I recently discovered something on an 20th Anniversary American Eagle Silver RP(Reverse Proof). Numismatists (fancy name for coin collectors) are constantly searching for the Rarest of the rare. They covet the truly unique coin. To posess the ultimate and unique collection of coins is every numismatists goal. I digress.

On the Obverse(heads) of the top of the Reverse Proof Coin,  along Lady Liberty's head,  I saw a fault line that should not be there. when I looked closer I saw it was raised. I naturally wanted to know what it was. Why would a mark or line be there? Curiosity got the better of me so, I removed the coin from its plastic case( oh god help me if I scratched that bad boy or something of the like). I broke out my little magnifying glass and there it was, as clear as day a  raised mark from a die crack.

Die cracks happen  when a die (the metal stamper thingy) has been put under pressure (usually in excess of 100 tons of pressure for the special prepared american eagles). It can happen on the very first pressings or stamping (as in the case of early Morgan dollars produced between 1878-1921) or after numerous pressings. Die cracks could be caused by flaws in the making of the hubs that create the master dies, it could be in the dies themselves because the dies are defective or just worn out. Whatever the cause the coin that is created will show this trait it will be a raised mark of varying lengths and depths depending on the crack or die break.

Once coin exists with this unique mark or trait it becomes something that sets it apart from all others in the production. Some would argue that the coin is flawed and is worth less then the others for artistic values. It has mark that cannot be taken away without damaging its physically appearance. It will stand out from the others.

If a coin stands out does it not make category unto itself? Doesn't it create its own place. If 250,000 were made, but only lets say100 or even of these errors exist, it does set the error coins apart. A"Flawed" coin is special in the case of the American Eagle Silver Dollar. In light of the fact the US Mint does maintain strict standards with regards to its collector's edition coins . The whole production has stringent requirements and multiple inspections that involve a coin being monitored for any possible variances. Infrequently the mistakes get out.

If you take for example the 2004 wisconsin quarter. an unknown number have a extra leaf on the ear of corn on the Reverse (tails) some claim it was done to generate interest in the 50 states quarters program others say it was a mistake. Whatever the reason is irrelevent. The fact that they exist makes them highly sought after.

As with anything the more exclusive the item the more sought after it becomes. The fact that the Mint missed an error does not enhance  or negate the value of the coins. Ultimately it is the demand or desire of the collectors themselve that determine the value of error coins.Thus far I have seen a few sold for Around $500. Now if they have been out for less than for a few months and are comanding 5 times the price of the sets original $100 cost imagine what they will be after a number of years?(If this guide has been helpful vote "yes")

Pictured below :the die crack along Liberty's head/cap it is faint due to use of a scanner. It shows clearer in person