Caps, the Crème de la Crème
by Bill Snyder
Brockages are discussed and illustrated in “Mis-struck Coins - A Primer”. From reading it, you know that they are produced by a previously struck coin. This struck coin, still in the Coining Chamber as new blank planchets enter, acts as a Die. If the original coin (now called a Cap) is firmly stuck to the upper Coining Die, it can get pushed up along the sides of the Die and take on the appearance of a soft drink bottle cap. Most Caps are cupped in this manner; some have been found 1/4" or more thick. (see the article called "Not All Caps Look Like Caps" for an exception).
Please look at this French 1867 Franc. The side of the coin with the
bust of Napoleon III is widely spread. This is the side that was hammered
against incoming planchets, producing obverse brockages. Looking into
the Cap (the image on the right), we see a strong, proof-like image of a one
Franc reverse. On Caps with high (thick) edges, it is sometimes possible to
read the obverse legend, which has been spread and pushed up the sides of the
Die. (see the enlarged lower image)
We know that some Brockages
sometimes slip out of the Mint. Is it possible to also find Caps in
circulation? The answer is that it is highly unlikely. Caps have such an
unusual shape that it is hard to imagine that they would get past by an
inspector. In fact, I suspect that some Caps had to be physically pried off of
the Dies to which they were stuck. They could hardly be overlooked. The only
cup-shaped Caps that collectors might encounter were probably saved as a
souvenir by some Mint supervisor or employee.