A look at recent auctions shows an increase in offerings of major errors on 1970s Proof coins, but few are as significant as this 1973-S Eisenhower copper-nickel clad dollar, double struck on a half dollar planchet, that brought $19,200 at Heritage’s Aug. 4 Platinum Night session.

The coin was graded Proof 66 Cameo by Professional Coin Grading Service.

The auctioneer wrote that the coin is something of mystery, noting “Because it was struck on a half dollar planchet, and by default, is clad, we don’t know if this piece was actually produced during the production run for clad proof Eisenhower dollars, or if it might have been struck during the production run for silver Eisenhower dollars.”

The resulting piece shows two clear profiles of Eisenhower, with “just enough of the date visible for identification.” Since these coins were packaged and sold as part of six-coin Proof sets, one wonders how this piece left the Mint undetected, but bidders were undeterred.

Connect with Coin World:  
Sign up for our free eNewsletter
Access our Dealer Directory  
Like us on Facebook  
Follow us on Twitter