20 Old Coins With Strange Mistakes Worth a Fortune

Minting mistakes happen when coins are struck incorrectly. This leads to misprints, doubled designs, or odd features. While these coins were once seen as flawed, they can fetch thousands or even millions at auction these days. Here are 20 fascinating old coins with unusual mistakes that turned into highly valuable collectibles.

1. 1. 1955 Double Die Lincoln Cent

The 1955 Double Die Lincoln Cent is one of the most famous minting errors in U.S. coin history. The doubling is bold and unmistakable, especially on the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” It occurred when a misaligned die struck the coin twice slightly off-center, causing the doubled appearance.

2. 2. 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel

This coin’s unusual appearance wasn’t intentional; it was the result of an overzealous polishing job at the Denver Mint. The excessive grinding erased one of the buffalo’s front legs, leaving a three-legged beast that instantly stood out. Though initially seen as a quality-control embarrassment, it became one of the most collectible nickels ever made.

3. 3. 2000 Sacagawea Dollar with State Quarter Reverse

In one of the strangest errors in modern minting, a Sacagawea Dollar was accidentally paired with the reverse of a Washington state quarter. Known as a “mule” error, this mix-up created a hybrid coin never meant to exist. Only a few examples surfaced, sparking a frenzy in the numismatic community.

4. 4. 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent

During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to steel cents to conserve copper for ammunition. Somehow, a few copper planchets (blanks) from the previous year were accidentally used in production. These copper 1943 cents look ordinary but are among the rarest coins ever struck.

5. 5. 2004 Wisconsin Quarter with Extra Leaf

When the Wisconsin state quarter was released, collectors noticed something odd about the ear of corn on the reverse; some had an extra leaf! Two varieties were soon identified, dubbed the “high leaf” and “low leaf.” No one knows exactly how the variation occurred, but theories range from die damage to intentional mischief.

6. 6. 1922 No D Lincoln Cent

This penny was supposed to carry the Denver Mint’s “D” mark, but a worn die failed to stamp it. The result was a coin that appeared to come from the Philadelphia Mint, though it wasn’t. Collectors quickly noticed, and the “No D” Lincoln Cent became a standout variety.

7. 7. 1969-S Double Die Lincoln Cent

The doubling on this cent’s date and inscriptions is so dramatic that even casual observers can spot it instantly. When the first examples surfaced, experts were skeptical, fearing they were counterfeits. Once authenticated, they became one of the most celebrated modern coin errors.

8. 8. 1958 Double Die Obverse Lincoln Cent

Unlike many subtler varieties, the 1958 Double Die Lincoln Cent shows strong, visible doubling, especially on the word “LIBERTY.” Its rarity is astonishing; only a few examples have ever been verified. Each one that surfaces sends shockwaves through the collecting world.

9. 9. 1982 No P Roosevelt Dime

In 1982, a batch of dimes minted in Philadelphia left the factory missing their “P” mint mark. To the untrained eye, they look like ordinary dimes, but that missing letter tells a remarkable story. The oversight likely happened during the preparation, and only a limited number escaped into circulation.

10. 10. 1999 Georgia State Quarter Mule Error

This remarkable error occurred when a Georgia state quarter obverse was accidentally paired with a Sacagawea dollar reverse. Known as a “mule,” this mix-up was never supposed to happen, and only a few examples are known to exist.

11. 11. 1972 Double Die Lincoln Cent

One of the most dramatic and easily visible double-die errors, the 1972 cent shows strong doubling on “IN GOD WE TRUST” and the date. The effect is so clear that it can be seen without magnification. Unlike minor varieties, this one was instantly recognized and highly sought after.

12. 12. 2007 Presidential Dollar with Missing Edge Lettering

When the U.S. Mint introduced edge lettering to the Presidential Dollar series, mistakes were bound to happen. Some coins rolled off the line without any edge inscriptions, omitting key details like “E Pluribus Unum” and “In God We Trust.” These “Godless Dollars,” as collectors nicknamed them, caused a media stir.

13. 13. 1944 Steel Lincoln Cent

After the 1943 steel experiment ended, the Mint returned to copper. But a few leftover steel blanks accidentally slipped into the presses in 1944, creating an unexpected rarity. These steel cents from 1944 are magnetic and instantly recognizable once discovered.

14. 14. 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent

At first glance, the 1970-S Lincoln Cent looks normal, but a subtle detail in the date sets it apart. The “7” in the year sits higher than usual, creating the “Small Date” variety. This seemingly minor variation makes a big difference in value.

15. 15. 2005 Speared Bison Nickel

Nicknamed for the sharp die crack that runs through the bison’s back, this nickel looks as if the animal was pierced by a spear. The defect caught the eye of collectors soon after release and quickly became a sensation. It’s a modern error with old-school charm; rare, visual, and instantly recognizable.

16. 16. 1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent

On this rare penny, the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” nearly touch; something never intended for circulation coins. The variety occurred when a proof-style reverse die was mistakenly used for regular cents. The detail is subtle but significant, making it a prized discovery for eagle-eyed collectors.

17. 17. 1975 No S Roosevelt Dime

In 1975, proof dimes from the San Francisco Mint should have included the “S” mark, but a small batch didn’t. These no-mintmark proofs slipped out unnoticed and were later found in collector sets. Their rarity and pristine proof finish make them extraordinary finds.

18. 18. 1990 No S Proof Lincoln Cent

Proof coins are expected to be perfect, yet even they aren’t immune to mistakes. A few 1990 proof cents left the San Francisco Mint without the signature “S” mint mark. Because proof coins are made in small, controlled quantities, the error shocked experts.

19. 19. 2000-P Cheerios Sacagawea Dollar

When General Mills partnered with the Mint to promote the new Sacagawea Dollar, they slipped a few into Cheerios boxes as prizes. Unknown at the time, a limited number featured enhanced tail feather details that never appeared on regular issues.

20. 20. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Double Die

To celebrate America’s 200th birthday, the Mint released the special Bicentennial quarter featuring the drummer design. However, a few coins showed noticeable doubling on the inscriptions and date, making them stand out from the millions produced.

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• rare coin errors
• valuable old coins
• minting mistakes
• collectible coins
• coin misprints