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What is a Coin Die Adjustment Strike?

By Susan Headley, About.com

Definition: A die adjustment strike is a type of mint error coin where the devices on the coin are struck improperly because the strike was made while a die setter was adjusting the coin press machine. When the coin press is being set up to strike coins, some test coins are struck to determine the optimum striking pressure before the coin press is turned over to the press operator for regular coining. These test strikes are supposed to be carefully collected and destroyed, but on rare occasions they escape the mint.

Die adjustment strike specimens usually appear as weakly struck to very weakly struck specimens, although sometimes a die adjustment strike can be too hard. Both types of die adjustment coins are sought after by error coins collectors.
Examples: The coin was so weakly struck that the only explanation was that it was a die adjustment strike that got out of the mint somehow.

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