The 1967 Special Mint Set (SMS) Lincoln Cent holds a unique place in U.S. coinage history. Despite not being part of regular circulation, these coins have fascinated collectors due to their high-quality finish and scarcity.
Special Mint Sets were produced to substitute regular proof and uncirculated sets for three years, from 1965 to 1967, as part of an initiative to address coin shortages in the United States.
Among these, the 1967 SMS Lincoln Cents are known to feature intriguing errors and variations that add significant value, with some examples valued at over $5,000. This article delves into ten noteworthy errors in 1967 SMS Lincoln Cents that attract collectors and drive high market demand.
Double Die Obverse
This error occurs when the die used to strike the coin has a doubled image, leading to a doubling effect on the obverse side of the coin. The doubling is often visible on Lincoln’s profile and the date. Due to the complexity of this error and its rarity, coins with a Double Die Obverse error are highly prized by collectors.
Double Die Reverse
On 1967 SMS Lincoln Cents, the Double Die Reverse is another valuable error. The doubling effect is seen in elements like the “United States of America” lettering or “One Cent.” This subtle yet distinct variation can make the coin stand out, and coins featuring this error have a notable increase in value.
Missing Designer’s Initials
One of the common design elements of the Lincoln Cent is the designer’s initials “VDB,” located on the obverse side. In some 1967 SMS Lincoln Cents, these initials are missing due to a die wear or error during production. Collectors consider such pieces unique, with this error adding considerable value to the coin.
Die Cracks and Breaks
Die cracks or breaks appear as fine lines or fractures across the surface of the coin, usually resulting from excessive die wear. 1967 SMS Lincoln Cents with evident die cracks are valued because they showcase the conditions and issues during the minting process, making these coins collectible rarities.
Improperly Annealed Planchet
This error occurs when the blank metal planchet (the metal disc that becomes the coin) is improperly treated, leading to unusual colorations or surface defects. For the 1967 SMS Lincoln Cent, an improperly annealed planchet can lead to a darkened or splotchy appearance, distinguishing it from other coins and increasing its desirability.
Off-Center Strike
An off-center strike occurs when the coin is struck incorrectly, causing part of the design to be missing. Off-center strikes on 1967 SMS Lincoln Cents, though rare, are visually striking and command a high price due to their distinctiveness and the minting precision required to produce SMS coins.
Clipped Planchet
A clipped planchet error involves a portion of the metal planchet being cut or clipped off before striking. This error in 1967 SMS Lincoln Cents results in a coin with a small, crescent-shaped portion missing, making it a highly collectible piece due to its unusual shape and rarity.
| Error Type | Description | Value Range | Collector Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Die Obverse | Doubling on obverse details | $1,000-$5,000+ | High |
| Double Die Reverse | Doubling on reverse details | $800-$4,500 | High |
| Missing Designer’s Initials | Initials missing due to die wear | $500-$3,500 | Medium |
| Die Cracks and Breaks | Cracks on coin surface | $600-$4,000 | Medium |
| Improperly Annealed Planchet | Darkened/splotchy appearance | $700-$3,000 | High |
| Off-Center Strike | Misaligned coin design | $1,200-$5,000+ | Very High |
| Clipped Planchet | Crescent-shaped missing area | $1,000-$4,200 | Very High |
1967 SMS Lincoln Cents with these rare errors continue to be fascinating for collectors. Each error type represents a unique glimpse into the minting process and the imperfections that arose during production. As these coins remain scarce and their popularity grows, the value of these error coins is anticipated to rise further.
Why are 1967 SMS Lincoln Cent errors valuable?
The rarity of these errors and the Special Mint Set’s limited production make these coins highly desirable for collectors. Each error type adds uniqueness, elevating the coin’s value in the marketplace.
What does “SMS” mean for Lincoln Cents?
“SMS” stands for Special Mint Set, which was produced to replace the usual proof and uncirculated sets from 1965 to 1967. These sets had higher-quality finishes than regular coins but were not as polished as proof sets.
How do I identify a Double Die error?
Double Die errors feature a doubling effect on specific parts of the coin’s design, often visible in lettering or dates. A magnifying tool is recommended to detect such errors accurately.
