Here is an area that many error collectors are involved in. Interest in blank planchets has been growing very steadily. Though not really an error, blank planchets are becoming very popular, especially early type coin planchets such as Large cents, Two cents, 40% Silver Half Dollars, Ike Dollars, Morgan/Peace Dollar planchets, and Sac Dollar planchets. We have even received want lists from collectors who have a Capital plastic Type coin holder and have been filling them with the blank planchets instead of struck coins.

While blank planchet are a very worth while collectable and can be a real challenge for even the most advance collector, getting to know the difference between a US planchet and a foreign planchet takes some serious research. In almost every era of the US Mint, they used different shaped upset mills for its planchets, but the real clue is the weight. Get to know the weights of U.S. Planchets (found in the Red Book) and purchase a good scale. Then there is also type 1 and type 2 planchets, for that reason many certification companies will not slab blank planchets because Type 1's are easily mistaken for silver round planchets (bullion). NGC certifies Blank planchets and not only measure diameters and weight, but many times do a specific gravity test (Metal composition) on the planchet. Having the planchet certified can raise the price of a planchet many times. For instance, you could purchase a rare Morgan dollar planchet raw (non-certified) for $750. Or a Certified one for nearly 2k... I wonder why?? Sure the raw example is one-third the price, but are you that sure of yourself that you would risk $750? And why is it still raw with a price difference like that? Could make you wonder... What's so challenging about blank planchets? Try finding a 2c, 3c Nickel or Silver ½ dime, or any Gold blank planchet! Prices have been moving steadily UP... You might want to start think about these now, before they are out of sight.

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All content in this newsletter is the opinion of the author and should not be taken as sound investment advice.