Expert: PAPAJACK - 4/1/2008

Question
I have a 1971-D one that is slightly (approx 1/16") off center on head side, but still all inside the reeding, and the obverse is dead on center. Would that be a true Error Coin?

Answer
Hello Bruce,                             

This does sound like a true error coin. But it seems to be less than 10% off center from your description.
Errors like this carry little or no premium value since it was only a mechanical error rather than a die error. Die errors are made into a whole production run.
The error coins that are very valuable are not mechanical mishaps but a coin produced with defective dies for circulation.

As information for any actual types of error coins "the Greater the error the Greater the Value" is the general rule, and it does have to be a Mint Error.

For information on true error coins look for the book "The ERROR COIN ENCYCLOPEDIA" by Arnold Margolis (not sure of the spelling).

It goes into detail about how errors have occurred at the mint.  Your Library may have a copy or it is inexpensive to buy.

Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack