What are the most valuable error coins in the USA? Are any coins in your wallet worth it?
Gold and silver dealers SD Bullion have compiled a list of the most valuable error coins in the U.S. and then looked at eBay listings since January 2023 to find out which one is worth the most.
Coin collecting has been a hobby for centuries but in recent years, people have started to collect rare coins and error coins to sell them. An error coin can have one of three different types of errors associated with it:
- Strike Errors: Problems with the process of making a coin itself such as the design being off-center or multiplied.
- Planchet Errors: Problems with the blank metal disc used to make the coin such as the wrong size or wrong metal.
- Die Errors: Problems with the mold used in the coin design. When the die is damaged it can cause this type of error.
A 1937 Buffalo nickel with only three legs was sold for $7,400, the highest sale price.
It is known as the Three Legs Buffalo Nickel. The reverse of this coin features a buffalo missing its front leg. This could be the result of a damaged reverse die when it was minted. In February 2023 one of these coins sold for $7,400 on eBay. The record price at a private auction is currently $99,875.
The lowest sale price was $699.95 for a Wounded Eagle Sacagawea dollar caused by a die error from the Philadelphia mint.
DDR Buffalo nickel | Minted: 1935
Sold for: $3,663 This coin is an example of a doubled die on the obverse, or front, side. This can be seen clearly when looking at the “1955” mark. Many collectors seek out this iconic coin and one was sold for $3,663 on eBay in January 2023. If in mint condition, this coin can fetch over $125,000.
1942/1 Mercury dime | Minted: 1942
Sold for: $3,990 The date mark on this coin shows “1” from 1941 just behind the “2” from 1942. This happens when the mint doesn’t fully remove the previous date mark. An eBay listing for this coin on January 29th 2023 was found for $3,990 and in 2018, a highly graded sample was sold for $120,000.
DDO Lincoln Cent | Minted: 1955
Sold for: $2,504 Another double die error, this time on the reverse side of the coin. The error is more subtle but looking closely reveals that the “Five Cents” is doubled. In this series of coins, this is the only case of major doubled die. The record price at auction for this coin was $104,650 in 2007 and a recent eBay listing from March 15th 2023, sold for $2,504.
| A spokesperson for SD Bullion commented on the findings: “There are many variations of coin errors to be found although it is more difficult to find one in your pocket change now due to credit cards being used more often than cash. “Generally, the older a coin is, the more valuable it is. However, if there is a limited run of a design such as the state quarters in 2004, this can also increase the value of any error coins found. “Collectors can find coins through coin shows such as those run by the American Numismatic Association which often offer on-site grading. Coins can also be purchased through local coin shops and online auctions, but it is important to verify the coin is genuine. “Coin collecting is important because it’s educational and the coins have historical value. It can also be a source of investment due to the metal content in the coins.” Source: Top 20 Error Coins list and all coin photos used were sourced from https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts |
Methodology
Each coin was searched on eBay for recent listings. The highest winning bid was used to rank these error coins as a top ten.
