Plating Errors

Plating errors predominantly arise during the minting process when coins are manufactured. Modern coins are often made by plating a core metal with a layer of another metal. For example, a coin might have a copper core with a nickel layer. Errors can occur due to issues in the plating process, such as uneven application of the metal layer, contamination of the plating solution, or problems with the base metal’s surface preparation. These inconsistencies can lead to various visible anomalies on the finished coin, distinguishing them from flawlessly minted counterparts.

Plating errors can manifest in numerous ways, depending on the nature and extent of the deviation during the minting process. Some common types include:

Incomplete Plating: Parts of the coin may lack the plating layer, revealing the core metal. This can occur due to contamination or defects on the coin’s surface that prevent the plating metal from adhering properly.

Overplating: An excessively thick layer of plating metal might be applied, potentially obscuring fine details of the coin’s design.

Plating Bubbles: These occur when gas is trapped between the core metal and the plating layer, forming bubbles. Over time, these can burst, leaving a crater-like appearance.

Plating Splits: If the plating metal is not flexible enough to accommodate the expansion and contraction of the core during minting, splits can occur in the plating layer.