Expert: Ronald Fern - 2/7/2010

Question
I have a silver dime that is miscut. It is a full size dime but the imprint of the dime starts at the bottom right of the coin.  just wondering if you think it may have any value.  thank you for your help

Answer
Hi Pauline:

I just took your question from the pool. It's possible you may have an off center struck dime. When asking a question, especially with errors, always provide as much information about your piece as possible. This helps to pinpoint what you may have. Attaching a photo would also help. I'll answer your question as best I can. If you want to ask a follow up question by providing more information, I'll revise my answer or add to it as required.

An off center strike happens when a blank planchet (unstruck coin) fails to properly enter the die chamber prior to the dies coming together. The blank usually falls into the chamber with the retaining collar and receives the normal front, back, and edge (reeding) striking. In your case, it sounds like the blank did not go all the way in, and is missing some of the design on both sides of the coin. I'm also guessing most, if not all of the reeding is missing as well.

As far as value, that depends on the date, mint mark, amount off center and condition of the coin. Silver dimes (1946 to 1964) struck 5 to 10 percent off center without a date in uncirculated condition  could go for $20 to $30 to and interested collector. Strikes 15 percent to about 80 percent off center could bring $35 to $100, with 85 percent and over the same as the minor range of $20 to $30.

You may want to check EBay listings under US coins in the error category to see what these errors are going for. You may also want to check out these links on error coin values:
http://www.coinsite.com/html/USErrorPrices.asp
http://www.minterrornews.com/priceguide.html

If you live close to a local shop, they should offer an opinion as to it's value and if it is authentic at no charge. Always try and get at least two opinions and try and deal with PNG dealers if possible. Here's a link to find one in your area: http://www.pngdealers.com/dealersearch.php

Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. And check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.