Mint error coins are a treasure for collectors. Their unique flaws make them rare and valuable. But what exactly is an error coin? It happens when something goes wrong during the minting process.
Sometimes, it’s due to machine problems, while other times, human mistakes are to blame. Some errors are tiny, while others are easy to spot. Let’s dive into the 8 rarest U.S. Mint error coins that collectors are after!
Unlock Wealth: 15 American Coins Worth a Fortune!
1. 1942/1 Die Error Mercury Dimes
- Rarity: Not very rare
- Known Examples: Unknown
- Highest Selling Price: $17,056
This coin has a unique mistake where two years are shown on the same coin due to a minting error. The digit “1” from 1941 didn’t get removed properly when making the new die. It’s known as an overdate error. Mint-condition examples can sell for over $17,000!
2. 1922 No D Lincoln Cents
- Rarity: Rare
- Known Examples: Unknown
- Highest Selling Price: $30,724
All 1922 Lincoln pennies were supposed to have a “D” mintmark, but some were struck without it due to a worn die. The ones without the “D” are called “No D” cents. These coins can be worth around $30,724 in excellent condition!
3. 1969-S Lincoln Cent – Doubled Die Obverse
- Rarity: Very rare
- Known Examples: 30
- Highest Selling Price: $44,000
This coin is famous for its dramatic doubling on the front. Only about 30 of these exist today, and they are highly sought after. In 2018, one sold for $126,000!
4. 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar and Washington Quarter Mule
- Rarity: Very rare
- Known Examples: 19
- Highest Selling Price: $50,000+
This strange error coin has the front of a Washington quarter and the back of a Sacagawea dollar. It was accidentally released into circulation, making it a unique collector’s item.
5. 1974-D Aluminum Lincoln Cent
- Rarity: Extremely rare
- Known Examples: 2
- Highest Selling Price: Over $2 million
The Mint experimented with aluminum to cut costs in the ’70s. Although most aluminum cents were destroyed, a couple made it out. One sold for over $2 million!
6. 1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime
- Rarity: Extremely rare
- Known Examples: 2
- Highest Selling Price: $516,000
This proof dime was made without the “S” mintmark. It’s a mystery how this happened, but it has become incredibly valuable, with one selling for $516,000!
Rare 1930s Coins That Are Worth a Fortune
7. 1975 Washington Proof Quarters
- Rarity: Extremely rare
- Known Examples: 1
- Highest Selling Price: $35,000
The rarest mint error coin, this quarter was made using a Canadian quarter as a planchet. The remnants of the Canadian design can still be seen. It sold for $35,000 on eBay!
8. 1942 Silver War Nickel – Missing Mintmark
- Rarity: Very rare
- Known Examples: Unknown
- Highest Selling Price: $7,000+
These nickels are supposed to have a “P” mintmark, but some were struck without it. They are a hot item among collectors and can fetch prices over $7,000!
With their fascinating stories and high value, these error coins are more than just money—they’re pieces of history. If you’re lucky enough to have one, you might just strike it rich!
Ethan is a passionate rare coin collector with years of experience uncovering the stories and history behind unique coins. His insightful articles are a go-to for anyone curious about coin values or their fascinating backstories.