Private U.S. Mints and in house metal refineries have numbered in the dozens over the years. Major minting errors from silver rounds to gambling tokens are very popular and eagerly sought by collectors. Erratic record keeping of mintage numbers and identifying which private mint produced major errors can be a challenge to research. It is in-fact on occasion impossible because many rounds and tokens were struck with no identification such as a specific mint's name, privy mark, or mintmark.

First is a gorgeous vintage proof-like 50% off-center $1 oz silver round.

The obverse shows a prospector kneeling and working a gold pan. This portrayal is surrounded by stars above. (This design is similar to the 125th California Jubilee commemorative U.S. Half dollar. It was struck in 1925).

The reverse depicts a Conestoga Wagon being drawn by oxen with sun rays projected in the background. (This design is similar to the U.S. Oregon Trail Memorial half dollar. It was struck during the period of 1926-1939).

There is no mint mark or privy mark indicating the private mint on this error round. However, after diligent research I've narrowed it down to an early strike with origins from the Golden State Mint (GSM). Many GSM early silver rounds bore no markings. Today their precious metal products are marked with letters 'GSM' or are spelled out completely.

Next is a vintage undated $1 brass Horseshoe Casino token. The Horseshoe Casino was located in downtown Las Vegas, Nevada.

This massive error was first struck normally followed by a second strike. In-between the first and second strike an intruding un-struck planchet was fed into the striking chamber. This resulted in an indent on the obverse and a crisp second strike on the reverse.

This error was struck by United Silver Mint (USM). This private mint continues to elude me with no specific background or historical information available.