5 Most Valuable ‘Error Coins’ Ever Minted — Check For These Misprints

Coins with errors are some of the most fascinating and valuable collectibles in the world. These misprinted treasures often attract collectors willing to pay a premium price. Whether it’s due to limited supply, unique features, or minting mistakes, error coins can command values in the six-figure range or higher. Knowing what to look for can turn an ordinary coin hunt into a profitable discovery. Below, we explore the most valuable error coins ever minted, their unique characteristics, and what makes them worth so much.

What Are Error Coins?

Error coins are those with mistakes made during the minting process. These errors can make a coin rare and highly desirable among collectors. The main types of errors include:

Planchet Errors

• A planchet is the blank piece of metal used to make coins.
• Common planchet errors involve coins with irregular shapes, wrong thickness, or blanks without designs.

Die Errors

• The die is the tool used to create a coin’s design.
• Errors occur when lettering, numbers, or images on the die are incorrect or misaligned.

Strike Errors

• Striking refers to the process of pressing the coin design onto the planchet.
• Mistakes such as off-center strikes, misaligned designs, or wrong-sized planchets result in strike errors.

5 Most Valuable Error Coins

Here’s a list of five famous error coins and their astonishing values.

1937 Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel – $100,000

This rare coin features a buffalo missing one leg, caused by excessive die polishing. A mint-condition specimen sold for nearly $100,000, making it one of the most sought-after error coins.

1942/1 Overdate Mercury Dime – $120,000

A 1941 die was accidentally used to produce some 1942 dimes, creating a unique overdate error. One high-grade example fetched $120,000 at auction in 2018.

1955 Double Die Obverse (DDO) Lincoln Penny – $125,000+

This coin features a noticeable double image due to a misalignment in the minting process. Pristine versions of this error penny can sell for over $125,000.

1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime – $450,000

Proof coins are typically flawless, but this one is an exception. A small batch of 1975 Roosevelt dimes lacked the “S” mintmark from the San Francisco Mint. Only two examples exist, with one valued at $450,000.

1943 Copper Lincoln Penny – $1 Million+

During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to steel for penny production due to a copper shortage. However, a few pennies were mistakenly struck using the regular bronze planchets. With as few as 15 known examples, this error coin is worth over $1 million.

How To Spot Error Coins

• Inspect Coins Closely: Look for unusual shapes, missing details, or double images.
• Research Known Errors: Familiarize yourself with famous error coins to identify them easily.
• Use Tools: A magnifying glass and reference guides can help spot subtle errors.

Conclusion

Error coins are a collector’s dream, offering a glimpse into the minting process’s quirks and mistakes. From the Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel to the 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny, these coins are worth their weight in gold—literally. So, the next time you sift through your change, keep an eye out for these rare treasures. You never know when you might stumble upon a fortune hiding in plain sight.

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