In the world of coin collecting, finding a rare coin can be a thrilling experience, especially when it has an error that sets it apart from regular coins. Johnny Bowen, a coin collector, discovered a rare misalignment in a 1980-S Lincoln Cent Proof, purchased 44 years ago as part of the 1980 United States Proof Set. The coin had an unusual feature that caught Bowen’s attention: it was struck with misaligned dies, making it a special type of Mint error.
What Is a Misaligned Die Error?
Normally, when a coin is struck, both the obverse (heads side) and reverse (tails side) are aligned correctly in the coin press. The reverse is placed upside down, so when the coin is flipped, it shows the correct orientation. However, in Bowen’s case, the reverse die was misaligned by 140 degrees clockwise, which is considered a “rotated die” error. This misalignment creates an unusual look for the coin, making it more valuable to collectors.
How Did Bowen Discover the Error?
Bowen noticed the unusual feature in his 1980-S Lincoln Cent Proof shortly after buying the Proof Set from the U.S. Mint. After reaching out for expert advice, he was encouraged to submit clear photographs of both sides of the coin. These images helped confirm that the coin was indeed a Mint error, making it worth more than its face value.
The Grading Process
Bowen sent his coin to the Certified Acceptance Corporation Grading (CACG) service, where it was graded as PR67RD CAM (Proof 67 Red Cameo). The coin did not receive the “Deep Cameo” grade due to slight softness in the frost on the lettering of “STATES” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” Despite this, the coin’s rarity and misalignment make it valuable.
Proof Coins and Strict Quality Control
The U.S. Mint produces Proof coins with a strict quality control process. Each coin is handled carefully to avoid any damage, and those that don’t meet the Mint’s high standards are destroyed. Bowen’s coin, however, slipped through this process due to the misalignment, making it a rare find for collectors.
Table of Key Information:
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Coin Type | 1980-S Lincoln Memorial Cent Proof |
| Error Type | Misaligned Die Error |
| Grade | PR67RD CAM |
| Rotation Angle | 140 Degrees Clockwise |
| Year of Release | 1980 |
| Minting Quantity | 3,554,806 |
What Happened to Bowen’s Coin?
After discovering the coin’s value, Bowen was advised to contact dealers who specialize in Mint error coins. He was connected with Jon Sullivan of Sullivan Numismatics, a well-known dealer in Florida, to explore selling the rare error coin.
How Much Is Bowen’s Coin Worth?
Bowen’s 1980-S Lincoln Memorial Cent Proof with a rotated die error has the potential to fetch a significant amount. Coins with similar errors are highly valued by collectors, especially those that are graded well. Bowen’s coin was graded at a PR67, and based on its rarity, it could be worth several times more than its face value.
FAQ’s
What is a rotated die error?
A rotated die error occurs when the reverse die used to strike the coin is misaligned. This causes the reverse side to be rotated at an unusual angle, like the 140-degree rotation found in Bowen’s coin.
How much is a misaligned die coin worth?
A misaligned die coin’s value depends on its rarity and grade. Bowen’s coin, graded PR67RD CAM, could be worth significantly more than its original price.
What should I do if I find a rare coin?
If you discover a rare coin, it’s a good idea to get it professionally graded to determine its value. You can then sell or keep it as part of your collection.