Worth A Topic Of Its Own - Die Error Vs. Die Variety

"To be more clear, some people expect that when you attach the word "error" to a coin that it has to be important and has to carry some form of premium value. This is simply not the case."

Ok, thanks for the clarification. I attach the word "error" to mistake. My interpretation of any error piece is that it is the direct result of a MISTAKE made by (but not limited to) the engraver, striking, wrong planchet, or an entire step in the minting process being bypassed(ie coin not making it through the castaing machine).

Die Deterioration has nothing to to with any mistakes (errors) being made.

Here is an analogy/rhetorical I think best fits my argument.

Do you consider coins with normal wear that has occurred while in circulation an error? (of course not)

So, why would one consider the normal wear that a die experiences in it's service on the press an error?

"...but the abnormality comes in the form of a die that has exceeded its life and should have been replaced...in a perfect world."

Again, I would say that this theory can be applied differently to different series and eras of the mint. The early mint did not have access to multiple dies to replace those that exceeded their die life. Many times obverse/reverse dies where married and remarried throughout different years to prolong/extend the the life of the die out of necessity rather than convenience.

I have no problem with your argument. It is more an issue of semantics/syntax of the term "error" and how it is applied to die states.

I am having no trouble, just a difference in opinion.


From PCGS Lingo:
error
A numismatic item that unintentionally varies from the norm. Ordinarily, overdates are not errors since they were done intentionally while other die-cutting "mistakes" are considered errors. Double dies, planchet clips, off-metal strikings, etc. also are errors.

die state
A readily identified point in the life of a coinage die. Often dies clash and are polished, crack, break, etc., resulting in different stages of the die. These are called die states. Some coins have barely distinguishable die states, while others go through multiple distinctive ones.

From Coin Community Glossary:
error
A numismatic item that unintentionally varies from the norm. Ordinarily, overdates are not errors since they were done intentionally while other die-cutting "mistakes" are considered errors. Double dies, planchet clips, off-metal strikings, etc. also are errors.

I do not dispute that fact in the case of doubled dies. I have never disputed or even mentioned doubled dies.
I am and have been referring to the fact that you(or your reference) considers die state/deterioration an error. This is where we have differing opinions.

I agree with Charles 1000% on this as well. Definitely incorrect in the PCGS glossary.

And I am glad that he pointed out that it is DOUBLED DIE wit a D :-) That one drives me nuts:-) Doubled Die not Double Die:-)

Simply stated:

A "Variety" occurs in the production of the actual die ( master or working ) and an "Error" occurs in any other aspect of the coin production process ( i.e the striking, planchet production processes, etc.)

I hope its ok to reply to this, as its an older post, but I am trying to educate myself with the wealth of information on this site, and this post is amazing, and has clarified a lot for me. Or confused me more...not sure...too much information for me to absorb all at once, lol.
I just wanted to say thanks, this has to be helpful to so many, especially me!

I cant find any information on it.

Great discussion! Thanks.