Collecting coins can be more than just a hobby; for some, it turns into an exciting treasure hunt. Error coins, created due to mistakes in the minting process, can be worth thousands of dollars, sometimes even more.
If you’ve got a jar full of loose change or rolls of coins lying around, you may want to take a closer look.
In this article we will explore seven rare error coins that could be hiding in your collection and are valued at $1,000 or more.
Rare Error Coins That Could Be Worth $1,000+
1. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
This iconic error coin is well-known among collectors. The coin’s doubling, most noticeable on the date and the inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST,” occurred due to a misalignment during the die-making process.
In circulated condition, this coin can fetch around $1,500, but in mint state, prices can go beyond $20,000.
2. 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
One of the most famous U.S. error coins, the 1937-D Buffalo Nickel with only three legs resulted from over-polishing the reverse die.
This missing front leg adds immense value to the coin, with prices ranging from $500 in well-worn condition to more than $99,000 for near-perfect examples.
3. 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent
During World War II, the U.S. Mint produced pennies from steel to save copper for the war effort. However, a few copper planchets from 1942 were mistakenly used in 1943, creating one of the rarest error coins in existence. These 1943 copper pennies have been sold for over $1 million in private transactions.
4. 2005-D Speared Bison Jefferson Nickel
The Speared Bison nickel gets its name from a die gouge on the reverse side, which gives the appearance of a bison being speared. This dramatic error can sell for several thousand dollars, with high-grade examples fetching more than $1,000.
5. 1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime
Proof coins are typically struck with extra care, making errors rare. However, in 1975, a batch of proof Roosevelt dimes was struck without the “S” mintmark. With only two known examples, this error coin has sold for as much as $456,000 at auction.
6. 1982 No P Roosevelt Dime
The 1982 No P Roosevelt dime is one of the rare modern error coins. Due to a mistake at the Philadelphia Mint, some dimes were released without the “P” mintmark. Even in circulated condition, these dimes can be worth around $100, but uncirculated examples can sell for over $1,000.
7. 2004-D Extra Leaf Wisconsin State Quarter
This error occurred during the minting of the Wisconsin State Quarters in 2004, where some coins were struck with an extra leaf on the corn stalk.
There are two varieties: the High Leaf and the Low Leaf. Initially, these coins sold for up to $500, but today they still command prices between $150 and $300.
| Coin | Error Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent | Doubled Die | $1,500 to $20,000 |
| 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel | Missing Leg | $500 to $99,000+ |
| 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent | Wrong Planchet | $100,000 to $1,000,000+ |
| 2005-D Speared Bison Jefferson Nickel | Die Gouge | $1,000+ |
| 1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime | Missing Mintmark | $450,000+ |
| 1982 No P Roosevelt Dime | Missing Mintmark | $100 to $1,000+ |
| 2004-D Extra Leaf Wisconsin Quarter | Extra Leaf on Corn | $150 to $300 |
Conclusion
Error coins offer a unique glimpse into the minting process, and their rarity makes them highly desirable to collectors.
From doubled die errors to missing mint marks, these coins can be worth thousands of dollars, sometimes even more.
If you think you might have one of these valuable coins, it’s worth investigating—your pocket change could hold a hidden treasure.
References
- SD Bullion. (2024). Top 20 Error Coins Worth Money – Do You Have One?
- Gainesville Coins. (2024). Top 13 Error Coins Worth Money – Price Guide With Pictures.
- The Fun Times Guide to Coins. (2024). U.S. Mint Error Coins: A List Of Coin Mistakes And Their Values.
- Rarest.org. (2024). 19 Rare Coin Errors That Are Highly Valuable.
