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Coin and Paper Money Collecting/1951 franklin 1/2 dollar "ghost image" ?
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Question
I was told that this is a ghost image and doesn't effect the price of the coin (the flairs on both sides of the bell) - my question is - if this is a ghost image and can be seen and felt, it would have to increase the value, wouldn't it ?
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Hi Roger,
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It may have a slight increase in value if you get someone particularly interested, but it would likely be a beginning collector that is willing to pay extra. The "ghosting" effect is the result of a die clash error - when the two halves of a die strike each other without a metal planchet in between them. This causes some detail from one side to be added to the other, and can be seen on either one or both sides.
The reason why generally this will not add value is because it is one of the most common types of errors. I don't think there has ever been a coin type struck where at least one of the dies used clashed to form a ghosting image.
Early 1900's British pennies are actually famous for this, and nearly half of all of them from the 1910's and 1920's have a strong ghost image of the portrait of the king on the opposite side.
A die clash can add value, but it would have to be an exceptionally dramatic example.
Thanks for the question! =)
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Answers by Expert:
Dmitry Livshits
Expertise
My specialty is world coins from the 18th to 20th centuries, primarily non-US foreign coins and related areas such as errors and exonumia (tokens, medals, etc.). I can answer questions relating to identification, grading, selling, preservation and evaluation of such items. In addition to catalog value, I can give you the practical market value and trends for specific types of coins. I will also take questions regarding counterfeits (both modern and antique) and on how to identify them. I am NOT knowledgeable in paper money/banknotes, ancient or "shipwreck" coins. Thank you.
Experience
Collector of world coins since early childhood. Access to a variety of auction records and reference material. You can also find me on Facebook.
Education/Credentials
A.S. in Psychology (2006), B.A. in Forensic Psychology (2008), M.A. in Forensic Psychology (2011).
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