PART V. Planchet Errors:
Wrong Planchet & Off-metal Errors:
Struck on Larger Planchet or Coin:
Canadian “Assisted” Errors
Definition: An assisted error is one that had a helping hand from inside the Mint. The assist could occur at any stage in the minting process and may simply involve the intentional release or smuggling-out of an accidental error. A subcategory is the “intentional error” which is a coin both intentionally fabricated and smuggled out. It is also possible for a mint employee to intentionally create an error as a lark, with the coin leaving in a shipment of ordinary coins.
Assisted errors are not to be confused with coins or planchets manipulated outside the mint. Assisted errors are genuine mint products and carry a hefty premium. Coins altered outside the mint are worthless.
The Royal Canadian Mint has been the source of many assisted errors. The peak year seems to be 1978.
Click HERE for more information concerning assisted errors.
This 1974 Canada Olympic commemorative silver five dollar coin was later struck with 1978 Canada cent dies. This mint error undoubtedly required an assist from the press operator.
Images are courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
