Skip to main content
overstrike

overstrike

8.9
A mark made when a new design is printed on top of an old one
  • noun
  • /ˈoʊvərˌstraɪk/
  • Specialized
translation icon : sobrescritura
  • The coin features an overstrike of a different design.

Examples

  • The overstrike made it difficult to identify the original date on the token.

  • Did you notice the overstrike on that token?

  • The ancient coin featured an overstrike that revealed traces of the previous ruler's image.

  • Collectors often look for rare overstrikes that show both old and new designs.

  • The collector was excited to find a rare coin with an overstrike that made it more valuable.

  • An overstrike can often be seen on old tokens, where the original design was overwritten.

  • Experts noted that the overstrike on the coin was a result of a misalignment during the minting process.

Synonyms

overprint
vsoverstrike
  • Specialized
7.1

A mark added to a stamp or paper money after printing

is used for marks made by striking, often on coins or tokens
surprint
vsoverstrike
  • Specialized
9.9

A mark printed on a stamp or paper money to show a new value

is applied by striking or printing, typically on coins or tokens

How Often

overstrike
  • Specialized
8.9
to restrike
  • Specialized
8.8
to strike
155 4.2

Surface Forms

overstrike singular
overstrikes plural

Morphology

overstrike = overstrike (semi-transparent) = over + strike

The noun is a direct conversion of the verb 'overstrike', which is itself transparently built from 'over' + 'strike'.

Etymology

Overstrike as a noun comes from the same parts over- ('on top') and strike ('to stamp'), and it names the mark left when one design is stamped over another. That's why collectors call a coin or token with a later image stamped on an earlier one an 'overstrike'.