Types of U.S. Error Coins:
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Double Die Coins Double die errors happen when a coin is struck more than once, misaligning the die each time. This can result in doubled images, especially visible in the lettering or date.
Famous Example: The 1955 Double Die Lincoln Cent is one of the most well-known and valuable error coins. The doubling is especially noticeable in "Liberty" and the date. -
Off-Center Strikes Off-center errors occur when the coin isn’t properly aligned during the minting process. As a result, part of the design may be cut off or the coin may have an uneven edge.
Famous Example: An off-center 1983 Lincoln cent, where the design is dramatically shifted, can be very valuable. -
Clipped Planchets A clipped planchet happens when a coin is struck using a blank that is misshaped, causing the edge to be uneven or “clipped.” These errors are often easy to spot because the edge of the coin looks like it’s missing a piece.
Famous Example: A clipped 1999 quarter can be quite valuable, especially if the clip is more pronounced. -
Broadstrikes A broadstrike occurs when a coin is struck without a collar, which is the part of the minting machine that keeps the coin’s edges in place. The result is a coin with a wider-than-normal diameter and a smooth, rounded edge.
Famous Example: Broadstruck coins from the 1970s, like certain dimes or quarters, are popular with collectors. -
Wrong Planchet Errors These errors happen when a coin is struck on a blank intended for a different denomination, resulting in a coin with the wrong size or metal composition.
Famous Example: A 1943 copper penny struck on a steel planchet (intended for the wartime steel pennies) is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. -
Die Cracks and Die Cuds Die cracks appear when the die used to strike the coin starts to crack, leaving a line or marking on the coin. A die cud occurs when a piece of the die breaks off, causing a “bump” in the design.
Famous Example: A 1999 Lincoln Cent with a die crack running through the letters can be a valuable error. -
Repunched Mint Marks (RPM) These errors occur when the mint mark is punched into the die more than once, leaving a faint secondary mint mark.
Famous Example: The 1942-D/1942 repunched mint mark is one of the more valuable and recognized RPM errors. -
Missing Mint Mark Sometimes, the mint mark doesn’t appear at all because it was left out during the striking process. This type of error can be particularly valuable if the coin is a rare one to begin with.
Famous Example: The 1937-D Buffalo nickel with no mint mark is a popular coin for error collectors. -
Die Rotation Errors In this error, the die that strikes the coin is rotated, causing the obverse and reverse to be misaligned when viewed from the coin’s edge. While not always extremely rare, die rotation errors can still be worth more than regular coins if they are unusual.
Other Notable Error Coins:
- 2019-W “Weir Farm” Quarter Missing “W” Mint Mark: This was an accidental omission in the first batch of these quarters, making it highly collectible.
- 1964 Peace Dollar (Not Official): Some of these were minted by mistake when the Mint was preparing to mint the Kennedy Half Dollar, creating a rare and valuable error.
- 2000 “Cheerios” Sacagawea Dollar: Some Sacagawea dollars produced for the Cheerios promotion came with a higher-than-usual gold tint, which makes them stand out from regular Sacagawea dollars.
How to Find and Value Error Coins
Finding these rare error coins requires patience and a keen eye. They can sometimes be found in everyday circulation, but often they show up at coin shops, estate sales, auctions, or online marketplaces.
Value depends on rarity, the severity of the error, and demand from collectors. While some minor errors might only add a few dollars to the coin’s value, more extreme or well-known errors can be worth thousands. It’s always a good idea to consult with a professional numismatist or use a reliable coin pricing guide to check values before buying or selling.