🔎 Did you know that certain minting mistakes can turn an ordinary coin into a jackpot find? Collectors hunt for these valuable types of error coins, and some are worth thousands!
In this guide, we’ll break down the most common and valuable types of error coins so you know what to look for in your pocket change.
🔹 What Are Error Coins?
Error coins are coins that were mistakenly minted due to mechanical failures, human error, or material defects. These errors can significantly increase a coin’s value, especially if they’re rare or dramatic. Check out this page if you are asking “what is an error coin?“
There are four main types of error coins you should know about:
✅ Die Errors – Mistakes in the die used to strike coins
✅ Planchet Errors – Flaws in the blank metal discs before striking
✅ Striking Errors – Issues that happen during the minting process
✅ Edge Errors – Mistakes affecting the coin’s edge
Now, let’s b🛠️ Die Errors (Mistakes in the Minting Dies)
The dies used to strike coins can develop defects, leading to collectible errors. Here are some of the most valuable die errors:
🔥 Doubled Die Error
One of the most famous and valuable errors! This happens when the die imprints an image twice, slightly offset.
💰 Examples Worth Big Money:
- 1969-S Lincoln Cent Doubled Die – Can sell for over $150,000!
- 1955 Lincoln Cent Doubled Die – Worth up to $15,000+
- 1972 Lincoln Cent Doubled Die – Often sells for hundreds to thousands
The image below was generated by AI, thus it isn’t exactly what I wanted, but I can work with it…. just pay attention and you will understand…
After reading the text below you learn that a die crack is not a crack in the coin… it is a crack in the die that made the coin… therefore, ignore the big huge crack down the center of the coin and look at the raised lines on the coin. This is what a die crack will look like because it has the reverse (incuse ) image.
Learning how coins are made will greatly help you in finding valuable error coins!
⚡ Die Breaks & Cuds
Over time, dies crack or break, leaving raised lines or blobs on the coin.
💰 Look for:
- Cuds – Large blobs of metal near the rim
- Die cracks – Thin raised lines, sometimes forming interesting shapes
🔄 Misaligned Dies
If the two dies used to strike the coin don’t align properly, part of the design might be shifted or missing… this will add value to any coin!
🔘 Planchet Errors (Flaws in the Coin Blanks)
Before a coin is struck, it starts as a blank metal disc called a planchet. Mistakes here lead to some of the wildest error coins!
🪙 Off-Metal / Wrong Planchet Errors
When a coin is struck on the wrong type of planchet, huge value increases can follow.
💰 Examples Worth Money:
- 1943 Copper Penny (Meant to be steel, but struck on copper) – Worth over $100,000!
- 1944 Steel Penny (Meant to be copper, but struck on steel) – Can sell for $75,000+
✂️ Clipped Planchet
A coin with a missing curved or straight section. Some have multiple clips, making them more valuable.
🏆 Blank Planchets
A coin that was never struck at all! These can be valuable, especially in older denominations.
🔨 Striking Errors (Mistakes During the Coin-Making Process)
When something goes wrong while striking a coin, unique and collectible errors occur!
🎯 Off-Center Strike
When the coin isn’t properly centered under the dies, part of the design is missing.
💰 The more off-center, the more valuable!
- 5-10% off-center = Minor premium
- 50%+ off-center = Can be worth hundreds!
🎥 Broadstrike Error
A coin struck without the retaining collar, causing it to spread out and look larger than normal.
🔄 Double Strike
If a coin is struck more than once in different positions, it creates a dramatic, valuable error.
🌀 Muled Coins (Wrong Die Pairing)
When two dies from different coins are accidentally paired together, mule errors can be worth thousands!
💰 Example:
- 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar / State Quarter Mule – Sold for over $100,000!
⚙️ Edge Errors (Mistakes on the Coin’s Edge)
These types of error coins are not as common because not all coins have edge lettering. The edge of a coin is often overlooked, but major errors can happen here too!
🏷️ Missing Edge Lettering
Some coins (like Presidential Dollars) should have lettering on the edge, but sometimes it’s missing.
🏛️ Partial Collar Error
When the collar doesn’t fully close around the coin during striking, it creates a “railroad rim” effect.
🧐 How to Spot These Types of Error Coins in Your Change
✅ Use a magnifying glass or coin loupe
✅ Check the coin’s lettering, design, and edges
✅ Compare with regular coins to spot differences
✅ Weigh the coin to see if it matches official specs
💡 Pro Tip: Even a small error can be worth big money! Keep checking your coins—you never know what you might find!
Want monthly lists of valuable coins to look for? Subscribe to the Valuable Coin List Newsletter now! 👇
👉 Sign Up Here 🚀 and keep checking back to see when we open up membership for this site! You definitely don’t want to miss out on what we will offer! In the mean time, learn about different types of error coins and much more here at Rich Off Error Coins!
You must be logged in to post a comment.