Stefan Proinov: When does a mistake cost a lot of money, when the mistake leaves the mint.

Stefan Proinov: When does a mistake cost a lot of money, when the mistake leaves the mint. These are coins with a matrix defect, which are the pinnacle of numismatics.

Billions of coins are minted around the world every year, and no matter how automated this process is, no matter how calculated down to the smallest detail, there are always mistakes, and the reasons are different.

Or this 1943 Indian coin from 2 Annas.

For example, when fixing the die or in case of an accident, when the pressure is higher or lower. Or when the die wears out. In ancient times, coins were minted by hand, and despite quality control, there are such coins from all eras, but nowadays everything is strictly monitored and that is why one mistake is expensive.

The coins are evaluated according to already established criteria such as quality and circulation, but these coins with a matrix defect are unique, and no one can determine the price of the unique ones exactly.

An example of such a coin is a Mexican peso from 1981.

Here is an example of a highly decentralized coin over 80% of the center of a half dollar since 1988.

Center of a half dollar since 1988.

It is good for numismatists to know that such coins are also certified and very often receive a very high rating, and this is where I want to remind you that mistakes in numismatics cost a lot of money.