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Over the years many errors have turned up in New Zealand coinage. Error coin collecting and study has become an integral part of the numismatic hobby.

Listed are some of the common error types found in New Zealand.

Broadstrike & Off Center Strikes

Off Center errors are planchets that were struck with the coin partially outside the dies. These will be missing some of the design as the die did not strike the entire coin.

A Broadstrike is a similar error, but is NOT missing any design. It will appear larger than a regular struck coin, because it was struck out of its collar. It can look Off center and still be a Broadstrike error, if NONE of the design of the coin is missing.

Filled Die

Filled die errors are caused when either lubrication oil or metal fragments from a planchet become stuck in parts of the die. This causes subsequent coins struck to have details and depth missing.

Mule

Mule error coins are minted with a different Obverse or Reverse design not normally intended for that coin. This occurs when two mismatched dies are purposefully or mistakenly used in the coining process.

Lamination Faults

Lamination flaws are a planchet defect resulting from metal impurities or internal stresses. Lamination flaws cause discoloration, uneven surfaces, peeling, and splitting of coins.

Clipped Planchet

A misfeed can occur when the metal strip is fed through the blanking machine. The punches sometimes overlap the leading edge of the metal producing a straight clip. Sometimes, the punches strike an area of the strip which overlaps the hole left by the previous strike producing a curved clip.

Split Planchet

Split planchets are a result of problems with the underlying metal blanks. They are often caused by impurities in the metal or refining process. 

Trial Strikes

Trial strikes while not an error themselves can sometimes find their way into circulation or mint sets. This can lead to coins being found with anomalies that would class the coin as an error.

Incorrect Planchet Size

Wrong sized planchet errors are caused by incorrect blanks being used in the coining process. Entire batches can be produced on the wrong size blank. It is also common for single blanks stuck in the manufacturing process from previous batches to become dislodged and coined. 

Cladding Error

Cladding errors are the result of modern minting processes. To reduce base metal costs many modern coins are made from layers of different metals. If the layering process was performed incorrectly the layers can fold, peel, separate completely or be absent from the coin blank.

Examples of all these errors exist in New Zealand coins. If you would like to know more or obtain any New Zealand error coins please contact us.

Alternatively you can contact Jason at Coin Errors New Zealand who has a wealth of knowledge on the subject.

Coin Errors Website