Editor's note: This is one in a series of Coin World Collector Basics posts on numerous types of planchet errors.

Split planchets 

A planchet, the disc of metal that when struck by dies forms a coin, can split due to deep internal laminations or, in the case of clad coinage, because of poor adhesion of the outer layers to the copper core.

Planchets may split before or after striking. Those splitting before generally exhibit weak details on both sides due to lack of metal to fill the dies. Those that split afterwards usually depict full detailing on the face opposite the split side.

On nonclad coins, the inner portion of the split shows parallel striations typical of the interior structure of coinage metal.

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