What In The Minting Process Can Cause Rim Separation?

Could you post a photo to show what you mean by rim separation? At the US mint the rim of the coin is formed by the collar when the coin is struck. There is a previous operation where the punched out blank is run through an upset mill which forms a small rim which helps in the striking process. It is at this point where the blank becomes a planchet. But the rim is formed from the one piece that makes the coin. I have never heard of rim separation and maybe after seeing the photo could help you figure out what you have.

I don't seem to have the green camera icon present, despite having this site bypassed by my popup blocker (per the CC Tutorial for Uploading Photos). If anyone can walk me through THIS process, I do have requested photos to share. Thanks.

biggfredd, thanks for the tip. I had been using quick replay, and not reply to topic.

I am adding pictures to show the rim separation. My photography skills are limited, but the separation can best be seen at about 10 o'clock to 3 o'clock. The dark areas at the rim are spaces from separation, not toning. I hope these photos, together with my description and the explanation of the seller, are helpful and will lead to an explanation of this phenomenon. Thanks in advance for whatever light you may be able to shed.

It's hard to tell, but it looks like the coin was struck without a collar, or with a collar bigger than the diameter, and this is metal wrapping around the open space. When you say "separation", do you mean it would actually split off if you were to put a knife between it and the coin?

If anyone knows, and can explain this 'homemade' minting process, as they relate to the terms "rimmed" vs "broad rim" varieties, I would most appreciate it. I only have a few days left to return the coin, if at all. It is a rare coin (between 50 and 100 produced) and the only one of this kind I have see offered anywhere. But I don't want to spend money on condition issues I don't really understand. Thanks much, in advance.

I see you are not getting a lot of answers here and it sounds like you are running out of time so I'll give you my opinion. First, I think you are making a mistake calling this a coin (it is probably what the seller is calling it). But by definition a coin has a monetary value and is officially distributed by a country acceptable for all transactions in that country. A token also has a value but is only accepted by the private distributer of the token. Tokens for stores are a good example. So when you research this I think you should use the word token instead of coin. You mention rarity, keep in mind rarity does not equate to value. There might only bo 50 of these made but if only 40 collectors are intersted in them then they have very little value. I think by the number of responses here you can see there is possibly a small collector base familiar with them. As far as the varieties, this sounds like something the seller has made up so it is hard for any of us to determine what these varieties really mean. To me this looks like a crudely made piece and I question how much if any silver is actually in it. I am not trying to be harsh but it sounds like you are deciding whether to send it back or keep it and I thought you should hear the worst just to weigh against what you already have to help with the decision. Again I know nothing about this piece and this is only my personal opinion. Whether you keep it or not you will always have the photos and I'm glad you posted it.

I agree with Conder, it just looks like a bit of rim finning(metal extrusion between the die and collar) and I do not see anything that looks like separation. Since this token was minted by some obscure outfit using unknown techniques that may not match modern minting technology, it is really difficult to say with any certainty what happened without physically examining the coin.

BTW, what is a collar? Is it the same thing as a rim added later instead of being pressed from one piece of metal? Thanks in advance.