 2009 Success!
by Al Raddi

Al Raddi accepts the club's 25 year membership certificate from ANA Governor Joe Boling as ANA
President Cliff Mishler looks on.

September 5, 2009 -- The fun began on Wednesday August 5, 2009 when we set-up the CONECA table at the American Numismatic Association (ANA) World's Fair of Money at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Special thanks to Tim Clough, Mark Lighterman, Al Raddi, and Phil Shattuck for loaning some eye-catching error and variety coins to our display cases and to Alan Herbert, Mark Lighterman, Jon Leese, Walt Ostromecki, Al Raddi, Phil Shattuck, and Mike Turrini for taking shifts at the table the table.

See The Rest Of Story & Images (PDF Version)

See The Rest Of Story & Images (MS Word Version)

Commercial News ...
Jim's C&S Announces September Error Auction

A few of the coins in the auction are shown above.

September 05, 2008 -- Jim's Coins & Stamps of Madison, WI, latest error-variety coin auction includes 770 United States and foreign error-variety coin and currency related items including some literature. Bidding closes on September 30, 2009. The online version of the auction can be downloaded from here: http://jimscoins.com/auction035.php. Future sales may be accessed from www.jimscoins.com. Persons wishing to subscribe to a hard copy version of the auctions may obtain more information via email at errorsale@sbcglobal.net or by phone at 608-233-2118.

Editor's Note ...
Why Your Submission May
Not Have Been Used Yet

September 5, 2009 -- For those of you who know me well, you know that my wife and I have had some difficult health issues that started over three years ago for me and her issues starting at about the time mine were getting better late last year. At this point in time I believe she has gotten past the most difficult hurtles and that things will begin running much smoother for both of us all around. If you have submitted something for this page in the past that I suggested I'd use and it hasn't shown up yet, (or at least not in the next week or two), please contact me to make sure it didn't fall between the cracks. Thanks! Ken Potter - CONECA Webmaster/Editor. Click here to send an email: conecawebmaster.

Members Share ...
Washington Quarter Reverse Design Varieties Examined

Photo © Ken Potter 2007 / Coin Courtesy of Tracy Miller
1969-D Washington Quarter With a Type B Reverse

September 5, 2009 -- While attending the Baltimore 2003 Errorama, James Wiles did an ANA Numismatic Theatre Presentation on the Washington Quarter Reverse Design Varieties. The CONECA website gets questions about these so often that I asked James if the handout that summarized his presentation might still be available for posting on the website, which he was happy to dig up and offer for use.
I might point out here while most the inquiries that come in about these varieties ask about them as "Type A," "Type B" or Type C, in reference to the transitional issues found in the 50's through the '60's as listed by Walter Breen and others. Wiles' numbering is an alphanumerical system. While the numbering system may be different than what you might have encountered previously, you can still do the necessary cross referencing to any designations on slabs or other holders by just checking your coin against his detailed images, figuring out what Wiles' CONECA number is and then consulting the chart at the bottom of the document to learn more about the possible rarity of your coin.

See The Presentation Here

Commercial News ...
Overstruck Greek Coins Subject of Book

    August 19, 2009 -- Whitman Publishing announces the release of Overstruck Greek Coins: Studies in Greek Chronology and Monetary Theory, by David MacDonald. The 288-page hardcover book will be available online, in bookstores, and from dealers nationwide in late September 2009, and can be preordered at www.WhitmanBooks.com.
    Overstruck Greek Coins is intended for serious collectors of ancient coins, but it is intriguing enough to appeal to general collectors and historians. It is the first book-length study to explain how Greek coins were overstruck, when they were overstruck, and why they were overstruck. Its revelations offer new understanding to students of ancient history.
    “The sophistication of ancient cultures in monetary terms was revealed to me by this remarkable volume,” said Harlan J. Berk, author of 100 Greatest Ancient Coins, who wrote the book’s foreword.
    Overstruck coins are those that have been “recoined” by striking them with new and different dies, without first having the original design completely removed. In ancient times, this was done for various reasons: to certify the coins’ quality; to encourage their circulation in a faraway land; to restrict their export and keep them in local economies; to validate them for mercenary soldiers’ pay; to raise revenue; to avoid mandated recoining fees; or to make a political or patriotic statement.
    “Overstrikes have been recognized since the early days of numismatics, but the attention paid to them was, for a long time, sporadic and uneven,” writes award-winning author David MacDonald. “The study of overstrikes has now become a standard part of numismatic methodology.”
    MacDonald’s engaging study includes more than 300 high-resolution photographs and line drawings showing overstruck coins and their undertypes; an appendix on previously published Mesambrian overstrikes; a gallery of actual sizes; detailed notes; and an extensive bibliography of pertinent books and auction catalogs. The author explores the regions of Gaul and Italy, Sicily, Bosporus, Macedonia, Thrace, Greece, Anatolia, Syria, Judaea, North Africa, and Indo-Greece, along with a study of several enigmatic pieces.
    For more information, contact Dennis Tucker at dennis.tucker@whitmanbooks.com or at 404-235-5348.

In The News ...
Euro Two-Tailed Cent Mystery Discussed

Images courtesy of Heritage Auction Galleries

August 22, 2009 -- According to a story by John Dale Beety appearing in Heritage Auction Galleries' August 22 Newsletter, a fascinating mule error will be up for sale in the September 2009 Long Beach U.S. Coin Auction. "It is a two-tailed coin that comes not from the United States, but across the pond: a one euro cent coin struck with two reverse dies, graded MS63 Red by NGC. It's an odd little coin, even more mysterious than the average two-headed or two-tailed coin (and that's saying something)" according to Beety. He goes on to explain that so little is known about the coin that its date of manufacture or even the country that minted it is unknown.

See The Rest Of Story

CONECA Membership News ...
Irish Named New Membership Chairperson

    August 14, 2009 -- Due to the unexpected departure of former CONECA Membership chairman BJ Neff, CONECA's administration has worked quickly to approve his replacement. Effective immediately, the new membership coordinator will be Rachel Irish. We should see little disruption (if any) as a result this position transfer. All correspondence dealing with membership requests should be directed to Irish at the following address:
     Rachel Irish
     101 W. Prairie #323
     Hayden, ID 83835
     MRirish5@roadrunner.com
    For those wishing to join and/or renew their membership, you can go to the CONECA web page http://conecaonline.org/join.html for applicable information and links.
    CONECA would like to thank BJ Neff for his outstanding dedication and service to the organization, and wish him well in all his future endeavors. We would also like to give a warm welcome to Ms. Irish.

Submitted by Bob Piazza, CONECA Seat 4, Public Relations

Members Share ...
1000th Trail Die Reported!

June 27, 2009 – Traildies.com has added its 1000^th die to the site. The 1994 Lincoln cent was found by CONECA member Louis Schaeffer and is now listed as 1994P-1DEO-008T. The site has had 11, 800 visitors since it beginning in August of 2008, which is a positive indicator on the popularity of this relatively new die variety. The producers of the site, CONECA Board of Directors Bob Piazza and Membership Chairman BJ Neff invite you to stop on by and take a look. You may find it very interesting.

Commercial News ...
Byers Releases 27th Mint Error News Magazine

June 26, 2009 -- Mike Byers has just released the newest issue of Mint Error News Magazine. Issue 27 is available in in a "live" PDF format here: http://minterrornews.com/issue27.pdf. This issue is packed with over 200 pages of info on mint error coins including a fantastic1900 Indian Head cent struck on a $2-1/2 gold planchet! There are many other fantastic errors and a price guide for various error types. Check it out! You can visit his website here: www.mikebyers.com

Members Share ...
Another Rail Splitter Doubled Die Reported!

Photo courtesy of BJ Neff

June 25, 2009 -- According to BJ Neff, "CONECA member Jeremy Gardner of Kentucky has found a different type of 2009 Formative Years Lincoln cent doubled die. This one does not show any doubling of the fingers; however, it does show a distinct doubling of the book's spine and upper edge. This die does not yet have a filing number assigned in any system yet, but I am sure it will soon. Congratulations Jason on a very nice find!"

Members Share ...
1999 Wide AM Cent Found at Disney World!

Photo © Ken Potter 2007

June 16, 2009 - While attending the Central Florida Coin Club meeting, CONECA Membership Chairman, BJ Neff was able to attribute a 1999 Wide AM (Type II Reverse) Lincoln cent for CONECA member Marcia Taylor of Florida. She is an avid pocket change searcher and believes that this find came from the Disney World complex in Orlando. Congratulations on a nice find Marcia!

In The News ...
Formative Years Cents Yielding Double Dies!

Click On Image To See Enlarged View
Photo © Ken Potter 2009/Coin Courtesy of John Horengic

June 13, 2009 -- John Horengic of Maryland was the first collector to report to me one of the new Formative Years commemorative Lincoln cents with a doubled-die reverse, and I am now aware of several more different ones. Two others shown in this article are from Bob Piazza of coppercoins.com.
In typical fashion, as are most doubled dies found dated since the late 1990s, the three exhibit a centralized type of doubling restricted to designs in or near the center of the coin. KP

See The Rest Of The Story

Commercial News ...
Heritage Releases Top 10 List

Photo © Ken Potter 2007/Coin Courtesy of Michael Tremonti

June 13, 2009 -- For "This Week's Top Ten" feature, Heritage Auction Galleries' June 13, 2009 eNewsletter offers their list of the "The ten highest valued Lincoln Memorial cents sold in Heritage auction." Not too surprisingly seven of the top ten are 1969-S doubled die cents.

This Week's Top Ten

The ten highest valued Lincoln Memorial cents sold in Heritage auctions:

1969-S 1C Doubled Die MS64 Red PCGS. Sold for $126,500.
1969-S 1C Doubled Die Obverse MS63 Red PCGS. Sold for $86,250.
1969-S 1C Doubled Die MS63 Brown NGC. Sold for $48,875.
1969-S 1C Doubled Die Obverse AU58 PCGS. Sold for $44,862.
1969-S 1C Doubled Die MS62 Brown PCGS. Sold for $43,700.
1963 1C PR70 Deep Cameo PCGS. Sold for $40,250.
1969-S 1C Doubled Die MS61 Brown PCGS. Sold for $39,100.
1963 1C PR70 Deep Cameo PCGS. Sold for $39,100.
1969-S 1C Doubled Die Obverse MS64 Red and Brown PCGS. Sold for $36,800.
1959 1C PR69 Deep Cameo PCGS. Sold for $20,700.

Do you have a suggestion for a future top ten list? Send it to HA!

Members Share ...
Truckin' Cherrypicker Finds 3-Legged Buffalo
by Lee C. Roschen
"The Truckin' Cherrypicker"

Lee Roschen holds his thumb just below the unexpected 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nicklel found in this collection.

     June 08, 2009 -- I had to pass on my latest coin finds! A few months ago on my trucking travels, I stopped at a small town bank here in Minnesota ...one I had never stopped at before. In five rolls of half dollars, I found 31 silver and silver clads, including two 1964's. Not bad! So I badly wanted to stop at that very same bank as soon as possible again and did so a bit over a month ago. This time I plunked down $160 for sixteen rolls. I figured this time I would score maybe 80-90 silver halves, but ended up with only 28. However, this time the keepers included a 1954-D Franklin, a 1942 Walker, two 1964's, and the rest were 40% silver-clads. But that doesn't compare with what I came up with on Saturday morning 4-25-2009.
    I stopped at an antique store west of Minneapolis, and after looking more closely at some partially filled Whitman coin folders, purchased a Buffalo nickel folder with 43 Buffalo nickels in it for $75.00.
    About a half dozen didn't even have visible dates. This was one of the types of folders that has the clear plastic inserts that enables one to clearly see both the reverse and obverse sides of the nickels. I noticed toward the end of the folder that it had two (2) slots for 1937-D nickels ...one for the normal copy, and one for the rare 3-legged nickel. Both slots had a 1937 nickel in them, and I expected to find a filler coin in the 3-legged nickel slot being that the person who originally put this set together inserted dateless Buffalo nickels as I mentioned earlier. I was stunned when I spotted with the naked eye that the coin that was in the 1937-D 3-legged nickel slot was indeed just that!
    I immediately closed the folder, and calmly said to the clerk "yeah, I'll buy this one." In my opinion the coin grades VF-20. I have never had such an easy cherrypick as this one, and never one such as sweet.
    This folder also included a few nicer grade semi-key nickels, including a 1937-D with an RPM east in EF-45, a 1923-P in EF-40, a 1927-S in EF-40, a 1927-D in VF-20, and a 1926-S in Good-4. Needless to say, I will be stopping by this place again in the future to see what other good stuff has been overlooked behind the glass display case. Ironically, I had just talked with Cherrypickers' Guide co-author J.T. Stanton earlier that morning for the first time in several years. I had to call him back a short while later to inform him of my find as I know he like hearing about that kind of thing.
    These are the latest finds from my trucking travels.

Members Share ...
1961 Franklin Half Sports Strike -Thru Error

Photos © Ken Potter 2009 / Coin Courtesy of Bob Kehn

    June 08, 2009 -- Bob Kehn of MT sent in a 1961 Franklin Half dollar that is struck through grease and possibly other contaminants on the obverse and reverse. Debris, (which can build up around machinery), made up of grease, oil, metal filings, etc., may work itself into and cover the dies. When this occurs it can fill certain areas of design and prevent those areas from being struck up on the coin.
    On his coin we see that the entire word WE is missing due to the die being filled with Mint goop on the obverse while the O and portion of the F of OF are missing from the reverse (not shown).
    This is a relatively common error type that in recent years has become more of a nuisance than a collectable for miner examples as the Mint seems to be paying more attention to striking larger quantities of coins and less attention to cleaning up the dies today that in yesteryear. While not considered a particularly major error when covering limited areas like this, on a Franklin Half, it is a welcome error that adds some moderate value to the coin.

Readers Share ...
1858-O Seated Liberty 50c Misplaced Date Found

Photos © Ken Potter 2009 / Coin Courtesy of Richard DeKrauze
Click Image For Enlarged View

June 06, 2009 -- Richard DeKrauze of Arizona sent in an 1858-O Seated Liberty half-dollar noting that it displayed some doubling of the date. His question was, “is it a new variety?” In actuality, it is not a new variety but is nonetheless an interesting one worth taking a closer look at since it not only shows a Repunched Date on at least three of the digits but also misplace portions of the same elements up into the lower Seated Liberty motif above.
The misplaced portions of the date show as the base of the 1 in the rock above, the lower loop of an 8 in the rock up between the 58 and another portion of an 8 in the rock to the right of the second main 8. There is also a nice RPD showing as the upper serif of the 1 down to the south and the last 8 as an 8/8/8. I see nothing on the 5. Kevin Flynn lists it in his book, A Collectors Guide To Misplaced Dates as MPD-006. He also cross-references it to WB-103 (its listing number in The Complete Guide to Liberty Seated Half Dollars by Bill Bugert and Randy Wiley).

Readers Share ...
Severely Deteriorating Dies Found

Photos © Ken Potter 2009 / Coin Courtesy of Douglas Brown

    June 06, 2009 -- Douglas Brown of Virginia sent in a 2009-P District of Columbia quarter that shows heavy die deterioration doubling on the lettering around the obverse rim. It is strongest on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. There are die breaks on Washington's forehead and a crack above the eye.
    The reverse is also very heavily deteriorated with many die chips and breaks especially throughout the date, UNUM and letters above. Additional die chipping is seen on the piano keys and areas below furthest to the right.
    Die chips and breaks like this are considered minor and specialists essentially ignore die deterioration doubling as inherent to late die state coins. Nonetheless, coins with as many die breaks and die chips as this one are fun to find and collect even if their values are nominal.

Member News ...
Ellis Named To The CONECA Hall of Fame!

Image courtesy of DGS

   June 02, 2009 -- Mike Ellis, former President of the Combined Organizations Of Numismatic Error Collectors of America has recently been selected as the 2009 recipient of CONECA's prestigious Hall of Fame award. Ellis, who is currently the Senior Grader and Variety Specialist for Dominion Grading Service (DGS) of Virginia Beach, VA, and a previous grader for ANACS and Independent Coin Grading Company has had many accomplishments over his distinguished numismatic career. His affiliations to the numismatic community include a life membership in the American Numismatic Association (ANA), life membership in CONECA, and memberships in numerous other organizations such as the National Collectors Association of Die Doubling (NCADD), Society of Silver Dollar Collectors (SSDC), Original Hobo Nickel Society (OHNS) and the Ozarks Coin Club, etc.
    While Ellis has served in many capacities in other numismatic organizations, his accomplishments in CONECA are numerous and varied including serving as CONECA's President for four terms, as CONECA's Vice President for one term, and on its Board of Directors as the Membership Chairman. He has also served stints as CONECA's official auctioneer, as the general chairman to Errorama, overseen the Winner's Windfall program for several years and in other capacities.
    He has received many numismatic awards including the prestigious Dr. Lyndon King Award for the most outstanding CONECA member for 2001, the the CONECA Donald A. Wallace Memorial award for the 'Best Overall Article for Errorscope 1996-97 and ANA's Glenn B. Smedley Memorial award..
    Ellis is a gifted writer and penned many articles and columns for Cherrypickers News, The CONECA Errorscope and Numismatic News amongst others. He has also contributed to numerous error-variety hobby books and the Official Black Book of United States Coins. He edited the 4th edition, Volume 1 of Bill Fivaz and J.T. Stanton's, the Cherrypickers' Guide To Rare Die Varieties.
    Ellis also has many numismatic error-variety coin discoveries to his credit with him listed in all of the CONECA attribution guides for many of those finds.
    His accomplishments are too many for all to be included here, but the selection of Mike Ellis to the CONECA Hall of Fame is well deserved. Congratulations Mike.

Contributed by Bob Piazza
CONECA Publics Relations

In The News ...
Reader Finds Neat VAM Variety

Photo © Ken Potter 2009 / Coin Courtesy of Dave Stiebe

     June 02, 2009 -- Dave Stiebe of Michigan sent in a neat die break on a 1922 Peace dollar that is affectionately known by collectors as the ‘Extra Hair’ variety. It is the later die state of VAM 2C as listed in the Comprehensive Catalog and Encyclopedia of Morgan & Peace Dollars by Leroy Van Allen and A. George Mallis.
    In the earlier stages the crack is a thin sliver of raised metal visible in Miss Liberty’s hair but by the time it gets to the stage shown here the fissure has widened dramatically and lengthened. There are also notable die cracks present running from the “V” of Liberty’s bust to the O of GOD and from the back of Liberty’s lower bust up through the T of TRUST to the lowest curl of hair.
    According to Jeff Oxman and Dr. David Close, coauthors of The Official Guide To The Top 50 Peace Dollar Varieties, “The ‘Extra Hair’ variety is often overlooked by non-variety collectors, because at first glance the die break seems to be a part of the coin’s design.” It appears that this was the case with this coin as Stiebe found it in his father’s collection unattributed for the variety. VAM variety specialist Michael S. Fey said of the coin “The 1922 VAM 2C is a nice die break variety that currently brings only $75-85 in XF/AU condition. That's very reasonable given its "Wow Factor!,” eye appeal, and rarity.”

In The News ...
More 2009-P DC Quarter DDs Found
by Ken Potter - NLG

Photo © Ken Potter 2009 / Coin Courtesy of Rick LaJoie

June 02, 2009 -- In the May 19 issue of NN I reported on one very strong doubled die reverse for the Denver version of the 2009 District of Columbia quarter and three 2009-P doubled die reverses that ranged from moderately strong to minor. I predicted that more varieties would be found and such has been the case but only for Philadelphia. Rick LaJoie of New Hampshire has spotted three new varieties on the 2009-P DC quarter while another one of our readers has spotted a doubled die obverse on the Okalahoma State quarter.
LaJoie’s finds start with a fairly strong doubled die reverse that shows a secondary black key between the two normal black keys to the right of Ellington’s left arm.

See The Rest Of His Finds Here

In The News ...
New Centralized Canadian Doubled Die Dollar Found

Photo © Ken Potter 2009 / Coin courtesy of Steve Olter

June 02, 2009 -- This month's lead coin in Ken Potter's World Coin News column, Visiting Varieites, is a very interesting doubled die shown on a Canadian 1978 proof-like nickel dollar. According to Potter, "Steve Olter of Michigan sent it in asking what I though of the raised area found on the reverse Voyageur design. The area in question is found on the island fairly well centered between the Indian and fur trader that the Mint refers to a “voyageur.” At first glance it was clear that it did not exhibit the usual characteristics of a die dent, die gouge or die break. It was smooth and rounded as if it has been hubbed there as a part of the design. Since it certainly did not belong there and had to be a displaced area of “extra design” from an early hubbing I determined that it was just a matter of examining the coin to find out were the point of origin of the secondary design was. In short order I found the most probable answer. The extra design appears to fit well within the confines and shape of the lowermost left branch of the left evergreen tree." Other coins featured included repunched date on a Canadian 1899 cent sent in by Olter and a 1965 Canadian Small Beads nickel with an interesting die gouge sent in by Jerry Kennison.

Commercial News ...
World's Greatest Mint Errors Now Available!

    May 15, 2009 -- World's Greatest Mint Errors is an enjoyable resource packed full of some of the most dramatic, rare and extraordinary mint errors and die trials ever assembled in one publication.
    According to author, Mike Byers, "this book combines stunning imagery with the most accurate information available to provide anyone interested in mint errors with the latest information on mint error coins from the United States and around the world.
    The release of World's Greatest Mint Errors will ignite an interest in non-collectors and advanced collectors alike. This book is a must have for every numismatic library!"
    The United States Mint produces billions of coins each year. But, on occasion, a coin escapes the Mint that was never intended for general circulation. These most unusual coins, called mint errors, can fetch tens of thousands of dollars from dealers or collectors in the numismatic market.
    For anyone interested in learning more about these uncanny mint-made mistakes, World's Greatest Mint Errors is an enjoyable resource packed full of some of the most dramatic, rare and extraordinary mint errors and die trials ever assembled in one publication.

    Hundreds of spectacular mint errors are pictured. Each error coin photo is presented in full color, and enlarged to enhance the smallest details. Some of the error coins featured in this book have never been seen by the public before, and each is described in great detail as to the type of error, the assigned grade, rarity and estimated value.
    Byers, also included at the end of most chapters are extensive price charts. " This pricing was compiled by leading mint error dealers from within the professional numismatic community and will serve the reader well as a useful guide to mint errors and die trial values. The information found within these pages will bring anyone interested in mint errors up to date with the latest information on new discoveries, new types of errors and a collection of some of the most dramatic, unique and spectacular mint errors and die trials from the United States and around the world."
    Releasing today on May 15th, look for copies of World's Greatest Mint Errors at your local coin shop, or visit amazon.com. You can also order from Zyrus Press by mailing to PO Box 17810, Irvine, California 92623, calling (888) 622-7823, or online at zyruspress.com.

Read More About The Book & Mike Byers

In The News ...
2009-D DC Quarter DDR Sees Commercial Interest

Photo © Ken Potter 2009 / Coin Courtesy of Lee Maples
Here is the photo of Lee Maples' 2009-D DDR reported April 1

May 12, 2009 -- According to a story in the May 12 issue of Numismatic News, A 2009-D District of Columbia quarter has turned out to be one of the most prominent of the centralized doubled dies seen in recent years. It boasts very strong doubling of ELL of Duke Ellington's last name, some doubling of the piano keys and panel below. All these elements were shifted diagonally to the southeast of the normal design with very wide separation.
Prominent hobbyists like what they see of it so far. It has the makings of a commercial winner if a sizable number can be found. A number of experts in the field who have some knowledge of the commercial market for doubled dies were interviewed and their comments noted in the story.

See The Numismaster Story

In The News ...
Third Philly DC Quarter Overlooked

Photo © Ken Potter 2009 / Coin Courtesy of Charles Cataldo Jr
A notable doubled die that shows doubling of Duke Ellington’s right sleeve.

May 12, 2009 -- In the May 18 issue of Coin World, author, Ken Potter takes a closer look at a 2009-D District of Columbia quarter doubled die reverse and notes that he added a third 2009-P DC doubled die variety to his listings since his earlier article on the subject that appeared in the May 4 issue of CW. He noted that the third Philadelphia doubled die had come in with the same group as the other two Philadelphia issues but that he overlooked it in the mailer until he shook it a week later to make sure there was nothing more in it.

CONECA Errorama 2009 Schedule
At The ANA World’s Fair of Money Summer Convention

    The Combined Organizations of Numismatic Error Collectors of America (CONECA) has planned its Errorama celebration in conjunction with the American Numismatic Association (ANA) World’s Fair of Money in Los Angeles, CA August 5 through 9, 2009.
    CONECA members and their guests are invited to an awards banquet in a room at the convention center on Friday August 7, 2009 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. In addition to good food and the presentation of the annual CONECA awards, there will be an illustrated talk entitled “The Lincoln Cent: Rich in History and Rich in Your Pocket” by Mike Ellis, senior grader and variety specialist at Dominion Grading Service and CONECA Past-president. There will also be drawings for door prizes. For banquet reservations at $40 per person, contact Al Raddi at alraddi@aol.com.
    Errorama plans also include a club table at the show where members can gather to talk and share their finds. This is where members will also have their last crack at purchasing CONECA 25th Anniversary Medals, which go off sale after the event.
    The annual combined meeting of the board and the membership is scheduled from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday August 8, in a room at the convention center.
    Cherrypickers’ Awards for the best variety and error found at the show will be conferred from later that day from 3:00 to 4:00p.m. in a room at the convention center. Those wishing to exhibit under the Numismatic Errors and Varieties class (Class 14) may contact the ANA Exhibit Coordinator by phone at (719)482-9814 or by email at convention@money.org for details. Additional information on exhibiting including tips for building a winning display may be found at: http://www.money.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NumismaticEvents/ConventionExhibits/default.htm.
     For special ANA discounts on airfares and rental cars, call M & M World Travel Service at 1-800-426-8326.
     For more information on Errorama 2009 keep your eyes peeled in this page as we add in more details as they become available. Learn more about The ANA World’s Fair of Money Summer Convention as the ANA posts it here: http://www.money.org.

Submitted by Al Raddi

In The News ...
1995 Wide AM Rev Cent Appears Altered
Text by Ken Potter
Images by Chuck Daughtrey

Here we see the rotational alignment that this reverse has as compared to the obverse.

This Wide AM is of a type showing diagnostics appropriate to the 1980s.

Here you can clearly see the seam where the reverse was fit into the obverse shell.

    February 04, 2009 (Updated April 27, 2009) -- Privately, many hobby observers knew it was just a matter of time before Lincoln cents altered to bear different reverse design styles appeared in circulation. One such suspect coin appeared on on the www.coincommunity.com website late yesterday evening. The poster showed images of a 1995 Lincoln cent that bore a Wide AM reverse along with a widely rotated reverse. If it was a legitimate coin, it would have represented a new variety!
    However, the problem is that the coin exhibits the diagnostic seam between field of the coin and the rim that shows on many "novelty coins" that have been created by lathing the inside of one coin out into a shell and lathing another coin to reduce its thickness and circumference to a size to fit neatly but snuggly into the shell.
    The process is most exacting and difficult to detect unless one knows where to look and is often used to create double headed or double tailed novelty coins, which are sold by novelty outlets and magic shops.
    The process is also used to create dual-denomination or dual-country coins where a Kennedy half dollar (for example) might have what appears to be a normal reverse (though most often widely rotated out of proper position with the obverse) but when held in ones forefingers and thumb and jolted against one's knee results in the inlaid section of the coin falling out and revealing a large Mexican 20 Centavos or a British Large penny (of the eras when these coins were copper and of about the size of a Kennedy half dollar) being on the flip side of the reverse inlay. In fact, over the years whenever somebody at a show hands me a Kennedy half dollar with a rotated reverse, the first thing I do look for the seam and if present, jolt the reverse out of the shell as described above and then like magic hand the bedazzled owner back his coin in two pieces, one showing the Kennedy obverse and the other the foreign coin that was hidden within. Obviously, when the owner fits the two parts of the coin back together it is most often done without regard to the obverse/reverse orientation resulting in the reverse appearing to be rotated out of proper position. In spite of being made of two pieces, (a obverse shell and a reverse inlay), these concoctions normally fit together rather snugly and often take several tries to jolt apart.
    In recent years Lincoln cents with Roosevelt dime reverses have also been reported but none have been sent for exam allowing me to deduce if they were made in the same manner but I have suspected that at least some were.
    Interestingly, the 1995 cent on the coincommunity.com website not only exhibits a rotated die, (suggesting that it might be one of these dual-denomination concoctions), but a Wide AM reverse design style that hasn't been used by the Mints since the 1980s.
    Chuck Daughtrey of coppercoins.com, who was one of the posters on the forum said: "The reverse design on this coin is not the typical Wide-AM as was used on proofs that year ... like all of the other mismatched reverse coins, which are of the proof design for that year. This design most closely matches the design abandoned after 1985. The shape of the letters is not right for any coin minted during the 1990s. Given the seam, the rotation, the very incorrect design, and the fact that this is the only example known, I am relatively certain this one was manufactured from two separate coins."
    So what insiders have been fearing might happen for years, appears to have finally come true! See the suspect coin here: http://www.coincommunity.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=42000
    Updated: April 27, 2009 -- At this point in time both Chuck Daughtrey and I have examined the coin and confirmed that it is an alteration made from two different coins joined together as described above.

In The News ...
Denver & Philly DC Quarters Boast Doubled Dies!

Photo courtesy of Lee Maples
Here is the photo of Lee Maples' 2009-D DDR reported April 1

Photo courtesy of Ken Potter
Charles Cataldo Jr. supplied this and the coin below showing nice DDRs for the Philly issue.

Photo courtesy of Ken Potter

    April 20, 2009 -- If early reports are any indication, it appears that the District of Columbia Quarters for this year may turn out to be a treasure trove of doubled die finds on both the Philadelphia and Denver minted coins.
    Though the finds began as early as March 2 for the Philadelphia issue we will focus on the Denver find first since it is the most major.
     On April 1, Lee Maples of Texas, who goes by the handle CAM40 on the Collector’s Universe Message Boards, reported to the U.S. Coin Forum that he had found what he though was a doubled die reverse on a 2009 District of Columbia Quarter which he later revealed to be a Denver issue.
    What he showed was what appears from the images provided, to be one of the most prominent of the centralized doubled dies seen in recent years, boasting very strong doubling of the ELL of ELLINGTON, some doubling of the piano keys just below and the lower edge of the piano below the keys. All these elements were shifted diagonally to the SE of the normal design with very wide separation.
    Charles Cataldo Jr. of Alabama Coin & Silver, Huntsville, AL reported that he found three different doubled die reverses on 2009-P District of Columbia quarters (two of them are shown here and in the current issue of Coin World and the third one will be shown next week).
    The first one shows a strong secondary black key centered between the two normal black keys to the right of Ellington’s left arm in addition to a bit of doubling to the lower left of the E of ELLINGTON.
    Cataldo’s second variety shows doubling restricted to the lower left of the E of ELLINGTON.
    More information on how these varieties were created, etc., can be found in the May 4 issue of Coin World.

In The News ...
Wexler Weighs In On 1956-D&S Cent

Image courtesy of John Wexler
Here we see what appears to be a nearly complete S below the 19 of date.
CONECA does not list it while most all other attributers do.

April 15, 2009 -- CONECA member, John Wexler's latest installment of the Varieties Notebook column appearing in the April 20 issue of Coin World shows an example of the 1956-D cent that he lists as WDMM-001 that was sent in to him by CW reader Hartley Cole. He notes that it is an earlier die state that caused "a ripple of excitement because it shows nearly the complete outline of the S Mintmark." He notes further that others such as Billy Crawford and Ken Potter have it listed as a dual Mint mark variety." Wexler also shows a 2008-D New Mexico quarter with a doubled die reverse within the lower second ray of the Zia sun symbol found in an Uncirculated set and a 2005-S Oregon proof silver quarter with a doubled die on the right underside of Wizard Island.

Commercial News ...
Flynn Releases Commemorative Coin Reference

    April 09, 2009 -- According to author, Kevin Flynn, the primary objective of this book is to present a detailed historical account surrounding the images used on commemorative coins struck between 1892 and 1954. These images are history frozen in time; a story told through the hands of a sculptor. They represent an important and powerful part of their lure. Understanding the background and symbolism increases the enjoyment in collecting them.
    Included for each commemorative coin is a description of the design, historical facts related to the images, origin of the coin, the striking characteristics and wear points, distribution, any information regarding proofs, general comments, values, Heritage auction prices realized, certified population from PCGS and NGC. Also included from the Annual Mint Reports for many of the commemoratives is a general description of the designs used, number of coins struck during the calendar year and fiscal years, and for some series the number of dies used is given. Also included are detailed photographs for many doubled dies and RPMs, some of which have never been presented before.
    The secondary objective was to present all Mint and National Archive documents related to commemorative coins. A few articles are included, some of which give details presented by the individual who designed the coin. The Authorization Acts are presented for each commemorative coin to present Congress’s view, limitations, and control over the commemorative coins authorized. This book is available in soft cover at $39.95. Money Order or personal checks accepted. Add $5.00 for shipping and handling via media rate and $10.00 for first class shipping. Send check or money order to Kevin Flynn, P.O. Box 396, Lumberton, NJ 08048, or email him at kevinjflynn88@yahoo.com.

Commercial News ...
Strike It Rich With Pocket Change
Second Edition Now On Stands!

    April 09, 2009 -- Have you ever knowingly spent $100 on a candy bar or $50 on a soft drink? As ludicrous as the concept sounds, the authors, Brian Allen and Ken Potter suggest that there is no doubt you have unintentionally done this numerous times without even knowing it, contending that there are just as many valuable coins in circulation today as there were 50 years ago. As more collectors and general coin enthusiasts are drawn to the treasure-hunt appeal of error and variety coins, interest in everyday coins is increasing as people take a closer look at the change in their pocket.
    The U.S. Mint's popular state quarter program and introduction of new nickels and a new dollar coin series has produced new discoveries and has generated greater attention and interest from the public.
    Thus the need for an updated version of this book, which helps make sense of it all and gives greater meaning to phrases including "Doubled Die," "Repunched Mintmark," "Double Edge-Lettering," "Misaligned Clashed Die" and "Die Dents."
    In this new edition of Strike It Rich with Pocket Change readers learn about the different types of errors and varieties and how to spot them in varying types of coins, using the unique and useful combination of more than 800 photos comparing properly minted coins with their error counterparts. In addition, the authors' insights help dispel common myths about error and variety coins.
    Among the coins included in the listings are Lincoln Memorial cents, Jefferson nickels, Roosevelt dimes, Washington quarters, John F. Kennedy half dollars, state quarters and all the dollar coins issued since the Eisenhower dollar through the current Presidential dollars. While the listings focus on the more valuable rare coins, the principles discussed throughout this book can be applied when researching and inspecting any coin for possible errors.
    The book can be found in book stores such as Barnes & Noble, Borders, Amazon.com, and many numismatic book and supply dealers or an autographed copy may be ordered direct from Ken Potter.

See The Offer Here

Commercial News ...
Lincoln Cent Matte Proofs by Flynn Released

April 09, 2009 -- According to author, Kevin Flynn, The Lincoln Cent Matte Proofs book is now available. This book is 8 ½ by 11, 128 pages, published 2009, and done in color. Flynn notes that the primary purpose of this book is to present detailed die diagnostic descriptions and photographs to be used to identify and authenticate Lincoln cent matte proofs. Another objective of this book was to present an analysis of the striking characteristics for Lincoln cent matte proofs. A date-by-date analysis for the matte proof series is presented. Included for each year is an analysis of striking characteristics, surface characteristics, scarcity analysis, general comments, prices realized from Heritage auctions, current values, and certified population counts. All of this information being useful in collecting and understanding Lincoln cent matte proofs. Limited edition numbered hardbounds are $90.00, softcover $33.95. Add $5.00 for shipping and handling via media rate and $10.00 for first class shipping. Send check or money order to Kevin Flynn, P.O. Box 396, Lumberton, NJ 08048, or write to me at kevinjflynn88@yahoo.com.

Members Share ...
Diamond's eBay "Eye Candy" Cherrypick!

Images courtesy of Mike Diamond
Click on Image For Expanded View

March 29, 2009 -- CONECA president, Mike Diamond sent images in of a neat error saying: "I recently acquired this double-struck 1966 cent for a modest $62 on eBay. The second strike is off-center and weak. The jumble of first- and second-strike design elements is quite eye-catching. I can't find any die markers, so I can't tell if the second strike was delivered by the same die."

In The News ...
PCGS Grades First Native American $1 Coin
Missing Edge Lettering

March, 28, 2009 -- According to a PCGS website article by Jaime Hernandez, on March 6, 2009, PCGS received the first reported and only-known Native American dollar with the edge lettering missing.
PCGS Authorized Dealer and error coin expert Fred Weinberg submitted the coin to PCGS. According to Mr. Weinberg, "this is the same coin that was submitted to Coin World for a press release. So far, just this one Native American coin with missing edge lettering has been found, but I wouldn't be surprised if a few more showed up. The 2009 Native American coins have not been available through banks or normal commerce, so obtaining these coins has been challenging."

See The Rest Of Story

Recent Finds ...
Washington $1 Found w/Rotated Reverse
by BJ Neff

March 28, 2009 -- The Central Florida Coin show had a few surprises surface and one of them was the finding of a Washington Dollar coin with a die rotation of 60 degrees. Rick O. of Orlando was searching old rolls that he had bought when the Washington Dollar coin first came to Florida when he made this discovery. So far he has found two of these Mint Errors.
Randy Campbell, CONECA life member and senior grader for ICG confirmed the die rotation. Rick, with the advice from both Randy and me, had the one that he brought to the show encapsulated. Congratulations to Rick on a very nice find!

In The News ...
DGS Slabs Cache of "Smoking Liberty" 25c

Images courtesy of Dominion Grading Service

    March 20, 2009 -- Virginia Beach, VA. - In July of 2008 Ken Potter wrote an extensive and lavishly illustrated article reporting on the discovery of a most interesting and eye catching die variety found on an 1857 Liberty Seated Quarter dollar. It has since been embraced by the numismatic community and dubbed the "Smoking Liberty" variety. Potter reported the variety was first spotted by collector John O'Hare who showed it to friend and fellow collector, Saverio Barbieri, in the early part of 2000. So smitten by the variety was Barbieri he began an eight-year search for more specimens. After searching an estimated 30,000+ Liberty Seated quarters of that date on eBay and shows across the country Barbieri found a total of 28 specimens bringing the known population to 29 pieces. O'Hare still has his "discovery piece" he first shared with Barbieri.
    Since publication of the seemingly rare die variety Mike Ellis, senior grader and variety specialist at Dominion Grading Service (DGS) in Virginia Beach, Virginia, found one in a client's submission which was encapsulated by DGS as a lightly cleaned AU55 making it the first "Smoking Liberty" encapsulated as such. It brought the number of known, slabbed examples to three, the first two being unattributed examples in NGC MS-64 and NGC MS-61. Both NGC and ANACS have since declined to attribute the coin in their holders, citing the new variety as being too much of an unknown. This is a common reaction to new varieties submitted to major grading services as they opt for more information to come to light before proceeding.
    Barbieri asked PCGS, NGC, ANACS and ICG at the recently concluded FUN show in Orlando, Florida again if they were ready to attribute this really fun variety on the holder. Again they reported they were not yet ready to do so. Finally, Barbieri approached DGS senior grader and well known variety specialist, Mike Ellis, if DGS was willing to attribute the coin as the "Smoking Liberty" variety. Having seen and attributed one already at DGS, Ellis examined all 28 of Barbieri's specimens agreeing to place the attribution on the holder for the raw specimens submitted. Ellis says he has seen 29 different specimens, fully agrees it is a significant variety and, agrees the coin needs to be attributed by some name until the organizations with the authority to assign actual numbers to the variety do so. This way others who may have found examples can get them attributed in a way that the variety is identifiable by collectors and would-be sellers alike.
    At that time Barbieri submitted all 26 of his raw specimens to DGS for attribution, grading and encapsulation. Using DGS' pedigree option all 26 specimens are now known as the "Barbieri Cache."
    Some of the coins have been consigned for placement in an upcoming sale by DLRC Auctions and Barbieri says he will not be offering any of the others until after these are sold so that some kind of market can be established. For details on when these coins will be offered by DLRC Auctions send an email request to coingroup@davidlawrence.com.

Submitted by Dominion Grading Service

See The CONECA Story Here

Members Share ...
Chinese Fake Errors Turn Up at CFCS

Image courtesy of B.J. Neff
Here is one of the fake errors that showed up at the SCCS.

March 18, 2009 -- According to CONECA Membership Chairman, B.J. Neff, a large number of forgeries turned up at the Central Florida Coin Show. There were two distinct groups, one of U.S. Large Cents and the other consisting of error coins. He stated that they were easily detected as forgeries but that it was still alarming to see their presence. The full story, with images of many of the fakes will be in the next Errorscope for all members to see! Watch for it!

New In the ErrorScope ...
March/April 2009 Errorscope Review

Image courtesy of Edward Fletcher Jr.
1873 Open 3 5c with strong doubled die obverse as described below.

    March 3, 2009 -- CONECA (The Combined Organizations of Numismatic Error Collectors of America) has released its latest issue of its bimonthly journal, The Errorscope for March/April 2009. It is currently available for viewing on its members only web area. The hard copy version should just now be receiving it in the mail or will shortly for these preferring to wait for it.
    In this issue, Roger Beckner discusses a 2007-P George Washington presidential dollar with an elongated ray emanating from Miss Liberty's tiara.
    Geraint Morgan's article on Prince Edward Island token errors is an in-depth look at these rather plain but very interesting pieces. Plenty of photographs accompany this article.
    The "Ike Group" examines 1971-S 'Partial Peg Leg Proof Eisenhower dollars sure to be of interest to collectors of the series. Even for those of you who may not know much about them, the article in brimming with excellent photographs of this anomaly.
    CONECA President Mike Diamond discusses 'Irritating Personality types' you might encounter on forums and other public media. He breaks them down into types that I am sure more than a few of us have run into. He also suggests ways to deal with these people.
    Diamond also reports on a very interesting 2007-D cent that was struck on a planchet with excessively thick plating. You've got to see the pictures of this one as it also includes a close double strike.
    Don't miss Part 3 of "Something New on Something Old" where Edward Fletcher Jr. talks about Shield Nickels, in particular the 1873 Open 3 with misplaced digits and a doubled die obverse listed in the Cherrypickers' Guide To Rare Die Varieties by Bill Fivaz and JT Stanton as FS-102.
    BJ Neff gives us a first hand account of the 2009 Florida United Numismatists show held in January along with photos of members at the CONECA table.
    Finally, Ken Potter reveals the details to this year's CONECA Literary Awards Program including information needed by budding writers out there to qualify. We can always use articles for Errorscope and the web site, and this discussion addresses all those issues as well as instructions for submitting articles.
    CONECA members wishing to receive a login username and password to access the Errorscope Online Members Only area, please e-mail the Membership Chairperson, B.J. Neff, at: CONECAmembers@aol.com.
    A valid e-mail address on file with CONECA is required for access to the Errorscope Online Members Only area.
    Anyone wanting to join CONECA is asked to contact Neff at the above email address for an application, or download a copy from the CONECA home page or go directly here: http://conecaonline.org/content/join.html.

Submitted by Bob Piazza

Members Share ...
Trail Die Reported on New 2009 Cent!

February 28, 2009 -- According to B.J. Neff, "Trails" have been found on the new Lincoln cent affecting the reverse on the word STATES and part of UNITED. "While it is a minor die, it is unusual in the fact that it has dual directional trails at 090 and 270 degrees. This die is now listed on www.traildies.com as 2009P-1DER-001T" said Neff. He also noted that this is the first "trail die" for 2009. CONECA member, Jason Dick submitted the coin which is on the Log Cabin reverse type.

Commercial News ...
Heritage Releases Top 10 List

February 21, 2009 -- For "This Week's Top Ten" feature, Heritage Auction Galleries' February 21, 2009 eNewsletter offers their list of the "The ten most valuable circulation strike Capped Bust Half Dollars that have sold in Heritage auctions." Not too surprisingly, it is a rare die variety that holds the top position! It is a 1817/4 Capped Bust half dollar that is certified by ANACS as corroded with XF details. It is listed by Overterton as O-102a and is rated as an R7. It sold on January 4, 2006 for $253,000. More details on it and the rest of the list can be seen via the link below.

This Week's Top Ten

Club News ...
ANA Summer Seminar 2009

February 20, 2009 - While not sponsored by CONECA, several of its members at one time or another, have over the years, acted as instructors for the classes. This year's ANA Summer Seminar offers FIVE classes on the subject of errors and varieties, including two full week classes and three mini-seminars! The newest full week course, Ultimate Die Varieties: Learn to Attribute Lincoln Cents will be offered the first week of the Summer Seminar and will be taught by CONECA past-president and 20^th Century Die Variety Attributer, James Wiles, and Coppercoins.com founder, author and attributer, Charles Daughtrey. Dr. Wiles will also teach the standard class Modern Minting Process: Error and Varieties the second full week of the Seminar. A night class offered once each week, Minting Mayhem: Creating Errors will be taught by George Cuhaj and Joe Paonessa using their "mini-mint" equipment. The final class of the offering will be Minting Misadventures, Errors and Varieties, taught on two evenings during the second week of the Seminar by Ryan M. Greene.
Join your numismatic family for the 41st Annual ANA Summer Seminar, held on the campus of The Colorado College in beautiful Colorado Springs. Session I dates are Saturday, June 27, to Friday, July 3; Session II, Saturday, July 4 to Friday, July 10, 2009.

See The Complete Schedule Here

CONECA News ...
Leone Pens & Donates Cud Books To CONECA

CONECA Errorscope editor, Frank Leone, has penned a new error-variety book that documents all of the Major Die Breaks (Cuds) that were in the Sam Thurman collection. Many of these cuds were not shown in previous works produced by Arnie Margolis and Thurman. The book is an 8-1/2 x 11" soft cover, 48 pages in length featuring 157 Cuds ranging from early quarter dollars through the SBA dollar. Both the obverse and reverse of each coin is fully illustrated. Included is a listing number for each cud, a description, value and some of Thurman's notes. Future books for the smaller denominations are planned. Frank has donated 100 copies of the book to CONECA of which 100% of the sale price goes to the club's general fund. They may be order through Ken Potter by sending $15.00 plus $2.99 shipping to: P.O. Box 760232, Lathrup Village, Mi 48076. Make all checks payable to CONECA.

Questions & Answers ...
Collector Seeks Info on 1900 25c Reverse Types

Images courtesy of John Caswell

February 07, 2009 -- John Caswell sent an email asking about the potential rarity of two basic hub types that can be found on the reverse of the 1900 Barber quarter (for all Mints). On the so-called Ty-II Reverse the wing tip over the E of UNITED does not touch the right lower serif of the T and only extends to the top of the E. On the Ty-III (that Caswell sent the above images of) the wing tip touches the right lower serif of the T and extends beyond the top of the E. There are a number of other differences in the design not important to this discussion plus the fact that there was a Ty-1 Reverse restricted to use in 1892, which is mentioned here for completeness. What Caswell is interested in learning is if there is a significant difference in the rarity, demand and value of the two reverse types for 1900. If you have any information please send it to me at: conecawebsite@koinpro.com. When the answer comes in I'll post it here. More information on the differences between the reverse hub varieties of the Barber quarter can be found in Walter Breen's Encyclopedia of US & Colonial Coins and in Kevin Flynn's, The Authoritative Reference on Barber Half Dollars (that is correct -- the info is in his half dollar book -- not the quarter book). Thanks! KP

In The News ...
1st Proof Doubled Die On 20 Balboas Reported

Photo © Ken Potter 2009 / Coin courtesy of John Paquette

Photos © Ken Potter 2009 / Coin courtesy of Tony Russo

February 04, 2009 -- This month's lead coin in the February issue of World Coin News', Visiting Varieties column is a proof Panamanian 1971 20 balboas with a tripled die reverse submitted by John Paquette of Positive Proof, Sagamore Beach, Mass., and listed in the Variety Coin Register for the country, date and denomination as VCR#1/DDR#1. Other coins featured include a Cayman Islands 1972 $25 with tripled die reverse from Paquette, a Norwegian 1964 10 kroner silver "Constitution Sesquicentennial" commemorative with a nice doubled die reverse submitted by Tony Russo, and an Austrian 1870-A 15 kreutzer copper piece from Russo that displays a possible overdate and other doubling throughout the reverse legends.

See Full Story Here

Recent Finds ...
Abigail Adams First Spouse 'Mule' Error Found!

A mock up of the mule is shown above created from US Mint images.
All of the mules reported to me so far were from the four-piece sets as shown above.

Here is a look at the normal Abigail Adams medal die pairing ...

... and a look at the normal Louisa Adams medal obverse and revere.

   February 02, 2009 -- On January 31, Michael Descamps, wrote to say that he purchased a 2007 First Spouse set of bronze medals from eBay in which he later found an Abigail Adams medal with a reverse appropriate to the Louisa Adams medal. Abigail was the wife of our second president, John Adams. The medal honoring her was first released in 2007 within four-piece sets packaged as shown above and as single medals. Louisa was the wife of our sixth president, John Quincy Adams (who was the son of John Adams), and her metal was released in 2008 also in sets or as single medals.
    In the meantime, Coin World has reported that at least three of the mules have come to light in the past three weeks and published a story on them by Paul Gilkes in the current (February 16) issue of Coin World that went online today (and was also mailed to readers of the printed version today).  All that were reported to Coin World were found in government issued "Four-Medal-Sets" that were offered during the U.S. Mints clearance sale that they dubbed the "Last Chance Sale" that began on Saturday November 15 and ended on December 19.
    A ‘mule’ is a coin, medal or token that has been struck with dies that were not intended to be paired together.
    This will be the second mule reported on an official Mint medal in the past several years. In a feature article written by Gilkes in the January 30, 2006 issue of Coin World, Dr. Walter Chinoy was credited with finding a Rutherford B. Hayes medal bearing a reverse die intended for the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential medal. Later, Bill Fagan of Pennsylvania reported another example that was featured in my March 31 Coin World story last year. Another version of that story can be found in Sept/Oct 2008 issue of Errorscope. It can be seen here: http://hermes.csd.net/~coneca/content/HayesGrantmule.pdf I'll update the Adams story with images of Descamps' medal as soon as I can. A more in-depth report will be published in Numismatic News. KP

In The News ...
4X CONECA Prez, Ellis, Enters ANA Race

Image courtesy of DGS

    February 01, 2009 -- Four-time CONECA President, Mike Ellis announced his candidacy for the a seat on the board of governors in this year’s American Numismatic Association election. Ellis said that the summer election is as important as the one two years ago.
    “A year and a half ago the ANA membership resoundingly rejected the previous board of governors by voting in all new members of the board. This new board has done a tremendous job of turning the ANA around, heading back in the right direction. Now here it is election time again and this election is every bit as crucial as the last one. Several of the current board members will not be on the next board for various reasons. That being said, we must elect a new board that will build upon what the current board has accomplished,” Ellis explained.
    “We need a board that keeps the membership and numismatic community in the highest regard. Board members must be willing to work hard to get finances further under control. They must also keep the line of communication open with the membership while keeping the membership happy and excited about belonging to the ANA,” he continued. “For these reasons I am running for the ANA board of governors.” Ellis has collected coins since 1968. He has been a professional for over 20 years. He became a consultant to Independent Coin Grading in 1998, serving in that capacity until April of 2006 when he became a full-time grader with ANACS.
    He moved to ICG in January of last year when ANACS was sold. Ellis served 12 years as a board member and officer of CONECA, which included four terms as president. He has been an instructor for ANA Summer Seminars since 1996, has given Numismatic Theatre presentations and made many educational appearances at other shows and club meetings. Ellis is also a numismatic writer having written a column for Numismatic News, served as editor of Errorscope and Cherrypickers’ News.
    “I am a proud life member of the American Numismatic Association and I take my membership seriously,” he said and he believes his record shows it.

Commercial News ...
Cherrypickers' Guide 5th Edition Vol.1 Released

February 03, 2009 -- Whitman Publishing, LLC is proud to announce the release of the latest edition of one of America's most popular coin books: the Cherrypickers' Guide to Rare Die Varieties, Fifth Edition, Volume I. This volume covers all United States series from half cents through nickel five-cent piece. The book is a result of many years of cumulative research and finessing by the lead authors, Bill Fivaz and J.T. Stanton, in cooperation with many collectors, scholars, dealers, and others in the numismatic community. It presents information unavailable in any other single source. By Bill Fivaz and J.T. Stanton, foreword by Q. David Bowers. It can be purchased direct from Whitman or many other numismatic book dealers.

Commercial News ...
Crawford To Release New Book

Photo courtesy of Billy Crawford
Here's a page from Crawford's upcoming book that shows a 2001 DDR cent sporting doubled knees on the Lincoln statue.

January 31, 2009 -- Noted author and variety coin specialist Billy G. Crawford has announced the soon to be released Volume II to "A Detailed Analysis of Lincoln Cent Varieties 1959 to present." Due to the size of this book it will only be available on compact disk (CD/DVD). If you are interested in having a look at the layout, as well as pricing and other important information, please visit his web site at: http://www.dvnmagazine.com/Volume_II.html

In The News ...
Liberty Seated Collectors Club e-Newsletter
Features Top 25 Shattered Die Dimes

Image courtesy of LSCC/Gerry Fortin

    January 31, 2009 -- An article entitled Top 25 Liberty Seated Dime Shattered Dies by Liberty Seated Collectors Club (LSCC) member, Gerry Fortin is one of a number of features in the January issue of The E-Gobrecht, (the electronic newsletter of the LSCC). In it he shows photos of all 25 varieties and explains the diagnostics that need to be present for a variety to qualify.
    According to Fortin, "Shattered dies by their nature result from a progressive degradation of working dies due to striking force stress. Many of the set entries feature different and progressive die states whereby the dies disintegrate. I expect that collectors will question the die state requirements for a dime with shattered die attributes to be acceptable for inclusion in the Top 25 set. For clarity on this point, each listing will have an explanation for its cracked die attributes that must be visible for inclusion into the set. Specific requirements are stated for each Top 25 listing to ensure that collectors understand the basic die state thresholds for inclusion of their coins into the set."
    Editor, Bill Bugert, stated that all past issues of E-Gobrecht may be accessed from Fortin's Liberty Seated Dime website at: http://www.seateddimevarieties.com/LSCC.htm. The current issue and/or future issues of E-Gobrecht, can be received free of charge by simply requesting to be put on the mailing list by sending Bugert an email at: wb8cpy@earthlink.net.
    LSCC also publishes the Gobrecht Journal.   It is official printed periodical of the club, contains different material than the E-Gobrecht, and is available to the members only. Annual membership dues for the LSSC are a very reasonable $20. Individuals interested in joining can correspond directly with the club's president at: John McCloskey, President LSCC, 5718 King Arthur Drive, Kettering, Ohio 45429. He can also be reached by e-mail at John.McCloskey@notes.udayton.edu. More information on the club can be found here: http://www.lsccweb.org.

Recent Finds ...
Mysterious Re-Engraving of
1938 Proof Nickel Dies More
Extensive Than Previously
Believed
by Tom DeLorey - ANA LM-1696

Photo © Ken Potter 2008
This variety designated as Variety 3 by DeLorey exhibits a re-engraved ribbon.

January 29, 2008 -- The unexplained re-engraving at the Philadelphia Mint of an obverse and reverse pair of 1938 Proof Jefferson nickel dies, as previously revealed by Michael Fey in a press release sent to the numismatic press in June of 2008, is not unique after all. At least five different1938 Proof nickel obverse dies were enhanced by an engraver who hand carved details directly into proof working dies, and it remains to be seen if ANY 1938 Proof nickel dies have the elusive “normal” design.

See The Rest Of Story

Note: CONECA Members may view this story in full color in online version of Volume 18 Number 1 January/February 2009 issue of Errorscope. Just click the banner at the top of this page for access to the Errorscope Online login page.

Commercial News ...
Wexler Launches New Website

Photo courtesy of John Wexler / Coin courtesy of Tony Russo
Above is a 2005 doubled die cent that exhibits extensive doubling that you can read about on his website.

January 28, 2009 -- CONECA member John Wexler has launched a new website dedicated to the research and reporting of new doubled dies and RPMs plus other variety types that may be of interest to collectors. The site offers areas for new listings, articles and coins for sale in addition to a resources area filled with links to other sites, and more. Wexler is the author of numerous books on doubled dies and RPMs with his first book on doubled dies (the first of its kind) published in the late1970s. He was co-owner and publisher with Robert Wilharm, of Error-Variety News, a magazine dedicated to spreading knowledge on errors, varieties and the minting process that was published from the late 1970s through the mid 1980s after which it was sold to Lonesome John Devine. Wexler has continued to write over a dozen other books on varieties and is a co-author with Ken Potter of the popular, Varieties Notebook column in Coin World. You can visit his website at: http://doubleddie.com

In The News ...
"Minor" 1972 Double Die Sells for $2,250.00!

Images used with the permission of Teletrade, Inc.

    January 28, 2009 -- You might just want to think twice before you refer to any 1972 doubled die obverse except Die #1 as minor! A Professional Coin Grading Service certified example of a 1972 doubled die obverse #4 in MS63 Brown just sold on Teletrade on January 25 for a whopping $2,250.00! This is almost ten times the price of the major 1972 doubled die #1 in the same grade, which can be found listed on the PCGS Price Guide at $260.00.
    According to Teletrade, ten unique bidders competed for the rarity of which most seasoned variety coin experts have only seen one or two specimens in their entire career vs. hundreds of examples of many of the other 1972 doubled die cent varieties. It is one of only two specimens graded by PCGS with the other specimen grading MS64.
    An in-depth report on this variety with comments from many of the variety hobby's top experts can be found on page 4 of the February 16 issue of Coin World. I'd like to thank Brian Allen for the heads up on this sale! KP

In The News ...
2008 "Peg Leg P" Van Buren Dollars Reported

Photo © Ken Potter 2009

January 27, 2009 -- According to a front-page story in the January 13 issue of Numismatic News, author Ken Potter says: "More peg leg Van Buren dollars have been brought to my attention since my Dec. 9 issue report of 2008-P Martin Van Buren dollars coming in that exhibited a "P" mintmark with most of the lower leg of the "P" missing making the "P" look like a stubby "D," or what some might call a "Peg Leg P." Numismatic News reader David Kell of Pennsylvania was the first to make note of this to us and e-mailed images of one of them on Nov. 17. Garrett Reich of Michigan also found some and was the first to get an actual example to me to photograph a few days later."
Since that time the reports have continued to mount and on Dec. 1, Pat Heller of Liberty Coin Service, Lansing, Mich., reported the following to Numismatic News: "We have only received a shipment of Van Buren Philadelphia dollars so far, to supply local folks collecting the dollars. Today we have multiple customers come in to return coins claiming we gave them the Denver mint specimens by accident."

See The Rest Of The Story

In The News ...
Guatemala Die Doubling Featured

Photo © Ken Potter 2005 / Coin courtesy of Roger Beckner

January 23, 2009 -- CONECA member, Roger Beckner of North Carolina sent in a Guatemala 1864-R Peso with strong to very strong doubling to tripling on 10D 20G, UN PESO, 18 of the date and some of the lower areas of the design. Strike doubling damage is evident on the tips of the rays above the shield and should not be confused with the hub doubling. I only point this out for accuracy, as other examples of this variety may also show the strike doubling to a greater or lesser degree. It was listed in the Variety Coin Register for Beckner in December of 2005 as VCR#1/DDO#1. More photos of this coin and other world coin varieties and errors can be seen in the February 2009 installment of the Visiting Varieties column in World Coin News or a version with fewer images can be seen on the WCN website at the link below.

Tokens Not Immune to Repunched Dates

Club News ...
CONECA Announces Members-Only Area
Current Errorscopes & Back Issues

    January 21, 2009 -- CONECA (The Combined Organizations of Numismatic Error Collectors of America) is happy to announce an online members only web area. Members will find the most current issue of Errorscope published in PDF format. Each new issue will be posted, and then replaced by the following incoming issue. In addition, the web version of the Erroscope will now be published with full color photographs! CONECA will also be including a library of back-issues in the Members Only area with there currently being 17 issues up and accessible in PDF format. More will be continually added as time permits until all back issues are posted. Errorscope Online Supplements will also continue to be posted and will be assessable from the login area but will continue to have free access with no user name or login required. A compete sample issue of Errorscope will also be available for viewing from the login page without the need of logging in.
    To receive a login username and password to access the Errorscope Online Members Only area, please e-mail the Membership Chairperson at: CONECAmembers@aol.com. A valid e-mail address on file with CONECA is required for access to the Members Only area.
Submitted by CONECA Publicly Chairman, Bob Piazza 01/21/09

In The News ...
Finds Include Counter-Clashed 10c, Dropped Letter 25c

Photos © Ken Potter 2008 / Coin courtesy of Richard Ross
"Dropped Letter" between R and T of Liberty.

Multiple Clash Marks from the Denver Mintmark can be seen on the reverse of this 1974-D dime.

Photos © Ken Potter 2008 / Coin courtesy of Ron Ciampichini
Here we can see how the multiple clash marks of the D from the reverse (see top photo) counter-clashed back to the obverse.

Photos © Ken Potter 2008
What at first glance appears to be an off center with post mint damage turns out to be an off center struck on a sheared planchet.
Notice the concave edge where metal from the obverse and reverse flowed out beyond the original shear point.

January 18, 2009 -- Richard Ross of Mississippi submitted a 2007-D Idaho State quarter that boasts what is known as a Dropped Letter or Dropped Design error. A close look at the word LIBERTY on the obverse reveals an incuse “extra” letter “R” positioned low and between the normal R and T. Also shown is a 1953-D/D RPM#1 cent, a 1999-P Broadstruck and Indented nickel, a 1974-D Counter-Clash dime, a 1999-P Off Center dime struck in a sheared planchet, an Off Center quarter, and other errors and varieties in the January 6 issue of Numismatic News. See the hardcopy version of the story for all images or see the stripped down online version via the link below.

See The Story Here

In The News ...
Will The Real "Extra Bear Claw" Please Stand Up

Images courtesy of Robert Wilharm

January 18, 2009 -- Old-time error-variety specialist Robert Wilharm of Texas (who was an editor with John Wexler of Error-Variety News back in the late 1970s through the early 1980s) wrote to say: "If you have not been flooded with die errors for the [2008-P] Alaska quarter you might want to see these." He included images of some minor die error-varieties on three different pieces.
The first was one of the so-called "Extra Bear Claw" variations that have been touted on eBay with the suggestion that they are actually a Mint mistake where an extra claw was erroneously incorporated into the design. Nothing could be further from the truth, as this variation is nothing more than a very minor die break in the area of the bear's claws.

Read The Numismatic News Version Of The Story

Read The Numismaster Version Of The Story

Recent Finds ...
Collector Finds Split Die Strike

Image courtesy of Tom Woods

January 14, 2009 -- Tom Woods of Pennsylvania wrote in to lean more about a 2007-P dime that he found. He said: "I've reached the age of 70 [and have] been somewhat of a coin collector for the past 40 years. In 2007, I spotted this dime in change I received while vacationing in the Outer Banks, North Carolina." What he has is a nice Split Die Strike with a number of die chips and die breaks intermittently spaced along the split. One large retained die break covers a significant area of the center of the olive branch.
He also wanted to know the value of the coin to determine if it was worth sending in for grading and slabbbing. Having noticed that Mike Diamond had wrote about these recently, I decided to defer to his expertise in this area. He responded saying: "I am very familiar with this error. I have one and Fred Weinberg has several. It shows an asymmetrical split die straddled by a retained interior die break. Since this is a recent dime, the reverse die would have functioned as the hammer die. I would estimate its value at $150.00." Alan Herbert also chimed in confirming that he'd classify it as a "Split Die" and referred to it as a "Nice Coin!"

Club News ...
CONECA Announces 2008/09 Literary Awards Program

The Combined Organizations of Numismatic Error Collectors of America (CONECA), the national numismatic error-variety coin club, announces its 2008/09 Annual Literary Awards program. All participants submitting acceptable material will be eligible to receive a recognition in the form of a specially produced medal and certificate. Awards will be presented by CONECA at its annual Errorama Banquet in 2009 held in conjunction with the American Numismatic Association Summer Convention in Los Angeles, California (awards will be mailed to those who cannot attend). Material that will be considered will be those works published by CONECA in its bimonthly journal the Errorscope, its website (www.conecaonline.org), and other publications authored for the club. The awards-year runs from the May/June 2008 through July/August 2009 issues of Errorscope and all literary works appearing on the club's website during the same period. So come one, come all, enter your literary works to the editors and get in on the action!

Guidelines for CONECA Literary Works

Literary works that will be considered for recognition will include but are not limited to: numismatic error-variety coin related articles, indexes, crossword puzzles, cartoons, books/CDs/DVDs written for the club, etc. Articles may be about coins, (including tokens, medals and currency), memorabilia, events, minting processes, CONECA business, people, etc., related to the error-variety hobby. Literary works must be accepted and published by the editor of Errorscope and/or the CONECA website or authorized by CONECA outside of these venues to be considered. It is suggested that articles contain at least 300 words, but "show-and-tell" types of features may contain many images and fewer words and still qualify.

Press releases that benefit the writer or other entities outside of CONECA will not be considered for this award. Posts on the CONECA Website Forum will not be considered acceptable for this award. (If you think what you wrote on the CONECA Forum could qualify as a literary work in E/S or on the main website, please format it into an article and submit it to the appropriate editor.) Election platforms will not be considered literary works. Photos taken for the use of another person who writes a story will not be considered a literary work (however the photographer should be credited by the author). The editors have the right to include or exclude other works, not mentioned herein at their own discretion.

In cases where there are multiple authors, the first author listed will receive the award. If the first author is to receive an award for another submission, the award goes to the next author in line who is not otherwise up for an award.

This year's recognition award will be a modified version of CONECA's pure copper 20th Anniversary Medal that was originally double struck. These were given exclusively to purchasers of complete sets of the 20th Anniversary medals back in 2003/04. The medals left over after this program was closed were returned to the minting facility and struck a third time on-center (and broadstruck) with the CONECA 20th Anniversary logo die after it was canceled with a large "X" lathed into its face. This created a distinctly new and unusual CONECA medal with a very limited mintage for this literary award year's recipients.

Material submitted to E/S may be sent by email, CD or be typewritten accompanied by photographs. Material submitted for the website should be sent by email or on CD. CONECA reserves the right to shift submissions from one venue to the other depending on space restrictions in E/S and the resolution of images that may work well on the web but poorly in print. To quality for this year's award, submissions must be received by the Errorscope editor by May 15, 2009 or by the website editor by June 15, 2009. Any materials not used within this award year will be carried over into the next year so the earlier they are submitted the better.

For literary works to published in Errorscope, contact Jeff Ylitalo at jylitalo@yahoo.com. Please establish contact with Jeff via email before sending any typewritten or CD submissions in order to obtain a valid mailing address. Send your literary works for the website to Ken Potter at P.O. Box 760232, Lathrup Village, MI 48076 or via email at conecawebsite@koinpro.com.

In The News ...
Blog Covers Philadelphia Mint Tour, Sac $1 Changes

Image courtesy of Michael Zielinski

January 13, 2009 -- Michael Zielinski sent an email saying: "I recently took a trip to the Philadelphia Mint and was able to get some of the 2009 Native American Dollars. The edge lettering looks very different than 2008 edge lettering [on the Presidential dollars]. It is incused much less deeply and the letters are thinner and closer together. It’s a pretty interesting change." He referred me to his website, Mint News Blog, where there is a story about his tour of the Philadelphia Mint and images of the edge differences between the 2009 Native American dollars and last year's Presidential dollars.

See His Story Here

Mint News Blog

Recent Finds ...
Roll Finds: 1983 DDR, Euro Cud & More

Images courtesy of Pete Acampora

    January 13, 2009 -- ANA Member, Pete Acampora wrote to report on a 1983 Doubled Die Reverse cent that he found in a roll of cents on Sunday, August 31, 2008. He also wrote about many other finds that he has made in recent months saying: "I have been sending results of my finds each week to Bill O'Rourke [Coin World's Found In Rolls columnist] and he has already verified that the find is indeed a bonafide 1983 DDR! Since that time, I submitted the coin to PCGS and it was returned graded and slabbed as an MS64 Red.
    I started searching rolls back in April 2007 and some of my finds include: 1910-S/S, two1917-S/S, 1928-S/S, two 1941-S/S, four 1998 Wide AM cents, six 2000 Wide AM cents, a 2000 2-Euro coin with a large cud at 4:00 o'clock, two 1983 cents with reverse die cracks (not breaks as Bill explained to me), one planchet, an off-center cent, two 1989 Abraded Lincolns with 1988 designer's initials, 1005 wheat cents, three 1960 Small dates, 35 1960-D Small Dates, two of the old "JFK facing Lincoln" etched cents, 1983-S and 1984-S Proof cents, $2.25 in Euro's, 17 US 10c pieces (non silver), an 1887 Seated Dime, 1893 and 1897 Indian Head cents, 1901 and 1903 V Liberty nickels. This week (January 4th, 2009) I found a 1963/3-D Lincoln.
    Bill O'Rourke wrote an article on this find in October in Coin World but advised me that it was OK to inform CONECA of the find.
    I'm the treasurer of the Westchester County Coin Club and let the club know of my find back in September. I gave a talk to the club in July on searching for small treasures in rolls and have been reporting my finds each month since. This find absolutely excited and dumbfounded them. A few members told me that they started searching rolls due to my speech which is really nice to hear.
    Our club president, Jon Lerner of Scarsdale Coin, invited me to give a similar speech at Coin Fest on Saturday, November 8. The '83DDR was the highlight of my speech with the 1897 Indian, 1887 Seated Dime as well all the other error coins exhibited.

In The News ...
Roll Find: 1971-D JFK Struck On 25c Stock

Image © Ken Potter 2008

January 09, 2009 -- According to a story in Numismatic News, a reader from Mississippi found a 1971-D Kennedy half dollar struck on a planchet of quarter-dollar thickness or what is called a “Wrong Stock” error. It weighs 8.8 grams versus the normal 11.34 grams for a clad half.

See Rest Of The NN Story

See The Numismaster Version Here

Members Share ...
1972-D Multiple Error JFK Described
by Mike Diamond

Images courtesy of Mike Diamond
Click Here To See Enlarged View

January 05, 2009 -- This 1972-D half dollar shows a 90 degree rotated die error and a major vertical misalignment (tilted die error). The weight is normal. The right side of the obverse shows a strongly finned rim -- the result of increased localized striking pressure. This is where the die was tilted down. On the left side the design fades out -- this is where the die was tilted up.
There's no way to tell for sure which die was out of alignment, but I strongly suspect the obverse (hammer) die, since in the vast majority of cases where the culprit can be identified, it turns out to be the hammer die.
The cause of the rotation and tilt cannot be determined with any degree of specificity. The die could have been loose or the entire die assembly could have been loose. The die might have broken across the neck or the neck/shaft junction.

In The News ...
1942-S Inverted S Mercury 10c Featured

Image © Ken Potter 2008 / Coin Courtesy of Al Raddi

Images © Ken Potter 1998 / Coins Courtesy of Brian Allen
At top is a 1942-S Inverted S 10c reported by Brian Allan in 1998; below is a normal S for comparison.

January 02, 2009 -- A 1942-S Winged Head Liberty dime boasting an Inverted Mintmark is featured in the Varieties Notebook column in the January 5 issue of Coin World. It was found by CONECA member, Al Raddi after he read about one submitted by CONECA member Brian Allen that was reviewed two months earlier in the same column. The variety is listed for the upcoming fifth edition of the Cherrypickers' Guide To Rare Die Varieties Bill Fivaz and J.T. Stanton as FS-501 and appears so far to be very scarce to rare. It is characterized by a more oval center within the upper loop of the S, a diagnostic normally found at the lower end of this Mintmark style. Also featured in the article was a 1985-D cent with plating split doubling on the Mintmark.

Members Share ...
Most Doubling On "Steelies" NOT Doubled Dies or RPMs!

Image © Ken Potter 2004
Here is a strong example of die deterioration doubling on a 1943-D Steel cent.

    December 22, 2008 -- One of more frequent questions that variety coin attributers must field focuses on doubling found a potpourri of different issues. One of the most frequent involves die deterioration doubling, a form of doubling that is associated with worn dies that often goes hand in hand with "orange peel" surfaces. The other day I received the following question that is typical of many that I get on this subject: "I just found a 1943 steel cent in my collection that contains a super wide doubled die and double Mintmark and I can't find it listed anywhere. This one has to be rare and I want to know how it get it listed." Unfortunately, more than 99% of the time, what collectors are referring to is one of the many examples of die deterioration doubling that plagues the issue.
    1943 Steel Cents or what should be more appropriately referred to as zinc plated steel cents, were minted by the U.S. for general circulation in 1943 as a stop-gap measure to save on copper needed for munitions in the war effort. Minted at all three Mints operating at the time, (Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco), the steel cent planchets proved to be very tough on the dies and as a result caused the dies to deteriorate faster and more extensively than dies used to strike the copper alloy cents struck before and after 1943. It is also possible that the dies were used for longer periods of time as an economy move to save on labor and die steel.
    The result is that die deterioration doubling is exceedingly common on steel cents from all Mints! It is hard to look through a roll of steel cents and not find at least a few examples! While some nice doubled dies and Repunched Mintmarks do exist for this date/denomination and should not be overlooked, most coins found with doubling are neither of these collectable types.
    Another U.S. coin to watch out for that has been over-sensationalized over the decades is the 1955 Lincoln cent referred to as a "Poor Man's Double Die." These coins have been marketed for years under this misleading term, riding on the coattails of the famous 1955 doubled die cent. The promoters knew that not everybody could afford a true 1955 doubled die and in response came up with this gimmick to help sell the far more common die deterioration doubling. Die deterioration doubling plagues this U.S. issue perhaps in quantities second only to the 1943 steel cents or maybe even more so. Die deterioration doubling is referred to as "Abrasion Doubling" by some specialists. KP

In The News ...
Stolen Error Coins Alert

December 20, 2008 -- Michigan dealer, Mike Mizak of Mike's Money Mart recently reported having a binder half filled with error-vriety coins stolen from his table at a local show. The other half of the binder contained tokens and medals. One of the better coins in the lot was the double struck 1865 two-cent piece shown above (photos from ANACS certificate). Anybody with any information on the theft may contact the editor by clicking here: conecawebmaster.
With an increase in coin theft in recent months, (scroll down to see our Nov.11 report on an error coin dealer that was robbed several weeks ago), we decided to add a new category, (Stolen-Lost Coins/Stamps/Currency), to our Other Sites page that includes links to websites that offer lists of lost and stolen coins. We encourage our members to check those lists before buying any suspect coins or collections.

Members Share ...
Friends Wow CONECA Mis-strikes!

December 20, 2008 -- CONECA Member, Edward "Ted" Kruelski III, sent an email to say: "I just wanted to pass along that after finally getting my order form in the mail I got my medals from BJ in very quick time and they are absolutely beautiful. Non-numismatist friends I've shown them to on seeing the error varieties went very quickly from the standard "oh those are cool" cry of the utterly uninterested in coins to "hey, wait, what happened to them, that's neat". Though none of them are scrambling to get into coins, the medals have definitely caught their attention, and as most are in their 20s, I've plenty of time to draw them into the hobby. :) Though I haven't been very active online lately I have still been keeping collecting a part of daily life thanks to the possibilities in pocket change, hopefully some of that enthusiasm will rub off on those around me soon."
"I think the draw is because in most coins, errors and die varieties come in the form of small details whereas the off center and double stuck medals are grand examples of the sorts of things that are possible in the minting process. An RPM, while fascinating to those of us in CONECA, are something that is hard for non collectors to get excited about. With the relative large size of the medals and dramatic errors it's easier to capture attention and get folks interested. As far as my email, feel free to post it, it'd be nice to see if anyone else writes in with similar experiences."

Our Favorite Errors ...
What's a Mirror Brockage?

Photo © Ken Potter 2007
Here is a nice "Mirror Brockage" on a Young Head Elizabeth II British Penny submitted by Mark Longas of MI

December 18, 2008 -- Want to know what the difference is between a "Mirror Brockage" and a later stage Brockage? All you have to do is go to the CONECA Glossary and look up Brockages and you'll find the answer. There have also been some images added for your viewing pleasure. In the future, we'll be adding more images a few at a time for other error-variety types. For those of you looking for a checklist of errors to help you track your collection, you may want to go to Mike Diamond's check list here: Mike Diamond's Error-Variety Checklist.

CONECA Club News ...
CONECA Celebrates With 25th Anniversary Medals Program
Medals Now Available!

A look at some of the normal and mis- strikes being offered!

    The Combined Organizations Of Numismatic Error Collectors Of America proudly announces its 25th Anniversary Celebration of commemorative medals! There are a total of five different versions of the medal including three normal and two mis-strikes. They were struck a diameter of 39 mm and are offered in 1oz .999 pure silver, silver-clad, and golden-bronze. The silver-clad version of the normal medal is identical to the silver version in all outward physical appearances only differing in weight, which is 26.4 grams, (the mis-strikes, of course, expanded beyond the normal 39 mm size).
    The CONECA Logo is featured on the obverse along with a special 25th Anniversary design on the reverse. They are offered as normal strikes in pure silver, silver clad and golden-bronze and as Off-Center and Double-Strikes in silver-clad. The total maximum mintage of the medals will be 100 of each. A portion of the donation to CONECA in purchasing these medals may be tax deductible. Documentation of your donation will be sent with each order. The closing date for ordering the medals is July 31, 2009.
    Order limits are five medals per person in each striking format in any combination ordered. Prices are as follows: .999 1oz. pure silver version $36.00 each, silver-clad and golden-bronze two-piece set $19.95, off center and double strike silver-clad two-piece set $29.95, complete five-piece set of all medals $84.00. Optional cherry wood presentation cases for complete sets with the medals encapsulated in air-tite holders are available at $59.00 each or velvet presentation cases with encapsulation at $25.00 each. For domestic shipping, add $3.50 for one medal, $3.75 for two medals, $4.50 for three or more medals. Add $3 per Presentation Case. Foreign orders please contact B.J. Neff for exact charges.
    The Double-Strikes were produced in a variety of "types" including: first-strike-normal with second-strike-off-center, both-strikes-off-center and some flip-over double-strikes. Persons ordering more than one Double-Strike in either ordering format will be given the greatest variety possible.
    All mail orders should be directed to: CONECA 25th Anniversary Medals Program, c/o Robert "BJ" Neff, 321 Kingslake Drive, Debary, FL 32713. All checks and money orders should be made payable to CONECA. BJ, will also have some of the sets at the FUN Convention. He can be contacted in regard to the medals by email at: CONECAmedals@aol.com

Click Here For A Printable Order Form

Recent Finds ...
1996-D Cent w/Lathe Lines

Photo © Ken Potter 1997

    December 11, 2008 -- A reader sent in a description of a 1996-D cent that he found with circular lathe lines like those shown in the image above. He had several questions to which I felt the answers made interesting reading that visitors of this page might enjoy. While I'm nor reproducing the questions I am presenting the answers as follows:
    After examining the coin shown here, a Philadelphia Mint spokesman that I conferred with during a Coin World sponsored VIP tour in 1997, advised me that because the Denver Mint die shop was new at making dies in 1996, he suspected that they probably had not polished the die blanks sufficiently to remove all the lathe lines. The lines were created when the die blank was machined from a cylinder of steel according to him and we can presume that if this is accurate, that the hubbing process did not eliminate them completely. As an aside, the polishing process for die blanks had been recently automated at Philadelphia Mint at the time I was there in 1997 and they spent considerable time touting the new technology to us that day. Since the Denver Mint die shop was new in 1996 I assumed the die blank polishing process to be automated there too -- but this may not have been the case. I just do not know for sure. Thus, according to the Mint these lines were lathed into the individual die blanks (and no mention was made of them being on the hub).
    Based on the number of these coins that I've seen, I'd have to guess that many dies were involved and possibly millions of coins showing these effects to varying degrees produced. These lines show strongest on early die state coins and tend to disappear on the later die states, so the strongest ones like the one shown here are probably not nearly as common as the weaker ones which are probably only noticed by the most astute error-variety specialists on mint state coins.
    I'm not aware of any of these circular lines appearing on the 1996-D cent reverses or even other denominations which does make one wonder why or if the problem only existed for a short time before it was noticed and fixed.
    The Mint's primary concern is to make coins that will circulate and some of the more common occurrences like the so-called Phantom D Mintmarks on Philadelphia cents and the circular lathe lines of this era did not seem to bother the Mints at all. Collectively, I'd have to guess that they pumped millions of them into circulation.
    Since Mint Sets of this era were assembled from early die state coins you may find examples of these more easily there than on general circulation coins and they may also prove to help you more so in your research.
    They have never caught on as being highly-sought-after varieties (and at the time they were first noticed there was some debate on the message boards as to whether or not they should even be considered a variety) but they are very interesting and probably need more research. The Mint's opinion on these may not be the final word. KP

Recent Finds ...
1983 Doubled Die Found in Change

Image courtesy of Robert Van Leer

December 09, 2008 -- CONECA member, Robert (Bob) C. Van Leer of Fla, reports finding a 1983 Doubled Die Reverse cent in circulation change. He wrote in on December 2, to say: "I have been looking through the stash of pennies my friend has (about 7000 so far) and when I saw this one I nearly fell out of my chair. My wife thought I had gone nuts when I ran to tell her to have a look. This is something I have NEVER SEEN outside of the 1955 and 1972. Please tell me it is REAL!" Bob, it is indeed the real McCoy -- a DDR-001! Van Leer's friend, Mr. Feit, is his next door neighbor who has been putting cents into a wicker basket for about 30 years. Van Leer says that he found a nice 1998 Wide AM cent in the first 200 that he searched and several S mints and that he is now getting down to the bronze and wheat cents near the bottom third but that he still a long way to go. Good luck Bob!

Recent Finds ...
Tilted Mintmarks Elicit Queries

Photo © Ken Potter 2007/Coin courtesy of Jeramy Egan

December 08, 2008 -- Prior to the 1990's, coinage dies prepared at the Philadelphia Mint for itself (during the limited years it employed Mintmarks) and for shipment to branch Mints, (such as the Denver and San Francisco Mints), had their Mintmarks punched into the individual dies by hand. This was a tedious process that resulted in many variations of the Mintmark, including the depth that it was sunk, the angle at which it was applied, variations in location, different font styles and sizes used within a single year, Over Mintmarks, Repunched Mintmarks, various degrees of rotation (or tilts), etc. Over the years the hobby has paid scant attention to rotational tilts as a collectable unless they were rotated 180 degrees or nearly so (as is known on a number of San Francisco mintmarked coins). The logic has always been that since the application of a Mintmark into a die was a hand operation that a certain degree of latitude had to be expected. Thus, it is considered within normal tolerance for a Mintmark to be tilted rotationally to the varying degrees they are sometimes seen.
In time that perspective might change for some of the more dramatic examples but for now with the absence of catalogers listing them it may be sometime before any of them they catch on if they ever do. Jeramy Egan of Vermont sent in a 1941-S Lincoln cent with a Large S Mintmark that has a strong counterclockwise tilt. I tend to look at this one and ask: why not collect it? It’s neat even it it isn't worth much and you never know, someday as the series gets needle picked more and more for varieties, ones as obvious as this one might catch on.

In The News ...
Herbert Tosses Hat in ANA Race

Photo courtesy of Ken Potter
CONECA member, Ronn Fern left with Alan Herbert at CONECA's Errorama in 1987

Alan Herbert 2008

    December 03, 2008 -- Honorary CONECA life member, Alan Herbert, a veteran of three terms as an ANA Governor is announcing his candidacy for a fourth term, of the five allowed in the ANA bylaws.
    Herbert noted that he has been serving the hobby and collectors for more than four decades, leading up to his service on the ANA Board, where he is active in both the Membership Committee and the IT Committee. He served 19 years as Executive Secretary of CONE - later CONECA and was the first person installed in the CONECA Hall of Fame. He began his activities with CONE by writing a weekly column, Collecting Our Thoughts for the Errorgram starting in 1966 and he penned the long-running Odd Corner column for Numismatic News that ran from 1968 into the 1980s. Herbert also authored (and in some cases continues to author) numerous other feature articles and columns for Error-Variety News, Numismatic News, World Coin News, Bank Note Reporter, Coins Magazine and Coin Prices amongst others. He is author of The Official Price Guide to Mint Errors originally released in 1974 and now in its seventh edition. He continues to answer questions about errors and varieties in several publications.
    "My skills as a writer and professional photographer have benefited the hobby and over the years I have influenced many people to become collectors, said Herbert."
    "The ANA is facing rough weather as the country's economy staggers under the weight of failing banks and a crashing stock market. We who are willing to work, willing to create and carry out fresh ideas and who have the best interests of the ANA and its members at heart need to stand up and be counted. It is with that purpose that I offer my services to aid the ANA in any way possible.
    Herbert is currently serving out the term of Radford Stearns, who was elected in 2007, but who died in August 2008.

In The News ...
Ellis Hired as Grader/Variety Specialist

Image courtesy of DGS

    December 03, 2008 -- Dominion Grading Service (DGS) formally announced the hiring of Mike Ellis as a senior grader and variety specialist. Ellis has over 20 years experience in professional numismatics with a rich resume spanning everything from President of CONECA, to 12 years of teaching at ANA Summer Seminars.
    According to DGS President, John Feigenbaum, “Mike comes to us at the ideal time for Dominion Grading Service. We’ve been officially grading coins since April and the number of submissions has gradually increased with each month, to the point that we could no longer keep up with the pace. Mike is one of the strongest [variety coin] attributors in the country and we’re extremely fortunate to have him aboard.”
    A coin collector since 1968, Ellis served 12 years as a board member and officer of CONECA; including four terms as President of the organization. He has been an instructor for ANA Summer Seminars since 1996, has given several Numismatic Theater presentations at ANA Anniversary Conventions and made many educational appearances at other shows and club meetings across the country.
    Ellis first became a consultant to ICG in 1998 serving in that capacity until April of 2006 when he became a full time grader with ANACS, moving to ICG in January of this year when ANACS was sold. Ellis is also an accomplished numismatic writer having penned a column for “Numismatic News,” served as editor of “Errorscope” and “Cherrypickers’ News,” edited “Cherrypickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties, 4^th Edition, Volume I” for which he received an NLG Award, penned numerous articles for several numismatic publications, contributed to dozens of numismatic publications and either wrote or contributed to many numismatic auction catalogs.
    For his efforts on behalf of the numismatic community, Mike has been awarded the ANA’s “Glenn Smedly Award” and CONECA’s “Dr. Lyndon King Award.” Mike can be emailed at: mike.ellis@dominiongrading.com.

In The News ...
Two 1970-S/S RPMs Found In Mint-Set

December 03, 2008 -- According to a story in the current issue of Numismatic News, Helen Seto of Michigan turned up a very unusual government issue mint set that contained two1970-S cents. To make it even more interesting, both cents contained a strong Repunched Mintmark variety listed by CONECA as RPM-001.

See The Rest Of Story

In The News ...
Readers Send in Die Deterioration Doubling, Split Die, etc.

December 04, 2008 -- According to a story in Numismatic News Gary Dooley of West Virginia sent in a 2000-P Virginia State quarter that shows die deterioration doubling on both the obverse and reverse and a bit of strike doubling on the reverse, both of which author Ken Potter explains adds no value to the coin. Other submissions came from Gil Medina who sent in images of a 1981-P Roosevelt dime featuring a Split Die Strike. Peter Torres of Illinois sent in a1996-D Lincoln cent that displays some damage on Lincoln's earlobe making it look like a doubled die plus a 1943-P Jefferson nickel with a very interesting semicircular die break running through the center of the 3 of the date. Glen Grove of Ohio sent in a 1992-P Washington quarter with a small strike-through error, and a 2008-P New Mexico State quarter that shows a fairly large multifaceted die break. Jim Barnett of Idaho sent in a 2008-P John Q. Adams Presidential dollar that sports what he calls "pox" all over the President's face that are actually a series of tiny die chips. The condensed version of the story (image-wise) can be seen vie the link below while the the story with all images can be seen in the current issue of Numismatic News.

See The Rest Of Story

CONECA News ...
See CONECA's Errorscope Online Supplement#5!

December 03, 2008 -- CONECA's Errorscope Online Supplement#5 (Vol.2 No.2) is now available for viewing! This document has the same look and feel as the current bimonthly printed Errorscope and is the fifth in a series that will made available as a PDF file on the CONECA website. It can be accessed here: CONECA Errorscope Online Supplement No.5. All the earlier issues can be accessed here: http://www.conecaonline.org/esos.html

Recent Finds ...
Pocket Change Finds Include 1998 Wide AM

Images courtesy of Joe Thompson

November 23, 2008 -- CONECA Member, Joe Thompson reports finding a 1998 'Wide AM' Lincoln cent in his pocket change. In the image of the uppermost coin you can see the normal 'Close AM' variety, which sports an M of AMERICA that is shifted close left to A of AMERICA and far from the E. The lower image is of the 'Wide AM variety, which exhibits an M that is well centered between the A and E of AMERICA. Frank Gasparro's designer initials, FG, are found further from the lower right side of the Memorial building on the 'Close AM' variety than on the Wide AM where they are, of course, closer.
The 'Wide AM' variety was created when the Mint inadvertently processed dies intended for proof coinage as business strike dies. The same error occurred again in 1999 and 2000. Conversely, some 1998-S and 1999-S proof cents can be found mated with a reverse die bearing the 'Close AM' business strike reverse processed as proof dies. Additionally, somehow just before the transition in 1993 after the new 'Close AM' dies were prepared at least one 'Close AM' die (for each Mint) was used to produce a very small quantity of 1992 and 1992-D cents with the Close AM design (everything prior to 1993 should have been 'Wide AM'). These are presumed by some to be test-strikes minted at the end of 1992 to make sure the dies were compatible for striking with the obverse designs. Both 1992 and 1992-D 'Close AM' varieties are very rare in any grade. Another more minor reverse design style transitional variety is known for the 1988 cent. You can learn more it here: Design Varieties.

Oh, No It Ain't ...!! #35
Wrong Planchet or Acid Coin?

November 15, 2008 -- One of the most frequent questions that error-variety coin examiners receive revolves around what we call "acid coins." These are coins that for one reason or another were soaked in acid and as a result had their diameter, thickness and weight reduced. Many are less than half of their original weight yet because the acid erodes the surface somewhat evenly, many retain enough of their original design to be recognizable. They are often presented as great rarities that the finders are fairly certain represent some sort of off-metal or wrong-planchet error; a coin that was perhaps minted on a foreign planchet.

See The Rest Of Story

See More "Oh, No It Ain't...!" Columns

Recent Finds ...
'Found In Rolls' Website Neat!

Images courtesy of Bill O'Rourke
Here's a 1972 Doubled Die Reverse #1, a 1969-D Laminated Obverse and a
1983 Doubled Die Reverse that are all featured on the 'Found In Rolls' website.

November 13, 2008 -- If you enjoy the recent finds featured on this website then you'll also enjoy a visit to Bill O'Rourke's "Found In Rolls" website! Bill is the author of a column by the same name that appears monthly in Coin World. He is one of the early contributors to my Coin World, Varieties Notebook column, so it was nice to bump into his website one day as I was googling something about error coins. Not everything on the site is error-variety related but you'll get a kick out of the many errors and varieties he has found plus a look at some of the foreign coins, tokens, medals and altered coins (amongst other things) that he and others have found in rolls. He has also started a second website, Ask About Coins, dedicated to answering questions.

See The Found In Rolls Site Here

See The Ask About Coins Site Here

In The News ...
A Look Back At The Detached-Leg Bison 5c

Photo © Ken Potter 2005
Here is a look at one of the so-called Detached-Leg abraded die varieties. Also
note the weakness of the underside behind the bison's front right leg.

November 11, 2008 -- I recently received a question on the current value for a 2005-P Westward Journey Bison nickel with a "Detached Leg." A few years ago the coins were selling for hundreds of dollars on the television network outlets that were promoting them. So I decided to check and see what their current values are ...

See The Numismatic News Story Here

See The Rest Of The Numismaster Story Here

In The News ...
Finding Live Links for Dead Linked Stories

November 06, 2008 -- For those of you who enjoy reading the details to stories by clicking on the links found at the end of many "teasers" appearing on this page, you may have have noticed that all but the newest links that went to stories hosted by F+W Publications' Numismatic News website recently became "dead links." This is because F+W revamped the NN site a couple months ago or so. In doing so all the old stories were "lost" and the site started out fresh. On the other hand, the links that went to the same stories appearing on the Numismaster website (also managed by F+W) are still live. The problem is that many of our teasers only gave the link to the NN version of the story. The logic was that including two different links to the same story was redundant (though I am now including both). For some reason, the images for each site were processed differently. Those appearing on the NN site were usually superior so I often chose the NN version of the story to link to.
So what do you do if you want to read the rest of a story that originally appeared on the NN site and is now gone? Basically, you have to go to the Numismaster website at http://www.numismaster.com and then click on the News+Articles tab near the top of the page. This takes you to a page that lists some of the more important stories that currently appear in NN, World Coin News, Bank Note Reporter, Coins Prices and Coins Magazine. On that page you will find a "Quick Archive Search" box. Enter a few keywords for the story you want to read and it will bring up the story or a list of stories to choose from. For example, if you want to read all the stories I wrote on Adams dollar errors just type in "Ken Potter Adams Errors" and it will bring up a list containing all those stories. If you want to restrict your search to articles that I and anybody else may have wrote about "Gnarled Edges" just type in "Gnarled Edges." You can broaden or restrict your search as you see fit. So for now, at least until I can find the time to change over all the links, this is the best way I know of to find the rest of the story for many of the teaser stories that appear on our homepage and eventually get archived elsewhere. You can also find a lot of other interesting stories that I may have missed reviewing here!

In The News ...
Error-Variety Coins Reported Stolen

November 11, 2008 -- Joe and Jean Gallo of , A Variety Of Errors, reports that a number of error-variety coins were stolen from them. They were robbed Sunday night in Bessemer, Alabama returning from the Tennessee State Numismatic Society Coin and Currency Convention held in Chattanooga. They lost everything including, coins, lights, microscope, etc. One of the highlights was an AU-50 1969-S doubled die obverse Lincoln cent in a SEGS holder with serial number: 5090821189901034213. The Gallo's ask that dealers and collectors keep and eye out for any of these coins turning up in the market and report them to them. The list of stolen coins includes many that are in slabs with serial numbers that are noted on their list. The list may be accessed here: Stolen Coins. The Gallo's may be contacted by phone at: 985-768-0203 and by email at: avarietyoferrors@charter.net.

In The News ...
Engraver's Initials Missing

    November 04, 2008 -- Ed Gralnik is the first person to send in examples of an error on a 2008 Alaskan State quarter. He sent two Philadelphia Mint specimens struck with “filled dies” that are missing US Mint engraver, Charles Vickers’ initials. They are normally found near the rim just to the lower right of the Bear’s upheld front paw as “CLV.” They can be seen in the image courtesy of the US Mint.
    Collectors should note that “filled dies” or “strike thrus” are considered striking errors and are not die varieties. Thus, missing areas of design that may occur due to die abrasion that sometimes become popular collectables, such as the missing FG designer’s initials on some 1982-P Kennedy half dollars and the 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo nickels, or through omission such as the 1982 No P Mintmark dimes, (the result of the Mint forgetting to add the Mintmark to the die), are not related to this type of variation. Missing designs due to die abrasion rarely catch on but a few have in a handful of cases, (including those noted above), while Mintmark omissions have proven to be extremely popular.
    Filled die errors range from minor examples to majors with values ranging that from just a few cents over face value to hundreds of dollars just depending in the severity and coin type effected. Generally, ones like Gralnik’s, where the goop only obliterates a few letters are considered minor and are worth a dollar or two at best on the States Quarters series where they are extremely common. However, his examples are a bit more interesting in that the effect is conspicuous. I’d guess them to be worth somewhat more perhaps up into the lower two figures area. Of course, this is just an opinion. KP

In The News ...
Look At Mint Set Yields Error

Photos © Ken Potter 2008 / Coin courtesy of Thomas Searfoss
Notice that you can barely read the date and Mintmark on this coin.

November 03, 2008 -- Some folks have taken to heart the Sept. 23 Numismatic News story on plain edge Presidential dollars found in 2008 mint sets. Not only have they started searching these sets but also those from 2007.
Thomas Searfoss of Florida decided to check his 2007 set and found a Philadelphia-minted George Washington dollar with the edge inscription virtually missing.

See The Numismatic News Story

See The Numismaster Version Of The Story

In The News ...
Where Are All The Proof Jefferson Errors?

Photos © Ken Potter 2008
If the 2007-S Jefferson dollar in your set exhibits the edge inscription
in the sequence shown in the mockup above, you have one of the errors.

October 31, 2008 -- It’s been over seven months since collectors were alerted of a major edge inscription error found on 2007-S proof Thomas Jefferson Presidential dollars. Yet to date, there have been no reports of additional finds since the first four specimens were originally publicized in late March. The error involves out-of-sequence mottos on the edges of the coins. Instead of correctly reading: “2007 S - E PLURIBUS UNUM - IN GOD WE TRUST,” the edges on the error dollars read, “2007 S - IN GOD WE TRUST – E PLURIBUS UNUM.”

See The Numismatic News Story

See The Numismaster Version Here

Recent Finds ...
Interesting Die Dent On Bison 5c

October 25, 2008 -- It looks like the band of warriors that “speared” the now infamous so-called 2005-D "Speared Bison" nickel in Denver moved all the way into Philadelphia and “tomahawked” another bison there! Now, if you believe this, I got a bridge to sell you! What we are really talking about here is a 2005-P Bison five-cent piece with an interesting shaped die dent just behind the Bison’s upper right shoulder. At least one observer decided this die dent looked like a tomahawk and began calling it a “Tomahawked Bison” and on eBay its been seen referred to as the “Broken Tomahawk” variety. Gary Silay Jr was the first to report one to me in March, 2005.
Most error-variety coin specialists agree that nicknames such as those noted here, are misleading and that they should be referred to as what they really are or at the very least explained immediately after the use of the nickname as to what they are such as "tomahawk-shaped die break." However, my father collected tomahawks as a kid (those found on his uncle's farm) and I've got to tell you after seeing them first-hand for many years, I fail the see any resemblance to a tomahawk here! Neat die dent though ... KP

Recent Finds ...
Glickman Finds JFK on SBA Planchet!

Click On Picture To See The Story And Enlarged Views

October 20, 2008 -- CONECA member Ken Glickman has found the second Kennedy half-dollar stuck on a Susan B. Anthony dollar planchet to be reported this year! The first one was reported on this site on June 13 and can be seen by scrolling down the page. It was dated 1980-P. To learn more about Ken's amazing find and to see close up pictures, go to his website where it is featured, by clicking on the image above.

You can visit Ken's main site at: Home Of The Kennedy Half Dollar

Commercial News ...
Heritage Releases Top 10 Lincolns List

October 18, 2008 -- For "This Week's Top Ten" feature, Heritage Auction Galleries' October 18, 2008 eNewsletter offers their list of the "Ten Highest Valued Lincoln Cents Auctioned by Heritage." Not surprisingly, the list is evenly split between five normal coins and five error-variety coins! So without further ado here they are:

1944-S 1C —On a Zinc-Plated Steel Planchet— MS66 NGC, sold for $373,750.
1926-S 1C MS65 Red PCGS, sold for $149,500.
1969-S 1C Doubled Die MS64 Red PCGS, sold for $126,500.
1914 1C PR68 Red PCGS, sold for $126,500.
1944-D 1C —Struck on a Zinc-Coated Steel Planchet— MS63 NGC, sold for $115,000.
1909-S VDB 1C MS67 Red PCGS, sold for $97,750.
1909-S VDB 1C MS67 Red PCGS, sold for $92,000.
1944-D 1C —Struck on a Steel Planchet— MS62 NGC, sold for $92,000.
1909-S VDB 1C MS67 Red PCGS, sold for $77,050.
1922 No D 1C Strong Reverse MS64 Red and Brown NGC, sold for $74,750.

In The News ...
ANA School Honors Schook

American Numismatic Association Photo

October 18, 2008 -- Hobby leader and one-time CONECA member, Florence M. Schook will be honored with the American Numismatic Association’s establishment of the Florence Schook School of Numismatics and a three-year fund-raising goal of $4.5 million. While most folks knew Florence from her work within the ANA and the Michigan State Numismatic Society, she was also an active member of CONECA. During the 1980s she co-held the position of CONECA Michigan State Representative. She also made sure that anytime a CONECA member needed a suite for a seminar on error-variety coins at MSNS's conventions that it was arranged for. Florence was a recipient of the ANA's Farran Zerbe Memorial, Medal of Merit, Outstanding Adult Advisor and Club Representative awards; Numismatic News' Numismatic Ambassador Award; the Great Eastern Numismatic Association's "Woman of the Year" award; and the City of Detroit's Ambassador Award. She served as a President of the the ANA and MSNS. She is remembered by here dedication to YN programs. Schook passed away April 2, 2006 at the age of 88.

See The Numismatic News Story

Readers Share ...
Planchet Found in 5 Yen Roll

October 15, 2008 -- Steve Hansen recently found a planchet in a BU roll of Japanese 5 Yen coins. He included pictures of one of the struck coins, the planchet and roll they were found in. He said, "I bought the roll along with several other odd items last month. I do not know the year/date of the coin. Everything is printed in Japanese on the roll wrapper." Neat find!

Members Share ...
BJ Neff & Bob Piazza's Trail Dies Work Made Public

October 14, 2008 - BJ Neff and Bob Piazza have officially announced the opening of www.traildies.com, a new site that deals exclusively with the die variety called trails. The site has over 700 trail dies, from the cent to the dollar, identified with color photos of both the anomaly and the associated die markers. So, if you have a few of this type of variety and have wondered what they are, visit the site and see the discussion and listings.

In The News ...
Dropped Letter 25c, Dbl Stuck 5c, DDO 1c & Clip Featured

October 11, 2008 -- Tracy Miller of Florida found a 2005-P West Virginia state quarter with a “Dropped Letter” showing as a letter “T” dropped out in the field. He also reported several other errors including a 1988-P Double Struck Jefferson nickel (see above) as noted in Ken Potter's recent feature in Numismatic News.

See The Online Version Of The Story Here

See the October 14, 2008 Issue of Numismatic News for all sixteen (16) images associated with the story.

Readers Share ...
Strike Doubling On 1995 Eagle

October 09, 2008 -- William Anderson of SC sent in a 1995 American Silver Eagle that shows Strike Doubling on the date, upper exergue, bottoms of both of Miss Liberty's sandals and Adolph Weinman's, designer initials. Also referred to as "machine doubling damage," "mechanical doubling," and "ejection doubling," (and other lesser used terms), strike doubling is a form of doubling that most specialists agree occurs to a coin due to die bounce from vibrations that set up in a working press. Most agree that it occurs within a split second after the coin is struck and just prior to or during ejection. Other than a few rare forms of strike doubling not covered here, it does not add value or elicit much interest from error-variety specialists nor will any of the major grading services recognize it as an error or variety. Strike doubling is exceedingly common on U.S. and other world coins and can be found on most dates and denominations. Though there are varying opinions, it is considered a form of damage by most specialists.
See Machine Doubling Damage in the CONECA Glossary for more information.

Questions & Answers ...
What Does The 2000-P "Wounded Eagle" $1 Look Like?

    September 30, 20008 -- Eric L., posed a question about the so-called "Wounded Eagle," 2000-P Sacagawea dollar. He says: "I bought about 200 rolls of the new [2000-P] Sacagawea coins from my local Wal-Mart during their promotion [that year] in a search to find a "wounded-eagle" that matched the snake-like pattern of a photo I spotted online somewhere. I turned a few hundred with "spears" back into the bank looking for a wounded eagle ... is there any reference photos on the types of "wounds" that can be certified as "wounded eagles."
    In answer: these are not a "wound" nor are they a "spear" but rather a die gouge that runs through the body of the eagle just below the breast. There is only one die gouge variety that I know of that is "officially" recognized by the authors of the Cherrypickers' Guide To Rare Die Varieties, Bill Fivaz and J.T. Stanton. They refer to it as "Reverse Die Aberrations" and make a special note that "some collectors have nicknamed this the 'speared eagle'." In actuality, "wounded eagle" was and continues to be the far more popular nickname. It is frequently certified by some of the grading companies as a "wounded eagle."
    Many in the organized error-variety hobby are against the use of nicknames such as either cited here and prefer to see them referred to simply as "die gouges" (or perhaps the closely related "die dents" which this may actually be) or at the very least as something like "Wounded Eagle--Die Gouge." Whatever your position, there is no question that this one is unusual and kind of neat! I own one that fellow Michigander, Gary Burger gave me and I enjoy looking at it on the rare occasions that I get a change to look at any of my own coins :) KP

Our Favorite Errors ...
About Contaminated Die Design Transfers

September 18, 2008 -- Several days ago one of our members sent images of a Lincoln cent that exhibited very shallow doubling around the profile. I couldn't tell from the photos exactly what type of doubling it might have been or even if there was any relief to the doubling (which in the photos seemed to be even or fairly even with the field). Based on this and other characteristics, I felt that one possible cause might be "contaminated die design transfer." I then went to an article I wrote on the subject back in 2002, (for which I borrowed verbiage from an eBay auction I ran the year before), and reviewed my images. Finding it appropriate to the subject, I then sent him the link. The story was on the most sensational example of contaminated die design transfer that I've ever seen. It was on a 1793 Flowing Hair large cent reproduction minted by Gallery Mint Museum back in the late 1990s. The dealer who had these made by GMM sent a number of half-dollars to them to be overstruck by large cent dies in the hope of sidestepping the expense of GMM having to make silver planchets. The dealer's intent wasn't so much to have overstrikes made but to have versions of GMM large cents made in silver in the most cost-effective manner possible. Nonetheless, in picking out some half-dollars to be overstruck, he chose some that were very dark in the hope that the understrike would show up very well. In doing so, at one point in the process, GMM inadvertently created one of the most interesting examples of contaminated die design transfer that one could ask for -- a dual dated 1793 cent struck on a Walking Liberty half-dollar with a secondary date of 1953! Learn how it all happed here: Contaminated Die Design Transfer

Members Share ...
Fred Weinberg's Fantastic 1c/10c Bowtie!
by Ken Potter - NLG

Images courtesy of Fred Weinberg & Co.

June 29, 2008 -- Here's a look at a 2005 Lincoln cent that was struck over a piece of bowtie shaped webbing, (or what is technically known as "scissel)," that landed in the die underneath the planchet that was struck into the 2005 cent shown here. Bowtie strikes are unusual enough to find but when they are struck into another coin it is even rarer to find both the coin and the bowtie strike. Even more unusual is that the bowtie featured here is of a cupronickel clad composition suggesting that it is from the production of dime blanks! To the best of my knowledge this is the only known bowtie shaped scrap from dime stock struck by Lincoln cent dies!
Blanks are punched from long coils or strips of metal that are passed through a blanker press where ganged punches, punch and shear out a number of blanks in a single stroke. As the process continues, the strip advances and the press cycles again to blank out another section while the forward section containing the webbing is simultaneously sheered off to be chopped into small pieces for recycling. This chopped up webbing is one source of bowtie shaped scrap. Another source is from a section of strip that has already been blanked out that fails to advance far enough to clear the punches for the next cycle. This wayward section of webbing may be punched out again with area between where two blanks were already processed punched out as a bowtie shaped blank.

Here is a look at a section of blanked out coinage strip (webbing) from a German Mint.

Images of webbing © 2008 Ken Potter
Here we illustrate with the black circle where a bowtie shaped blank might be cut from if the
punched out strip passed under the ganged punches a second time.

How To Get "Your" Story Told/Images Shared
by Ken Potter - CONECA Webmaster

November 05, 2005 -- If you have a story or just images to share you may have already tried sending them only to notice later that they never got posted. You probably wondered what happened. In actuality, there are a lot of good reasons for a story and/or images to NOT get posted on the web site but there are many things you can do to help get them up.

Let me backtrack just a bit to make note of the fact that this website is edited 100% on a voluntary basis. Thus, it is is updated on an "as time permits basis." However, the fact is, I simply do not have enough time to tend to my own affairs, (which includes administering my own website, filling orders and penning my columns/feature articles for Coin World, Numismatic News, World Coin News and Canadian Coin News), to add much more time to the CONECA site than I already am. What that means is the more complicated the information is that you send for me to edit the greater the chances are it will get pushed to the back burner or will get lost in the cracks.

I should also point out that many articles or images that needed extensive editing were on my old computer and are no longer assessable to me. In most cases they were stories that needed to have images worked in. Often the images were sent in formats that needed to be resized, edited or cropped to remove extraneous backgrounds. Some are sent in formats not suitable for the web and need to be converted from one format to another before they can be used. I have not found all formats easy or even possible for me to convert.

My suggestion is the make sure images are saved in standard formats used on most web sites. The CONECA website uses the jpeg format most and it is preferred. I also recommend cropping images to show the subject only. Images with large backgrounds need to be cropped by me to remove excess background so that the coin does not appear as a small dot lost in a sea of background after the image is resized to the format we use on the website. In general you can figure that we will show our images on the homepage at 500 pixels in width and on a feature page at 800 pixels wide. In effect send them cropped down to the subject with narrow borders for a background at 800 pixels in width and I will resize from there to fit the homepage. Additionally, please keep clutter out of the images.

The #1 reason for an image not getting used is the coin being shot in a 2x2 holder. Ugly staples and handwriting do not add eye appeal to a coin and are distracting. To make matters worse, the Mylar plastic in the window of a cardboard 2x2 or plastic of a flip often causes less than desirable reflections. These can sometimes be minimizes through some image editing but can never be eliminated completely and takes time to get to an acceptable level. I often set these to the side for processing later with the hopes I can find the time to rework the image(s) to remover the unsightly holders and/or reflections from view. Others images have less than desirable objects in the same view that need to be cropped or cloned out. All to often I just never get to images like this. If you take a half a second to remove the coin from the holder before shooting the image it will save me a lot of time editing and increase the odds that it will be usable. If you send your material at least almost ready to post the chances are much better I will get to it. If it has been awhile and you did not see your material posted you might consider resubmitting it. Things do get past me. I hope these suggestions help!

Our Favorite Errors ...
1970-D Jefferson Begs Explanation
Explanation & Images by Mike Diamond

January 18, 2007 -- Mike Diamond sent in neat images of a 1970-D Jefferson five-cent piece with an unusual error that at first can be rather baffling as to how it occurred. Mike's explanation is: "Here's an interesting error I recently obtained from Fred Weinberg. The first strike was normal. The second strike was about 20% off-center and very weak. It's die-struck on the reverse. The obverse shows a weak, mirror brockage that covers about 80% of the obverse. It is more-or-less aligned with the die-struck design on the reverse, but is rotated about 90 degrees relative to it. Most likely something interfered with normal die approximation on the second strike so that, at their closest approach, the two dies were almost as far apart as the combined thickness of the two coins between them.

See More & Larger Images Of The Coin Here

Members are invited to send images of some of their favorite errors to be featured in this column. Send an image(s) and some text explaining what the coin is or why the coin is one of your favorites to the editor by clicking here: Our Favorite Errors

Interesting Coin Facts ...
When Did Single-Squeeze Hubbing Really Begin?

June 25, 2006 -- So just when did single-squeeze hubbing really begin in the US? It's a darn good question and the answer is a bit clouded. However, until lately, in spite of your webmaster for years repeatedly stating that it started in 1985 or 1986, everybody else kept quoting 1997 as the year of introduction. And they couldn't have been more wrong! Read why by clicking the link below!

See The Mint Report Here

Free Classified Ads!

April 02, 2004 -- It Official! The CONECA BOD/Officers has approved free classified advertising as another club benefit of CONECA membership! To view the ads already up or to submit your ad click on the link below!

Click Here To View Or Place Ads

Commercial News ...
Crawford Announces Die Variety News

July 4, 2006 -- CONECA member, Billy Crawford announces that he has launched a new online newsletter dedicated to the study and advancement of variety coins. According to Crawford, "Die Variety News is a free, on-line bi-monthly newsletter devoted to updating collectors on varieties and errors for all denominations. Each issue will cover various die varieties such as doubled dies, re-punched mint marks (RPM's), over mint marks (OMM's), dual mint marks (DMM's) to name just a few. Special sections has been included reporting on a continuing "Educational Series," as well as "World Varieties" and "Mint Error" categories due to popular demand. With new and exciting discoveries being reported almost on a daily basis -- Die Variety News will keep you abreast of all the latest up-to-date information available. Die Variety News is in PDF file version which requires Adobe Reader© for viewing. If you do not have Adobe Reader©, a link for a free download is provided on the DVN home page." You can visit Die Variety News here: http://home.sc.rr.com/dievarieties/Die_Variety_News.html

Fred Weinberg Releases New List

March 11, 2005 -- Fred Weinberg writes: "We are proud to present our first Price List of 2005. All of the new coins (Over 225 new Certified Errors, and lots of new Raw coins) are listed right now on our website: http://www.fredweinberg.com/
Many of our customers like to download and print our 16-page Price list, find the coin(s) of interest, and then view the actual coin on our website.
Please note the “Raw Errors" attachment is for the first 6 pages of non-Certified Errors, U.S. Mint Defaced Dies, and misc. errors. These are listed on the website.

The "Certified Errors" attachment is for pages 7-16, containing only Certified Major Error Coins.
All of the new Certified Errors, plus our existing Certified inventory are scanned and pictured on our website for your convenience. All of the items under “U.S. Mint Medals and Errors” (on page 5) are also scanned and pictured on the website. All other “Raw” coins can be scanned upon request.
We have also added some great dramatic Currency Errors to our website under the Raw section of our Inventory page. Just click on “Currency Errors” to see the list and scans of them.
When ordering, please try to be as specific as possible as to which coin(s) you are interested in – Raw or Certified, Date, Denomination, short description, grade, and price.
You may call on toll free line (800) 338-6533 or email us with your orders. All items are subject to prior sale.

Fred Weinberg

Mint Error News Magazine
Issue #15 Now Available

April 25, 2006 -- Mint Error News Magazine #15 is now online! You can download a PDF copy of it here: http://minterrornews.com/issue15.pdf Give it some time to load because it is plenty long. If you are on the mailing list your copy will be mailed soon. Also, Mint Error News Magazine recently placed the error article content of every issue in one place. See the index here: http://minterrornews.com/contentlist.html

Mike Byers' 2006 Catalog Now Available

December 12, 2004 -- Mike Byers has released his massive 128 page catalog on Major Minting Error and Trial and Pattern strikes. It is available in printed and pdf file formats. The pdf version can be viewed here: http://byersnc.com/2005catalog.pdf. Contact Byers at mike@mikebyers.com for information on how to order the spiral bound printed version.

Jim's Coins & Stamps Releases Mail Bid Auction Catalog

November 12, 2004 -- Jim's Coins & Stamps has released their fifth Major Mint Error Coin and Currency mail bid auction catalog. Issue#5 boasts new sharper images of many of the over 500 auction lots brought about by a new technology now being employed by the auctioneers. To get on the list for future mailings send $8 for six catalogs to Jim's C&S, Hillsdale Shopping Center, 702 N. Midvale Blvd. B-2, Madison, WI 53705 or see it on the Internet here: www.jimscoins.net. Addendum: Jim's continues to send new issues all of which have been great! We have not had time to update the image but otherwise all the above info is still current as it applies to the newer issues of Jim's catalogs.

To get news of your mint error and/or variety list/catalog in this section, send a brief write up on how to obtain it along with an image if desired. As long as we aware of the fact catalogs are continuously being issued we will leave the notice up , however, we will not change the dates or issue numbers or update images unless that information is specifically supplied to us for the website with a short press release (in other words, don't wait for us to write the release). Offer open to CONECA members only. Thank you!

New To The Web Site
Two-Headed Coins Unlucky For Some
by Ken Potter -- NLG

Above is an image of a so-called two-headed nickel
still sealed in the blister-pack card that it was marketed in.
Photo courtesy of Ken Potter

October 26, 2003 -- Without a doubt the most frequent question that we receive is about two-headed or two-tailed coins. There are occasional variations to the theme such as a Kennedy half dollar mated with a Mexican 20-centavos reverse or a Lincoln cent mated with a Roosevelt ten-cent reverse or a dime mated with a foreign coin reverse, etc., that are all related. What we say here will most often apply to them also ...

Read The Rest Of The Story

CONECA's Glossary Expanded!
Includes Color Images

    July 19, 2003 -- While the CONECA web site has offered a Glossary of Terms for several years -- it was unillustrated. However, all that is changing! If you go in and look now, you will see we are adding images in the form of links to many photos that we used on this web site in the past and many new ones. In fact -- most are new!
    This will be a work in progress so please come back and visit often to see what has been added. Also, your help in the form of images to illustrate the glossary is needed. At this point you will notice that the majority of images are of coins that your webmaster supplied! Your webmaster wants that to change! If you have high quality photographs of error and variety coins available (that you took or otherwise own the rights to), we encourage you to look through them and send some of your best shots.
    Do not be afraid of duplication. We are interested in showing more than one shot of most error types. For example we already have two images up to illustrate the curved clip error.
    Additionally, there will be some changes to the way the glossary is set up. As it is now, it is hard to find things. For example: if you are looking for a definition of curved clip you must scroll down to "single curved clip" to find it. That's not the way it should be! In the near future we will begin to reorganize and you will then be able to find "curved clip" under "curved clips" with the variations subcategorized under that main heading. We will also be adding in many popular terms that are not present at this time.
    Again, this will be a work in progress but as we see it -- we have the "guts" to best online error-variety coins glossary out there already -- and now it's just going to get better!
Sincerely yours,
Ken Potter
CONECA Board Seat #5 - Webmaster
Send images to: CONECA Website Images

Visit the Glossary

Interesting Coin Facts ...
Not All Silver Dated 1964
Was Struck In 1964!

Photo © Ken Potter 2005
This 1964 Curved Clip Dime Could Have Been Minted
Anytime Between Jan 1964 and April of 1966

While most collectors believe that 1964 was the last year that the United States Mints struck 90% silver coins for circulation -- 1966 was actually the last year of the 90% silver coinage output for circulation! Specifically, 1964 dated 90% silver coins were produced from January 1964 through April of 1966!

Celebrating Our 25th Anniversary!

1983 - 2008

CONECA was formed through a merger of CONE and NECA in early 1983. In what seems to have been such a short time -- we are now celebrating our 25th Anniversary! To learn more about the fascinating HISTORY OF THE ERROR HOBBY and THE HISTORY OF CONECA, we encourage you to visit those pages on our site! We thank everybody who has helped make CONECA the great success that it is today!

CONECA Webmaster Activity Report to Membership of 04/23/04

Persons with items of interest to the CONECA Web site or with questions relating to it may contact the webmaster, Ken Potter at: conecawebmaster

Since 03/24/07
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