MintMark
Planchet errors

Clipped Planchet

Clipped Planchet coin error — real example

Photo: Jespinos · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons · Close-up of the clipped area on a 1934 Chile 10 centavos: the top rim shows the irregular incomplete edge where the planchet was punched from an already-punched area of the strip; denticles fade out across the clip. Non-US - no clear US clipped-planchet photo exists on Commons (the only US candidate, 'File:4 clipped off center error cents.jpg', is dominated by off-center strikes and would misteach). Companion edge-profile view exists at File:10 Centavos 1934 clip.jpg. Visually verified; 640x480.

What it is

Coin blanks are punched out of a long strip of metal like cookies from dough. If the strip doesn't advance far enough between punches, a new blank gets punched overlapping a hole left by a previous one, and the blank comes out with a curved bite missing. Blanks punched near the end or edge of the strip can get straight or ragged clips instead. The clipped blank then gets struck normally, producing a coin with a smooth, curved missing chunk.

How to spot it

Look for the Blakesley effect: on a genuine curved clip, the rim directly opposite the clip is weak and poorly formed, because the missing metal changed how pressure spread during the strike. The inside of the clip should be smooth and slightly tapered, with the design fading gently into it, not sharp and sheared. Metal flow lines near the clip should curve toward it. If the cut edge looks freshly sawed or filed and the opposite rim is perfectly normal, be suspicious.

Don't get fooled: This is one of the most faked errors: people cut or grind notches into normal coins. No Blakesley effect (weak rim opposite the clip) and sharp, shiny cut edges are red flags for a fake clip.

What it's worth

Small curved clips on modern cents run $2-$10; larger or multiple clips, or clips on bigger coins, bring $20-$100+. Dramatic examples with 20%+ of the coin missing can go higher. It's an accessible error type with honest but modest premiums.

Famous examples

  • Curved-clip Lincoln Cents
  • Double-clipped Jefferson Nickels
  • Straight-clip Washington Quarters

Series where this error is found

Wheat Cent Memorial Cent Shield Nickel V Nickel Buffalo Nickel Barber Dime Roosevelt Dime Barber Quarter Standing Liberty Washington Quarter State Quarters Territories Quarters ATB Quarters Crossing the Delaware Women Quarters Ike Dollar SBA Dollar

Think your coin has this error?

Identify it first — then check against the guide.

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