Posted 14 years ago
collectors…
(1 item)
Here's an 1865 Three Cent Nickel that we were thinking about selling, but then noticed that it is way off axis when you flip it over. The tail is completely upside down from what it is supposed to be. We think this should make it worth more than just an 1865 3 Cent Nickel, but aren't sure how rare this is so for now we're going to keep it in our collection. Does anyone know how much off axis this is considered and how much this is worth? Thank you!
It is called a DIE Rotation error and can sometimes add a premium.
If it's off by 180 degrees, then your coin was struck from dies with a medal alignment. This was not uncommon with 19th century coins. I recently bought an 1839-O quarter eagle with a medal alignment. There was no premium to it, but I like coins that have something a little unique about them. So even if there's no premium to it, it's a cool coin to own.
Thank you! I appreciate your comments. Okay wow, I have never heard of medal alignment but that makes sense. Yeah you're right even if it doesn't have any extra premium it is still a neat coin to own.
Medals have a different alignment than coins because they are frequently hung from ribbons and tend to flip sideways. Apparently people tend to flip coins from top-to-bottom which is why there is the 180 degree difference in alignments.
The definition of "medal alignment" can be found at:
http://acdwyer.com/glossary_m.aspx
And one for "coin alignment" at:
http://acdwyer.com/glossary_c.aspx
So basically, some mint employee goofed and put one of the coin dies upside down when they did the run that produced your coin.