misstriking

Misstriking refers to an error in the striking of a coin or medal. This typically occurs during the minting process when the die or planchet is not properly aligned or when the striking pressure is insufficient or excessive. A misstrike can result in a variety of anomalies on the finished product, such as off-center strikes where the design is not fully impressed upon the coin's surface, doubled dies where the die itself was struck twice or improperly prepared, or brockages where a previously struck coin adheres to the die and is then struck again, impressing its design onto a new planchet.

These errors are often discovered by collectors and numismatists who specialize in error coins. The value of a misstruck coin can vary significantly depending on the rarity and severity of the error. Some misstrikes are considered common and may only add a small premium to the coin's value, while others are exceedingly rare and can command substantial prices. The study of misstrikes is an important aspect of numismatics, providing insights into the minting process and the variations that can occur.