Mint error coins are a fascinating part of coin collecting, cherished by numismatists for their rarity and unique imperfections. These coins, often the result of production mistakes, come in all shapes and sizes of errors, from tiny details only an expert would notice to major flaws visible to the casual eye.
Such mishaps, whether due to machine malfunctions or accidental human error, add significant value to these coins, making them highly sought after by collectors.
Below are some of the rarest and most valuable mint error coins ever produced by the U.S. Mint, with interesting stories and remarkable prices attached to them.
1. 1942/1 Mercury Dime Overdate Error
Rarity: Rare
Top Price: $17,056
One of the most prominent mint errors, the 1942/1 Mercury dime, displays a unique overdate due to an error during die preparation. When the die was replaced, the last digit of the previous year, “1,” wasn’t fully erased, so both “1” and “2” appear. Known as an overdate error, this small but noticeable flaw significantly boosts the coin’s value, especially for mint condition pieces, which can sell for over $17,000.
Fun Fact: This overdate error appeared in dimes minted in both Denver and Philadelphia, making it a notable mistake across two mints.
2. 1922 No D Lincoln Cent
Rarity: Rare
Top Price: $30,724
The 1922 “No D” Lincoln cent stands out because it lacks the “D” mintmark typically found on Denver-minted coins. A worn die used during production caused the mark to be missing on some pennies, which were intended only to be made in Denver. For coin enthusiasts, finding a genuine “No D” cent is thrilling, with mint condition versions fetching tens of thousands of dollars.
Fun Fact: Because these coins are valuable, many fakes exist where the “D” has been removed. Authentic “No D” cents can be identified by the weaker design details from the worn die.
3. 1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
Rarity: Very Rare
Top Price: $126,500
The 1969-S Lincoln cent error is known for a doubled die, which causes the date and inscriptions to appear doubled, creating a striking effect. Around 30 known examples exist today, making it a rare find. The dramatic doubling effect is visible, particularly in the words “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY,” making this coin highly prized.
Fun Fact: When the 1969-S doubled die cent was first discovered, counterfeits began circulating, leading the Secret Service to initially seize these coins. Later, the genuine coins were returned to their owners.
4. 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent
Rarity: Extremely Rare
Top Price: $500,000
Due to copper shortages during World War II, the U.S. Mint made pennies in steel. However, a few copper planchets mistakenly ended up in production, creating the ultra-rare 1943 copper cent. These error pennies are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, with one selling for $500,000 at auction.
Fun Fact: In 1944, when the Mint switched back to copper, a few steel cents were accidentally produced, which are also rare and valuable.
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5. 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar Mule
Rarity: Very Rare
Top Price: $50,000+
A mule error occurs when a coin is struck with mismatched obverse and reverse dies. The 2000-P Sacagawea dollar mule combines the Washington quarter’s front with the Sacagawea dollar’s back. As only 19 examples of this coin are known, its unique look and rarity make it a collector’s dream.
Fun Fact: Coin collector Tommy Bollack owns 16 of the known Sacagawea mule coins.
6. 1974-D Aluminum Lincoln Cent
Rarity: Extremely Rare
Top Price: Over $2 Million
This 1974 penny was struck in aluminum as part of a Mint experiment to find a cheaper alternative to copper. Congress rejected the plan, and most of these pennies were destroyed. However, a few aluminum cents escaped destruction and remain in circulation, with one reportedly selling for millions.
Fun Fact: One aluminum penny was found in the U.S. Capitol after a congressman accidentally dropped it. A police officer who found it was told to keep it as a dime!
7. 1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime
Rarity: Extremely Rare
Top Price: $516,000
Proof coins are made specifically for collectors, so finding an error in one is highly unusual. However, the 1975 No S Roosevelt dime lacks the “S” mintmark, making it one of the rarest-proof coins ever. Only two are known to exist, each worth over half a million dollars.
Fun Fact: Some believe the error was either a lucky mistake or possibly intentional.
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8. 1975 Washington Quarter on a Canadian Planchet
Rarity: Extremely Rare
Top Price: $35,000
In an unusual turn, a 1975 Washington quarter was struck on a planchet originally meant for a Canadian coin. Only one example of this coin is known to exist, adding to its value and intrigue.
Fun Fact: This error wasn’t the only one in the Proof series from that year. Other proof coins were struck on foreign planchets, fueling speculation that the errors were deliberate.