One of the most famous types of error coins today is the transitional error coin. Transitional error coins usually have an extremely high value compared to many other types of error coins.  One reason for this is their rarity.  This post will explain everything you need to know about a transitional error coin. 

 

What is a Transitional Error Coin? 

Think about the word transition… 

“the process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another”

So, a transitional error coin occurs during a “transitional” phase of a coin’s life.  Any time there is a change in the design of the coin, there could potentially be a transitional error.  This could be a change in the portrait or bust featured on the coin, the material the coin is made from, or any other change of the coin’s features.   Because of this, this type of error is extremely rare.  While most other errors can happen anytime during the minting process, the transitional error only occurs when the coin’s design changes.  

 

The 1943 Transitional Error Coin

 

The 1943 Copper Penny is the best known example of a transitional error coin.  Read more about the 1943 Copper Penny here!   

In 1943, The U.S. Mint changed the penny’s composition from copper to steel.  It is believed that there were some copper blanks from the previous year left in the hopper when they started minting the new steel pennies.  Because of this, a small amount of copper planchets were struck with the 1943 design and mixed in with all the other steel pennies.  The 1943 copper penny is also referred to as a wrong planchet error because it was not struck on the correct planchet. 

  The 1944 Transitional Error Coin

 

Another great example of a transitional error coin is the 1944 Steel Cent.  This error happened exactly like the 1943 transitional error.  There were steel blanks left over in the hopper from the previous year.  A few of these slipped past inspection and made it into circulation.  Most 1944 pennies are made from copper, but a few are made from steel.  These extremely rare transitional error coins are valued anywhere from $20,000 to $500,000.  

 

 

 

The 1992 Transitional Error Coin

The 1992 Close AM penny is one of my favorite error coins to search for.  The design change occurred to the image on the reverse side of the coin.  In 1993, the back side of the penny changed from the “wide AM” to the “close AM” design.  However, somehow the reverse design intended for the 1993 Lincoln Cent was accidently used on the 1992 coin.  This transitional error is referred to as The 1992 Close AM penny.  

This 1992 transitional error usually sells for thousands of dollars as long as it is in good condition.  The record for a 1992 Close AM is $25,850!  Check out the original auction right here. 

Check out our page about the 1992 Close AM penny to learn more about how to find this coin!  

 

The 1983 Transitional Error Coin

Up until 1982 the penny was made from 95% copper and 5% zinc.  But due to the rising cost of copper, The U.S. Mint decided to change the coin’s composition to a  97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper planchet.  This would allow the coin to keep it’s copper tone while lowering the cost of production.

  In 1982, pennies are made from both compositions.  Some ’82 pennies are copper and some are zinc.   But 1983 pennies are all supposed to be the new mostly zinc composition.  However, just like the 1943 transitional error, there are a small amount of 1983 pennies that were struck on the wrong planchet.  Any 1983 penny made from 95% copper and 5% zinc is extremely collectable.    

This change is pretty much impossible to detect with your eyes. To find the 1983 transitional error coin you need a set of scales to check the coins weight.  So make sure to weigh all your 1983 pennies!  If you find one that is made mostly of copper, you have found   

The 95% copper coin will weigh around 3.0 grams while the penny made mostly from zinc will weigh 2.5 grams.  

Other Transitional Errors

 

The same design change in 1993 was actually going on way before then.  There are several coins that feature this “close AM” or “wide AM” error on the reverse.  The errors begin in 1988 with the 1988 and 1988-D Wide AM errors.  You can also look for this same error in 1998, 1999, and 2000 circulation strike coins.  

The “close AM” errors begin with the 1992 and 1992-D close AM errors.  However, you can also look for the same error on proof strike coins.  Proof coins are coins specifically made for collectors.  They usually come in a proof set with other proof coins.  Always pay attention to 1998-S and 1999-S proof coins.  If you find one with the A and M touching, you could easily profit several hundred or even several thousand dollars.

 

In conclusion, transitional error coins are very rare and therefore valuable.  The transitional error can happen anytime a change occurs to any part of the coin.  Whether it’s in the composition of the coin, the image on either side, or absolutely any other change in design, anytime there is a change… there could potentially be a valuable error coin.  

 

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