Coin errors, or mint errors, are coins with mistakes made during the manufacturing process at the mint . These errors can significantly increase a coin’s value, and there are many different types to look out for.
Here are some of the most notable and common types of error coins:
- Occur when a die receives an additional, misaligned impression from the hub, resulting in a doubling of the design elements on the coin.
- Famous examples include the 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent, with its prominent doubling on the date and inscriptions.
- Result from the metal strip for the coins being fed unevenly through the blanking machine, causing a portion of the coin’s edge to be missing or clipped.
- Occur when a coin is struck once, but off-center, causing part of the design to be missing or the coin to be irregularly shaped.
- The value of an off-center strike coin can depend on how far off-center it is.
- Happen when a coin is struck on a planchet intended for a different denomination or composition.
- Examples include the rare 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny (struck on a copper planchet instead of the wartime steel) and coins struck on planchets of the wrong metal.
- Occur when the collar die (the circular die surrounding the lower die) malfunctions, allowing the metal to flow outside the die and creating a wider than usual coin with a plain edge.
- Result from a previously struck coin getting stuck to a die, and the next coin struck by that die bearing a mirror image of the stuck coin on one side.
- A variation of brockage errors where the stuck coin remains on the die for many successive strikes, eventually warping into a dome-like or “bottle cap” shape.
- Die cracks are fine raised lines on the surface of the coin caused by cracks in the die.
- A cud occurs when a piece of the die breaks off, resulting in a raised, rounded, unstruck area on the coin.
- Occur when a coin is struck using two dies that were not intended to be used together, such as dies for different denominations or with conflicting designs.
- Occur during changes in a coin’s design or metal composition when the old planchets or dies are mistakenly used for a new date or composition.
- The 1944 Steel Penny is an example of a transitional error, where some pennies were mistakenly struck on steel planchets instead of the new copper planchets.
- Primarily found on Presidential dollars, where the lettering that is supposed to be inscribed on the edge of the coin is missing or incomplete.
This list includes some of the most recognized and sought-after error coins. Always remember to be cautious of fakes and consider having valuable finds certified by reputable grading services like PCGS or NGC.
How do I tell if I have an error coin?
Thanks for asking. Check for doubling, misalignment, or missing details. Edges: Inspect the edges of the coin. Mint errors may have irregularities or inconsistencies, while post-mint damage usually appears more uniform. Striking Errors: Look for coins with features like a double image or parts of the design that are missing.
What coin is worth $1,000,000?
The 100-kilogram (220-pound) Canadian Gold Maple Leaf is a novelty coin produced by the Royal Canadian Mint with a face value of $1 million. Made of 99.999% pure gold, this monolithic coin features the iconic maple leaf design on the reverse and a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse.
How to value error coins?
Thanks for asking. Three factors drive error coin valuable: rarity, condition, and demand. A one-off error like the 1943 Bronze Cent checks every box—only a handful exist, and collectors lose their minds over them. Here are some heavy hitters: 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent: $1.7 million+ at auction.