Error coins are a fascinating aspect of numismatics, where mistakes made during the minting process can turn a common coin into a collector’s treasure. These errors range from doubling in the die to misstrikes and overdates. Below is a detailed guide to 13 of the most valuable error coins that collectors are eagerly hunting for, along with their current market values.
Here Are 13 Rare Error Coins Worth Big Money
1. 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny
- Error Type: Wrong Planchet
- Estimated Value: $250,000 – $1,700,000
- Details: In 1943, the U.S. Mint used steel to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a few copper planchets from 1942 were mistakenly used, making this one of the rarest and most valuable error coins in history.
2. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
- Error Type: Doubled Die Obverse
- Estimated Value: $1,500 – $125,000
- Details: This iconic error is the result of a die misalignment, creating a doubled image of the date and lettering. The 1955 Doubled Die is a must-have for serious collectors.
3. 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
- Error Type: Missing Design Element
- Estimated Value: $550 – $99,875
- Details: Due to over-polishing of the die, the buffalo on the reverse appears to have only three legs. This error is one of the most famous in U.S. coinage.
4. 1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime
- Error Type: Missing Mint Mark
- Estimated Value: $350,000 – $456,000
- Details: Proof coins are made with extra care, so the absence of the “S” mint mark on these dimes is particularly rare and valuable.
5. 2004-D Extra Leaf Wisconsin State Quarter
- Error Type: Die Flaw
- Estimated Value: $50 – $100
- Details: This error features an extra leaf on the ear of corn on the reverse, with variations known as “High Leaf” and “Low Leaf.” It’s one of the most famous modern error coins.
6. 1992 Close AM Reverse Lincoln Cent
- Error Type: Die Variety
- Estimated Value: $500 – $2,000
- Details: The letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” are unusually close together, making this a sought-after error among collectors.
7. 1942/1 Mercury Dime
- Error Type: Overdate
- Estimated Value: $500 – $120,000
- Details: This error occurred when the die was not fully removed from the previous year, causing both dates to appear on the coin.
8. 1982 No P Roosevelt Dime
- Error Type: Missing Mint Mark
- Estimated Value: $50 – $175
- Details: The first dime to feature a “P” mint mark, some were mistakenly produced without it, making them highly collectible.
9. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
- Error Type: Doubled Die
- Estimated Value: $19,000 – $86,250
- Details: This error features dramatic doubling on the obverse, particularly in the date and the word “LIBERTY,” making it extremely valuable.
10. 2005-D Speared Bison Jefferson Nickel
- Error Type: Die Gouge
- Estimated Value: $1,000 – $1,500
- Details: A die gouge on the reverse creates the appearance of a spear through the bison, a unique error highly prized by collectors.
11. 1971-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
- Error Type: Doubled Die
- Estimated Value: $500 – $2,000
- Details: Similar to the 1969-S, this error displays noticeable doubling on the obverse, particularly in the date and the word “LIBERTY.”
12. 1999 Wide AM Reverse Lincoln Cent
- Error Type: Die Variety
- Estimated Value: $100 – $600
- Details: The letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” are spaced farther apart than usual, making it a rare and valuable error.
13. 1950-D D Over S Jefferson Nickel
- Error Type: Mint Mark Overstrike
- Estimated Value: $250 – $1,000
- Details: The Denver “D” mint mark was mistakenly struck over the San Francisco “S,” creating a rare and valuable overlap.
Price Guide Table
| Coin Name | Error Type | Estimated Value ($) |
|---|---|---|
| 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny | Wrong Planchet | 250,000 – 1,700,000 |
| 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent | Doubled Die Obverse | 1,500 – 125,000 |
| 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel | Missing Design Element | 550 – 99,875 |
| 1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime | Missing Mint Mark | 350,000 – 456,000 |
| 2004-D Extra Leaf Wisconsin Quarter | Die Flaw | 50 – 100 |
| 1992 Close AM Reverse Lincoln Cent | Die Variety | 500 – 2,000 |
| 1942/1 Mercury Dime | Overdate | 500 – 120,000 |
| 1982 No P Roosevelt Dime | Missing Mint Mark | 50 – 175 |
| 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln | Doubled Die | 19,000 – 86,250 |
| 2005-D Speared Bison Jefferson Nickel | Die Gouge | 1,000 – 1,500 |
| 1971-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln | Doubled Die | 500 – 2,000 |
| 1999 Wide AM Reverse Lincoln Cent | Die Variety | 100 – 600 |
| 1950-D D Over S Jefferson Nickel | Mint Mark Overstrike | 250 – 1,000 |
Conclusion
Error coins are a captivating area of numismatics, offering collectors the chance to own a piece of history with unique and rare characteristics. The value of these coins can range significantly, with some fetching staggering sums due to their rarity and the nature of the error. Whether you stumble upon one in circulation or actively seek them out, error coins represent both a fascinating hobby and a potential investment. Always remember to have your coins professionally graded to ensure their authenticity and value.
FAQ’s
What makes an error coin valuable?
- The rarity, type of error, and the coin’s condition all contribute to its value. Collectors seek out unique errors that are visually striking or historically significant.
Can error coins be found in circulation?
- Yes, error coins can occasionally be found in pocket change, though the more valuable examples are typically rare and might require thorough searching or purchasing from a collector.
How can I identify an error coin?
- Look for abnormalities in the design, such as doubling, missing elements, or incorrect dates. Using a magnifying glass or consulting a professional grader can help in identifying errors.
Are all error coins worth money?
- Not all error coins are valuable. Minor errors might only be worth a small premium over face value, while major errors can be worth thousands or even millions.
Where can I sell my error coin?
- Error coins can be sold through auction houses, coin dealers, or online marketplaces like eBay. It’s advisable to have the coin professionally graded before selling.
References
- Gainesville Coins. (2024). Top 13 Error Coins Worth Money
- SD Bullion. (2024). Top 20 Error Coins Worth Money
- U.S. Coins Guide. (2024). U.S. Mint Error Coins
- Rarest.org. (2024)19 Rare Coin Errors
- PCGS. (2024). Error Coin Values
