Errors & Varieties: A Coin By Any Other Name…

Errors and varieties are usually named after the descriptors used to inform the onlooker of the nature of the error or variety, such as doubled die obverse, double struck, and/or misplaced date. There are a few die-error varieties, however, that derive their monikers from how the resulting error resembles something recognizable in real life.

One of the earliest examples of a nicknamed die-error variety is the 1804 Spiked Chin Draped Bust Half Cent. Paired with six different reverse dies, this obverse die developed a low-relief large spike-shape protrusion extending from the chin (along with a smaller spike between the lips and horizontal lines about the neck) during its third pairing (Cohen-5). As this was in all likelihood not by design, the damage may have been caused when a screw or something similarly shaped was unintentionally struck into the die. As mentioned in a previous installment of this column, the expensive and time-consuming process of creating new dies in the early days of the Mint probably explains why this cracked obverse die continued to be used. Cohen-5, along with the subsequent Cohen-6, Cohen-7, and Cohen-8 die pairings, are all referred to as the “Spiked Chin.”

A similarly derived early issue die-error variety sobriquet is the 1807 Bearded Goddess Capped Bust Half Dollar (Overton-111b). This first obverse die bearing John Reich’s new design developed a die break between Liberty’s chin and bust (which eventually extended through the lips, nose, eye, and hair through the headband and down through the bust into the date). Like the Spiked Chin, the Bearded Goddess is a later die state of an obverse die without any die cracks (Overton-111). This die-error variety, which just so happens to be paired with the blundered 50 Over 20 reverse, is avidly sought by Capped Bust specialists and error enthusiasts alike.

The 1888-O Hot Lips Morgan Dollar is perhaps the most popular doubled die obverse in the entire Morgan Dollar series. The obverse features a boldly doubled facial profile and wheat and cotton leaves above “LIBERTY.” However, it is the doubled set of lips for which this die variety is named. But “Hot Lips”? It is conjectured that the nickname derives from a character in the 1970 movie M*A*S*H, a well-received comedy depicting a unit of medics serving during the Korean War. Attributed as VAM-4, the “Hot Lips” variety is considered the No. 1 doubled die obverse in the Morgan Dollar series and is recognized among the Top 100 VAMs by PCGS.

As for 20th-century issues, the 1943 Jefferson Doubled Eye Nickel obverse is accordingly named for the dramatic northeast doubling of the eye. This doubling, along with that of the date, the motto, and “LIBERTY,” is known as Class IV or offset hub doubling. This doubling is created when the working obverse die being re-hubbed is off center in the hubbing press from a position it had been on a previous hubbing. This type of doubling is always in one direction and its degree of doubling is constant. An original “Top 10” Jefferson Nickel variety, this doubled die obverse 5 cent coin is among the most sought-after varieties in the series.