Rare Mint Error Found on a 2015 Silver Eagle

NGC graders identified a curved clip at 11 o’clock (obverse facing) on a 2015 American Silver Eagle bullion coin. It was discovered in a submission of a US Mint-sealed green “monster box” that contained 500 of these newly issued coins.

Obverse and Reverse with clip Click images to enlarge.

While a curved clip of this size is not normally very interesting or valuable, this one is special because it was found on a silver eagle. “Although the clip is small, it is very rare,” said David J. Camire, NGC Mint Error specialist. “Fewer than six examples are known for all years of silver eagles from 1986 to present.”

The coin is missing detail along the rim on the obverse between the “B” and “E” of LIBERTY. There is also a corresponding weak area directly opposite at the bottom of the obverse along the rim to the right of the “5” in the date, a result of the clipped planchet being upset (“upset” is when it gets its raised rims) . This is one of the diagnostics of a clip, used to determine that it is an authentic mint error and not post-mint damage or an alteration.

Obverse with clip (left) and corresponding area of weakness opposite the clip (right). Click images to enlarge.

The reverse of the coin lacks details along the rim under the “SIL” of SILVER and additional weakness can be found along the rim above “OF.”

Reverse with clip (left) and corresponding area of weakness opposite the clip (right). Click images to enlarge.

NGC attributes major mint errors for an additional fee of $15. To submit a mint error for attribution by NGC, select an applicable NGC grading tier along with “Mint Error” under Services on the coin line.