Rare and Intentional Error: The 1973-S Proof Eisenhower Dollar “Cloverleaf”

A truly remarkable numismatic rarity has surfaced: a 1973-S Eisenhower Dollar Proof “Cloverleaf” error struck on a grouping of three Roosevelt Dime planchets. This extraordinary piece has been authenticated and certified by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) at a grade of Proof 65.

A Second Known Example of an Extreme Rarity

This newly discovered coin is only the second known example of a Proof Ike Dollar “Clover Leaf” struck on three dime planchets. The “Clover Leaf” designation refers to the distinctive impression left on the coin when multiple smaller planchets (in this case, three dime blanks) are positioned together to cover the area of the larger dollar die and are then struck. The resulting coin exhibits a partially struck design on the coin’s surface, often with evidence of the overlapping edges of the smaller blanks. On this specific coin, the rim of one of the dime planchets clearly displays the complete date of the dime, adding a unique identifying feature.

The first known example of this incredible error realized a significant sum when it crossed the auction block, selling for $105,000 in a Heritage Auction. The discovery of this second piece is a major event in the world of error coinage, as it confirms the existence of more than one such specimen.

Understanding Proof Errors

Proof coins represent the pinnacle of minting quality. They are typically produced through a specialized, labor-intensive process where technicians hand-feed specially prepared blanks into dedicated presses. The striking and packaging of proof coins are subject to extreme quality control measures. For this reason, major errors in proof coinage are exceedingly rare and highly coveted by collectors.

While a few proof broadstrikes, off-centers, double strikes (in collar), and off-metal errors have occasionally been found in sealed proof sets, most proof errors are the result of an anomaly in the carefully monitored production process.

The Intentional Error

What makes this particular piece even more fascinating is that it was intentionally struck. While the vast majority of valuable error coins are the result of a genuine, accidental production malfunction, some of the most dramatic and highly sought-after errors—like this “Clover Leaf”—were created when mint employees deliberately fed foreign objects or multiple planchets into the press. These intentional errors, often referred to as “mint sport” or sometimes “employee amusement,” were created within the walls of the mint and then subsequently left the facility, either by accident or design, making them a unique class of numismatic treasure aggressively pursued by error collectors.

This 1973-S Proof Ike Dollar “Clover Leaf” struck on three dime planchets stands as a testament to the unpredictable and captivating world of error coinage, offering both a unique visual spectacle and a compelling story of its creation.

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