1981 1982 1985 Lincoln Cent OFF CENTER STRIKE Error Lot of 4 COINS O-5643

This caption describes a set of four U.S. Lincoln Cents, each with a mint error known as an “off-center strike.” The coins are from the years 1981, 1982, and 1985. The image shows the obverse side of the coins, featuring a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, the word “LIBERTY,” and the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The minting date is also visible on each coin.

An off-center strike occurs when a coin blank, or planchet, is not properly centered between the dies when struck. This results in the coin’s design being shifted to one side, leaving a portion of the blank planchet visible and unstruck. In the case of these four coins, the degree of the off-center strike varies, but it is clearly noticeable on each one.

The lot, designated as “O-5643,” consists of four separate coins. The image shows two 1981 Lincoln Cents, one 1982 Lincoln Cent, and one 1985 Lincoln Cent. The condition of the coins appears to be circulated, and they exhibit typical wear and toning. The mint errors make these coins particularly appealing to collectors of numismatic error coins, as they are not standard issue and represent a deviation from the normal minting process.

The 1982 Lincoln Cent is of particular interest as it was a transitional year for the cent composition. In 1982, the U.S. Mint began changing the cent’s composition from 95% copper to a copper-plated zinc core (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper). This makes 1982 a key year for collectors, and an off-center strike error on a 1982 cent can be especially sought after.

The lot represents a small collection of error coins, offering a glimpse into the imperfections that can occur during mass production at the U.S. Mint. These coins are not just currency but historical artifacts that tell a story about the minting process itself. The varying years and degrees of off-center strikes provide a diverse set of examples for an error coin collection. This lot would be a great addition for a collector who specializes in Lincoln Cents, minting errors, or both.