1980 Kennedy Half Dollar Error?

[uxler-migration]

Picked up some proof sets today and came across this coin. I know very little about error coins, and I'm curious to know if this scratch on the obverse is an error or post mint damage? If an error, does this add any value to the coin? Thanks.

 

[EXOJUNKIE]

It doesn't look like a scratch. It looks more like a small hair or something got into the mint packaging. If so, it isn't uncommon. You might want to take a closer look with a 10x loupe.

[uxler-migration]

After a closer look, I think you might be right. Just or future reference, would an error of this nature be desirable/valuable if it were in fact a scratch?

[nunfa0]

Scratches detract from the coin and lower the value.

[e1cnr]

If it is a small metal wire or something that was actually struck into the coin, it would be considered a strike-through error and increases value.

 

If it is something like a thread or hair sitting on coin in package it is a handling scrw-up and decreases value.

[cpm9ball]

If it were a scratch, you would be able to see under higher magnification where the metal has pushed up along the edge (crater effect).

 

If it is a strikethrough, you should be able to see if the mark is recessed, and there would be no resultant "crater effect" because the hammer die, upon impact, would restrict the flow of metal upward.

 

If it is a hair or some foreign object sitting on the coin, it should be easy enough to open the plastic case and remove it, preferably with a gentle blow from canned air.

 

A strikethrough may add some value to the coin, but only to the right collector.

 

Chris

[coinman_23885]

If it were a scratch, you would be able to see under higher magnification where the metal has pushed up along the edge (crater effect).

 

If it is a strikethrough, you should be able to see if the mark is recessed, and there would be no resultant "crater effect" because the hammer die, upon impact, would restrict the flow of metal upward.

 

If it is a hair or some foreign object sitting on the coin, it should be easy enough to open the plastic case and remove it, preferably with a gentle blow from canned air.

 

A strikethrough may add some value to the coin, but only to the right collector.

 

Chris

 

+1

[JStull]

After a closer look, I think you might be right. Just or future reference, would an error of this nature be desirable/valuable if it were in fact a scratch?

 

You have to understand that errors, are in the minting process, not after the minting of the coins.

 

If it were a scratch it would be considered post mint damage as it was not caused by the minting of the coin, but more likely mishandling by a Mint employee, or if it was removed from the OGP by a collector, it may have been caused through the removal from the OGP.

 

 

[johnny9434]

It doesn't look like a scratch. It looks more like a small hair or something got into the mint packaging. If so, it isn't uncommon. You might want to take a closer look with a 10x loupe.

ill agree with that part 10x loupe