A clipped planchet quarter is a U.S. quarter that was made with part of its metal missing. Instead of being a full circle, this coin has a chunk cut off its edge. This type of mistake is called a mint error, and collectors love finding them!
How Does This Error Happen?
Before a coin is made, the U.S. Mint punches round discs—called planchets—from long metal sheets. These planchets are then stamped with designs to make coins.
Sometimes, the blanking machine punches too close to the edge of the metal or overlaps a previous hole. When this happens, the planchet comes out clipped—missing part of its edge.
Types of Clipped Planchet Errors
Not all clips look the same! Here are the most common types of clips you might find:
- Curved Clip: A smooth, crescent-shaped missing piece—this is the most common.
- Straight Clip: A straight-line cut, usually from the edge of the metal strip.
- Ragged Clip: A rough, jagged edge caused by punching from a bad or torn edge.
- Bowtie Clip: Two clips on opposite sides that look like a bowtie—very rare!
How to Identify a Clipped Planchet Quarter
Wondering if your quarter is the real deal? Look for these signs:
- Missing Part of the Edge: The clipped section should look smooth or clean—not rough or smashed.
- Even Thickness: The coin should feel even all the way around. If one side is thinner, it might be damaged after minting.
- Blakesley Effect: Look at the rim directly across from the clip. If the rim looks weak, wide, or even missing, that’s a good sign it’s real!
- Stretched Design: Near the clip, letters or numbers may look stretched or strange because the coin metal moved during minting.
What to Know About Clipped Planchet Quarters
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Error Type | Clipped Planchet |
| Shape of Clip | Curved, Straight, Ragged, Bowtie |
| Common Signs | Missing edge, Blakesley Effect |
| Value Range | $10 to over $100+ |
| Collector Appeal | High – especially for large or rare clips |
Are Clipped Planchet Quarters Valuable?
Yes! A clipped planchet quarter is a real mint mistake—and collectors love error coins like this.
The value depends on:
- The size and shape of the clip (bigger clips usually mean more value).
- The year and mint mark of the quarter.
- The overall condition (mint state coins are worth more).
- How rare that type of clip is.
Some clipped planchet quarters can sell for $50, $100, or even more depending on the coin and how big the clip is.
Don’t Get Fooled by Fake Clips
Not every damaged coin is a real error. Some people try to fake it by cutting or grinding coins. Here’s how to spot a fake:
- Fake clips usually have rough or uneven edges.
- Real clipped planchet quarters have smooth cuts and show signs of proper minting, like the Blakesley Effect.
Conclusion
A clipped planchet quarter is a cool and collectible error coin with part of its edge missing. This mistake happens when the coin blank is punched out wrong before the design is added. Real clipped planchets show signs like smooth edges, even thickness, and stretched designs near the clip.
Collectors love these errors because they’re rare, real, and tell an interesting story about how coins are made.
FAQ’s
Q1: Can a clipped planchet quarter be worth a lot of money?
Yes! Some can sell for over $100 depending on the clip and condition.
Q2: How can I tell if my clipped quarter is real?
Look for a smooth edge, even thickness, and the Blakesley Effect across from the clip.
Q3: Should I get my clipped quarter graded?
If it’s in great shape or the clip is large, grading can help prove it’s a real mint error and increase its value.
