US Coin Errors

1955 Double Die Obverse Lincoln Cent One of the most famous error coins! Strong doubling is visible on the date and lettering on the obverse. Can be worth $1,000-$20,000+ depending on condition.

1969-S Double Die Obverse Lincoln Cent Extremely rare with prominent doubling on "LIBERTY" and the date. Only a few dozen are known to exist. Values can exceed $100,000 in high grades.

1972 Double Die Obverse Lincoln Cent Strong doubling on "IN GOD WE TRUST" and "LIBERTY." Can be worth $300-$1,500+ in circulated condition, much more in mint state.

1983 Double Die Reverse Lincoln Cent Doubling on the reverse, particularly visible on "ONE CENT" and the Memorial columns. Worth $200-$500 in average condition.

1995 Double Die Obverse Lincoln Cent Very strong doubling on "LIBERTY" and "IN GOD WE TRUST." Worth $25-$100+ depending on condition.

1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel The buffalo appears to have only 3 legs due to over-polishing of the die. This is one of the most sought-after error coins, worth $500-$5,000+ depending on condition.

1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel Overdate The 1918 date was struck over a 1917 die, showing traces of the 7 beneath the 8. Worth $2,000-$10,000+ in good condition.

1943 Copper Lincoln Cent During WWII, pennies were supposed to be steel with zinc coating to save copper for the war effort. A few copper planchets were accidentally struck. These are worth $100,000-$1,000,000+!

1944 Steel Lincoln Cent The reverse error—a few steel planchets remained in the press when production returned to copper in 1944. Worth $75,000-$150,000+.

1970-S Washington Quarter on 1941 Canadian Quarter One of the strangest errors: a 1970-S quarter struck on a 1941 Canadian quarter! Unique and priceless.

2000 Sacagawea Dollar/Washington Quarter Mule An extremely rare minting error where a Sacagawea dollar obverse was paired with a Washington quarter reverse. Worth $50,000-$100,000+.

2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter "Extra Leaf" Some Wisconsin quarters show an extra leaf on the corn stalk—either "Extra Leaf High" or "Extra Leaf Low" varieties. Worth $50-$300+.

2005 Minnesota State Quarter "Extra Tree" Die gouges create the appearance of an extra tree. Worth $50-$100+ depending on condition.

2005 Kansas State Quarter "In God We Rust" Die grease filled in the "T" in "TRUST," making it read "IN GOD WE RUST." Worth $30-$100+.

1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent The letters "A" and "M" in "AMERICA" on the reverse are close together (typical of proof coins), but this appeared on business strikes. Worth $20-$50+.

1998 Wide AM Lincoln Cent The opposite error: proof coins showing the wide "AM" spacing typical of business strikes. Worth $10-$30+.

1999 Wide AM Lincoln Cent Similar to 1998, with wide "AM" spacing on proof coins. Worth $300-$600+.

Off-Center Strikes (Various Years) Coins struck off-center when the blank planchet wasn't properly aligned. Value depends on the percentage off-center and whether the date is visible. 10-20% off with date: $20-$100+. 50%+ off with date: $100-$500+.

Broadstrike Errors (Various Years) Coins struck without the collar die, resulting in wider, thinner coins with no reeding on edges. Worth $15-$150+ depending on coin type and condition.

Clipped Planchet Errors (Various Years) Missing portion of the coin caused by improperly punched blanks. Straight clips are less valuable ($5-$30), while curved clips can be worth $20-$100+.

Multiple Strike Errors (Various Years) Coin struck multiple times with shifting between strikes, creating overlapping images. Can be worth $100-$1,000+ depending on the coin and how dramatic the error is.

Various RPM Errors (Multiple Years) Mintmarks punched multiple times in slightly different positions, showing doubling or tripling. Common on coins from the 1940s-1980s before single-squeeze hubbing. Values range from $5-$500+ depending on rarity and prominence.

1942/1 Mercury Dime (Both P and D) The 1 from a 1941 die is visible under the 2 in 1942. Worth $500-$3,000+ depending on condition and mintmark.

1943/2 Mercury Dime The 2 from 1942 is visible under the 3. Worth $300-$1,000+ depending on condition.

1918/7-S Buffalo Nickel Clear overdate with the 7 visible beneath the 8. Worth $1,500-$8,000+.

2007 "Godless" Presidential Dollars Missing edge lettering including "IN GOD WE TRUST." These were heavily publicized. Worth $25-$100+ depending on which president and condition.

Double Edge Lettering Presidential Dollars Edge lettering struck twice, either overlapping or 180° apart. Worth $25-$150+.

2009 Lincoln Cent Errors (Various) Multiple die varieties and errors exist in the four 2009 designs (Birth, Formative Years, Professional Life, Presidency). Values range from $5-$500+.

Blank Planchets (Various Years) Unstruck coins that made it through quality control. Worth $20-$200+ depending on denomination and metal composition.

🔍 What to Look For: • Check all your pocket change carefully with magnification
• Look for doubling in dates, letters, and design elements
• Inspect mintmarks for repunching or missing marks
• Check coin edges for proper reeding or lettering
• Look for off-center strikes or unusual planchet issues
• Examine coins under good lighting at multiple angles
• Learn the difference between actual errors and post-mint damage (PMD)

⚠️ Authentication Warning: Many error coins are counterfeited or are actually post-mint damage (PMD). Always have valuable errors authenticated by professional grading services like PCGS or NGC before making significant purchases or sales.