I've had a number of friends ask me what's so special about "Error" coins, and how to go about collecting them.

Collecting Error Coins can be tricky, because although there are a number of problems that can be considered an "error" on a coin, there are only a select few that are really worth a good amount of money.

The Types and descriptions of Errors is listed here for you:

Clipped Planchet - A clipped planchet is an incomplete coin, missing 10-25% of the metal.  To give you a mental image, picture a Lincoln Penny shaped like a half-moon.  That would be considered a "clipped planchet error."

Multiple Strike - A multiple strike is a coin with at least one additional image from being struck again off-center.  So, picture a Lincoln Penny with his head on the bottom and his bust at the top with a gap in the middle.  This would be considered a "multiple strike error."

Blank or Planchet - A blank or planchet is a blank piece of metal intended for coinage but not struck with dies.  Basically, it's just a round piece of copper, nickel, etc.  There is no image on it at all, although it was meant to have been struck as a coin, it never was for whatever reason.  This is a "blank or planchet error."

Defective Die - A coin showing raised metal from a large die crack, or small rim break.  Picture in your mind a Jefferson Nickel with a big blob of metal covering a portion of the design.  This would be considered a "defective die error."

Off-Center - A coin that has been struck out of collar and incorrectly centered with part of the design missing.  Basically, imagine a Washington Quarter where the bottom half is blank, and the upper half shows only the date and the bust of Washington.  This would be considered an "off-center error."

Broadstrike - A coin that was struck outside the retaining collar.  Picture a Jefferson Nickel with a super-thick, wide, warped rim.  That would be evidence of a "broadstrike error."

Lamination - A flaw whereby a fragment of metal has peeled off the coin's surface.  So, picture a Lincoln Penny which looks like someone took a butter knife and scooped a bit of metal off of it.  That would be considered a "lamination error."

Brockage - A mirror image of the design impressed on the opposite side of the same coin.  Basically, it's like the coin got "stamped" by the coin before it, placing a mirror image of itself onto the next coin.  I can't really give you a mental image on this one...it's pretty self-explanatory.

Wrong Planchet - A coin struck on a planchet intended for another denomination or of the wrong metal.  This one is easy to notice.  Picture finding a Jefferson Nickel with the design of the Lincoln Penny on it.  That is a definite "wrong planchet error."

Waffled Coins - Coins that have been cancelled out by the Mint using high-pressure rollers and blades.  These coins are not considered legal tender, but if you find one, you'll know it.  The surface is much like that of a washboard.

As you'll find out, there are many, MANY different kinds of errors to be found.  These are just a few to get you started on your way.  So, check your pocket change!  You never know what you might run across...

*** OOh!  There's a quarter with a defective die error in my laundry money!  (^_^) ***