PART VII. Post-Strike Mint Modifications:
Edge Lettering:
Absent Edge Lettering
Definition: This error occurs when a Native American or Presidential dollar bypasses the edge lettering device or when the spacing between the lettering die and impeller wheel becomes too generous.
The United States Mint states:
“The $1 Coins are inscribed on the edge without regard to their “heads” (obverse) or “tails” (reverse) orientation. In addition, the location of the inscriptions around the circumference of the coin with relation to the obverse and reverse designs will vary as well. This is because the United States Mint incuses these inscriptions on the edge of each coin at the second step of a two-step coining process.
In the first step, the blanks are fed into a coining machine which strikes the obverse and reverse designs onto the coins, and dispenses the coins into a large bin. In the second step, the bin is transported to the edge-incusing machine, into which the coins are fed at random, without regard to their heads or tails orientation.
Therefore, statistically, approximately one-half of the coins produced will have edge-lettering oriented toward the heads side, and approximately one-half of the coins will have the edge-incused inscriptions oriented toward the tails side.”
If the second step of this process is not completed, the coin will not have the edge lettering applied.
Statement provided by the U. S. Mint; http://www.usmint.gov/mint_programs/$1coin/?action=edgeIncused
The above images show a 2007(?) George Washington dollar coin without the edge inscription. Since the mintmark is included in the edge lettering it is unknown which mint this error originated from. Images are courtesy of Fred Weinberg.
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