Fresh to Market Dramatic Mint Error
Inspires Immediate Reaction


"I had to have it."
That's how I described the eye-appeal of the coin I've chosen to focus upon for this column. I was at a major coin show on the east coast, and happened to walk by a dealer's case, one that doesn't usually contain error coins. The dealer deals exclusively in foreign material, and his case was full of a variety of examples across timeā¦and then I noticed this.
It is a gorgeous 20 Reis from Portugal, dated 1883 both on the reverse, and amidst the partial brockage area on what should have been the obverse. The coin bears the appearance of a reverse die cap, though it likely only struck one pair of coins which were between the dies at the same time: the coin here, and a previously struck coin that was resting approximately 85% across the surface of the obverse of this coin when the dies came together.
That strike impressed the previously struck coin's reverse design into the obverse of this coin as an incuse image. Thus, the two dates, one on each side. And thus, the massive eye-appeal. Like I said, "I had to have it."
My greatest advice to any collector of choice material is to be willing to pay up for eye-appeal. There are two key reasons to do this. First, you want to enjoy your coins, and when you pay for eye-appeal, you will always be happy looking at your purchases in the future. The second reason is resale value. If you love the coin, so too will others. And if they are smart, when you go to resell, they will be willing to pay up as well, which diminishes your potential for losses and maximizes your potential upside.
This coin grabbed me immediately from the case. I asked the dealer how much for it, and he could have said just about any number. The number he said, in the low four figures, was in line with my expectations for what a professional would ask for something of this quality. It was a solid price, but for an exceptional coin. If it had been cheap, my friend would have been selling himself short. At the price I paid, I knew I had a solid and unique treasure, and one that I would always cherish. We had a deal, and I am so happy I made it happen.
When presented with a unique and special error coin, one that is either new to market, or that might not come up again for an extended period of time, take the plunge, make the effort, and seal the deal. Even if it means stretching your wallet to make it work. You will be happy you did both in the short term as your collection brings you increased joy, and longer term too as your purchase yields you a solid return when it is eventually sold.
Thank you for reading about this interesting error coin and my burning desire to have it! I will be back in the next issue with another eye-catching error coin. If you happen to have fantastic errors for sale, please get in touch with us here at Mint Error News, because we would love to hear from you. Thank you for reading! You can reach me anytime at minterrors@gmail.com and @minterrors on Instagram.



