MintMark
Planchet errors

Lamination Error

Lamination Error coin error — real example

Photo: Patriot62371 · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons · 1963-D Lincoln cent struck on a planchet that had already split (split planchet - the extreme form of a lamination error). Obverse is fully struck; the exposed reverse shows the rough striated delaminated metal surface characteristic of lamination. Visually verified. No photo of a partial lamination flake exists on Commons; companion image File:1963 Lincoln Cent Struck Before Split Error.jpg shows a cent that split after striking.

What it is

Before blanks are punched, the mint rolls metal into long strips. If the alloy was contaminated or improperly mixed, or gas got trapped during rolling, layers of the strip don't bond properly. Coins struck from that metal can have thin flakes that peel up or fall away entirely, leaving a shallow, irregular patch or a partly attached flap. The problem is in the metal itself, so laminations can show up before or after the coin leaves the mint. Wartime silver nickels (1942-1945) are famous for them because that alloy was hard to mix well.

How to spot it

Look for a thin, irregular patch where the surface has flaked away, usually shallower than it looks, with design detail sometimes still faintly visible inside the low area. The edges of the missing patch look torn or layered, like peeling paint, not gouged. Sometimes the flap of metal is still attached and you can see it lifting. A gouge from damage will show pushed-up metal along its borders; a lamination shows clean separation between layers.

Don't get fooled: Post-mint hits, gouges, and acid damage are confused with laminations. A lamination separates in a flat layer with torn, sheet-like edges; damage cuts across the surface with displaced metal. Note also that peeling copper plating on 1982+ zinc cents is plating blistering, related but usually near-worthless.

What it's worth

Minor laminations add $2-$10 on common coins; big dramatic peels or laminations on silver war nickels bring $20-$75. Retained laminations (flap still attached) are worth more than missing ones. This is a budget-friendly error category.

Famous examples

  • 1942-1945 Silver 'War Nickel' laminations
  • Lamination-crack Wheat Cents
  • Retained lamination Franklin Halves

Series where this error is found

Flying Eagle Indian Head Wheat Cent V Nickel Buffalo Nickel Jefferson Nickel Barber Dime Mercury Dime Barber Quarter Standing Liberty Barber Half Walking Liberty Peace

Think your coin has this error?

Identify it first — then check against the guide.

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