Die Varieties
Repeatable design differences created on a working die, separated clearly from one-off mint errors.
Doubled Die Obverse
A hubbing variety created on the die before coins are struck, producing repeated design elements on every coin from that die.
Doubled Die Reverse
A reverse die variety with duplicated design elements created during die manufacture.
Repunched Mintmark
A mintmark was punched into a working die more than once in differing positions on older issues.
Over-Mintmark
One mintmark was punched over a different mintmark on the working die.
Overdate
A date digit or date set was entered over a different underlying date on the die.
Close AM and Wide AM Varieties
Reverse die design spacing creates collectible Lincoln cent varieties on specific dates and mint combinations.
Small Date and Large Date Varieties
Date punch or design differences produce recognized subtypes on certain coin issues.
Proof No-S Varieties
Certain proof issues were struck from dies lacking the expected S mintmark.
Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
A famous 1937-D die-polishing variety in which part of the buffalo’s foreleg was removed from the die.
Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter
A 2004-D Wisconsin quarter variety with an added leaf-like feature near the corn stalk.
Speared Bison Nickel
A 2005-D bison nickel die-gouge variety with a strong raised line through the bison.
Extra Design Element Varieties
Die chips and gouges can create named extra trees, cactus branches, rocks, snow, or other design additions.
Die Clash Varieties
Dies strike each other without a planchet and transfer traces of opposing design into later coins.
Cuds and Major Die Breaks
A broken die leaves raised metal on struck coins; a rim-connected break is commonly called a cud.
Die Chips
Small missing pieces of die create raised blobs on coins and may form collectible named varieties.