Coin rim errors are minting errors that affect the outer edge of the coin. These occur during the minting process and can manifest in a multitude of forms.
How to Tell Rim Errors Apart from Rim Damage
It is important to distinguish between genuine rim errors and rim damage, as many coins with rim issues are simply damaged coins rather than error coins.
Examples of damage can include dents, dings, or flattened rims caused by wear. Damage from centrifugal forces, such as coins spinning inside clothes dryers (“dryer coins”), or intentional modifications like spooning, can also result in rim oddities that hold no additional value.
Types of Rim Errors
Broadstrike Errors
Broadstrike errors occur when a coin is struck without the retaining collar that would otherwise hold the coin in place during minting. Without this collar, the metal spreads outward beyond its intended dimensions. This results in a flattened and expanded rim that often causes the coin to appear larger than it should.
Broadstrikes are visually distinct due to their wide, smooth rims, which lack the defined edge found on properly struck coins. Broadstrikes are among the most valuable rim errors, with values varying based on the coin type. Some Susan B Anthony dollars with broadstrike errors have sold for more than $145.
Off-Center Errors
centered during striking. These errors can vary from the design being 5% to over 60% off-center. Coins with off-center errors and complete dates are particularly desirable. Lincoln pennies with off-center errors can be worth $10-100 depending on the error and other factors.
Die Cuds
Die cuds are distinctive rim errors caused by large die breaks along the rim. These manifest as raised, flat bumps that extend onto the obverse or reverse of the coin. The value of these rim errors can vary based on the coin and the size of the cud. For instance, some Washington quarters with die cud errors can be worth up to $200.
Partial Collars
Partial collar errors result in what collectors refer to as a “railroad rim” effect. This occurs when the retaining collar is partially fastened to the coin during striking. As a result, one portion of the rim shows a series of ridges resembling the wheels of a railroad track.
The railroad rim effect is particularly noticeable on reeded coins, where the ridges resemble railroad ties. Identifying partial collars involves inspecting the coin’s edge for asymmetrical or uneven patterns. Some partial collar errors can be especially valuable. One Jefferson nickel with a partial collar error sold for more than $800, although many sell for less than this.
Finned Rims
Finned rim errors are produced by excessive striking pressure during the minting process. When too much pressure is applied to the planchet, metal is forced upward along the edge of the coin, creating a thin, fin-like protrusion around the rim. These errors are easy to identify by their raised rims, which often have sharp edges and extend higher than the normal edge of the coin. While they are rare, Morgan dollars with finned rim errors can be worth hundreds of dollars.
Double Rims and Misaligned Dies
Misaligned dies can result in coins with lopsided rims, where one side is thicker than the other. In some cases, this misalignment can also create a double rim effect, where two distinct concentric lines appear along the edge. To spot a double rim error, look for:
- Doubling Effects: Two distinct rims, one inside the other, will be visible along the coin’s edge.
- Uniformity: Consistency around the entire circumference.
Although most examples are not worth more than $10, there are some rare Lincoln pennies with double rims or misaligned dies with significant value.
Rim Burrs
Rim burrs occur when the dies used to strike the coin become damaged and leave small metal protrusions or rough spots along the rim. These burrs can give the rim an irregular, jagged appearance. Rim burrs form when metal scrapes against the collar of the die during striking and then folds onto the coin’s surface.
Identifying rim burrs requires close inspection of the edge for any raised or uneven areas. Roosevelt dimes with rim burrs can sell for $10-30, based on the extent of the burrs.
Rim Clips
Rim clips happen when a coin blank is not cut correctly and results in a portion of the rim missing or being clipped. There are two main types of rim clips: straight clips and curved clips. Both types are easy to visually assess due to the missing section of the rim, and collectors can easily spot these errors by examining the coin’s outer edge. Rim clip error coins can be worth $20-$200, depending on the size and visibility of the clip.
Crenelated Rim
A crenelated rim is comprised of longer vertical reeding that resembles a picket fence along the coin’s edge. This rim error occurs when a coin is pushed out of the collar after being struck, which causes the reeding to extend vertically from the junction between the design rim and the edge.
These reeding extensions always point toward the face struck by the anvil die. Although the cause of crenellations is not fully understood, they are considered rare. Most crenelated rim error coins are worth upwards of $100.
