Need help on possible error 1/2 dollar

bay pirate · Nov 28, 2013

What, if anything, do you guys think about this half dollar? It appears that it does not have the normal border from the strike. It almost looks smaller or double struck maybe. Any thoughts would be appreciated

TypeCoin971793 · Nov 28, 2013

It just looks like it was weakly struck and/or struck through grease. Nothing that would add any value. Maybe nothing is unusual with it.

Better pictures would help for a more accurate answer, but that is what I see.

huntsman53 · Nov 29, 2013

Yes, it was weakly struck due to improper striking pressure! This also resulted in not forcing the plantchet metal outwards to properly form a complete rim.

Frank

coinguy*matthew · Nov 29, 2013

Comparing a 1986 half dollar to a 1972 half is like comparing apples to oranges. In 1972 the dies had more relief and thus displaced more metal when struck leaving a fully struck rim, fast forward to 86 the relief was lowered several times along with reworking the dies leaving us with less detail and lesser rims. If the coin was to be weakly struck i would expect to see numbers and letters fading into the rim or half missing along with flat or missing hair detail and although your coin is not fully struck its not weak enough to be considered weakly struck. That is why top pops or fully struck coins command such premiums even the 1986's because when it comes to clad coinage fully struck appealing coins are a serious rarity. The coin you have I would consider on the weak side but not enough to be considered error.

Here is several examples.... Take note of the much thicker rims on the 72's

1972