Unveiling the 8 Rarest Error Coins from the U.S. Mint

One interesting and fulfilling subfield of numismatics is coin collecting error-wise. Because error coins reflect flaws made during the manufacturing process, they are rare and often sought after by collectors. Over the years, the U.S. Mint has created several erroneous coins; some of these mistakes are rather uncommon and costly. Examining the eight rarest error coins from the U.S. Mint in great detail can help us to better understand their background, manufacturing techniques, and reasons of desiring.

1955 Double Die Lincoln Cent

The 1955 Double Die Lincoln Cent is among the most well-known and prized mistake coins available. This coin shows a clear doubling of the date and inscriptions on the obverse, therefore doubling the numerals and letters.

Creation and History

The mistake happened during the hubbing process when the die that strikes the coins was pressed twice but somewhat misaligned on the second strike. This clearly doubled something that is readily apparent without magnification.

Value in mind

1955 Double Die: Among collectors, Lincoln Cent is rather sought after. In high grades, it can get thousands of dollars. For those in mint shape, prices may run from $1,000 for circulating samples to more over $20,000.

1943 Copper Penny

Resulting from a mint error during World War II, the 1943 Copper Penny is quite rare. To help with the war effort, the U.S. Mint changed to zinc-coated steel pennies, therefore saving copper. A couple copper planchets, or blanks, were inadvertently employed in the manufacturing process, though.

History and Creation: An Overview

This mistake happened as some 1942 leftover copper planchets were left in the hopper not removed when steel cent manufacture started. Striking the 1943 design, these planchets produced a limited amount of copper pennies.

Value

Among the most valuable error coins, the 1943 Copper Penny is rare and historically significant. A 1943 Copper Penny’s value will vary depending on its condition from $100,000 to more than $1 million.

2000 Sacagawea Dollar/Washington Quarter Mule

Among the most well-known contemporary mistake coins is the Sacagawea Dollar/Washington Quarter Mule. Two dies used together that were not meant to be matched create a mule mistake. Here the reverse of a Sacagawea Dollar was used to strike the obverse of a Washington Quarter.

Development and History

This mistake occurred at the Philadelphia Mint during 2000. The problem most likely resulted from a quarter die and a dollar die being inadvertently matched during the die installation process.

Value in general

Extremely sought after and with great value is this unusual mistake coin. Known instances auction for between $50,000 and $100,000.

1974 Penny Made of Aluminum

One unusual experimental currency from 1974 is Aluminum Penny. The U.S. Mint substituted a limited quantity of pennies in aluminum instead of the conventional copper alloy in an effort to cut manufacturing expenses. The coin never entered general use, though.

Development and History

Minted and sent to Congress for approval were around 1.5 million aluminum pennies. But the project was shelved because of worries about the coin’s durability and possible confusion with dimes. Although most of the coins were lost, some specimens made it into public view.

Worth

The Aluminum Penny from 1974 is quite rare, hence it is rather valuable. One specimen sold for $250,000; nonetheless, legal questions over coin ownership could hamper sales.

1999 Wide AM Reverse Lincoln Cent

The 1999 Wide AM Reverse Lincoln Cent is an interesting mistake whereby the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” on the reverse of the penny are spaced further apart than usual.

History and Creation: Notes

This mistake happened since circulation coins were struck from a proof die with the Wide AM design by accident. Under magnification, this mistake is more obvious but with the unaided eye it is invisible.

Valuation

Although not as valuable as some other mistake coins, the 1999 Wide AM Lincoln Cent is nevertheless much sought for. The state of the coin will affect the range of prices from $50 to $500.

1969–S Double Die Lincoln Cent

Another well-known and worthwhile mistake coin is the 1969-S Double Die Obverse Lincoln Cent. On the date, it shows great doubling; the word ” LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” also show remarkable doubling.

History and Creation: Background and Context

This mistake happened during the hubbing process, same like in the 1955 Double Die. The die was struck twice with a little misalignment that produced the doubled characteristics.

Value in general

Particularly in better grades, the 1969-S Double Die Obverse Lincoln Cent is quite valuable. Prices run from $10,000 to almost $100,000.

2004 Wisconsin State Quarter Extra Leaf Project

One prominent mistake is the 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter Extra Leaf, whereby an extra leaf shows up on the corn stalk on the reverse of the coin. Two types of this mistake exist: “extra leaf high” and “extra leaf low.”

Creation and History

This mistake most likely resulted from a die gouge or damage giving the maize stalk’s appearance of extra leaves. These mistakes were found soon after the quarters were started to be circulated.

Value in mind

The variety and state of condition affect the value of these mistake coins. They might sell for anything between $100 and $1,500.

1992 Close AM Reverse Lincoln Cent

Another mistake with the letter “A” and “M” spacing in “AMERICA” on the reverse is the 1992 Close AM Reverse Lincoln Cent. Here the lettering are close together, which is usual for proof coins but not for circulation coins.

Past and Creation

This happened when circulation coins were struck with a proof die by mistake. Though it uses the opposite spacing, it resembles the 1999 Wide AM mistake.

Value in general

The 1992 Close AM was Among collectors, Lincoln Cent is much sought after. The quality of the coin and the degree of mistake will determine the price range—$500 to $5,000.