Coins with mistakes may seem like rejects, but for collectors, these “errors” are goldmines. From accidental double prints to coins struck on the wrong materials, these errors are super rare and valuable.
If you’re lucky enough to spot one, it might be worth much more than you think. Let’s dive into the three most exciting types of coin errors and their values.
Double-Die Errors
Double-die errors happen when a coin is struck twice by the die, but the impressions don’t line up perfectly.
This creates a cool “doubled” look on parts of the coin, like the letters or numbers. Even if you’re not a coin expert, these errors are usually easy to spot.
The 1955 Double Die Lincoln Cent is one of the most famous examples. Coins in great condition can sell for $1,000 to $20,000.
Even rarer is the 1969-S Lincoln Cent, which can fetch upwards of $30,000 if it’s in mint condition.
Collectors love double-die errors because they’re visually striking and rare. For beginners, they’re a fun and accessible way to get into coin collecting.
Off-Center Strikes
Off-center strikes happen when a coin isn’t placed correctly during minting. Part of the design ends up missing or shifted, which makes the coin look very unusual.
The value of these coins depends on how far off-center the design is. Small errors might only be worth $100, but coins with extreme misalignment—where large parts of the design are missing—can go for over $5,000.
These coins are prized not only for their rarity but also for their ability to show how the minting process works. Each off-center strike has a unique story, making it a special addition to any collection.
Wrong Planchet Errors
This type of error happens when a coin is struck on a metal blank meant for a different coin.
For example, a penny design might accidentally be minted on a dime’s silver planchet, or a quarter design might appear on a nickel’s copper blank.
Wrong planchet coins are incredibly rare, and their value depends on the metals and denominations involved. Many of these coins sell for thousands of dollars, making them some of the most valuable errors in numismatics.
Their rarity and the surprise factor of mismatched materials make them a favorite among collectors.
Coin errors like double-die, off-center strikes, and wrong planchets show that imperfection can be beautiful—and valuable!
These mistakes tell fascinating stories about how coins are made and offer collectors a chance to own something truly unique. Whether you’re a collector or just curious, these error coins are worth keeping an eye out for. Who knows? Your spare change might be hiding a small fortune!
I got a 1982 penny that looks gold If anybody wants to buy it.
Hello Armando,
Can you share pics of your coins?