Episode 3: Getting Rich on U.S. Mint Mistakes
Everything you’re about to read has been found, sold, and verified — and you could be the next lucky finder. This time, we’re talking about the most valuable 2022 coin error ever recorded, and it’s worth over $10,000!
What Makes This Error Special?
This is a 2022 Dr. Sally Ride quarter that was accidentally minted on a nickel planchet. That means:
- The coin is smaller than a normal quarter.
- Most of the LIBERTY at the top is cut off.
- On the reverse, QUARTER DOLLAR at the bottom is mostly missing.
Weight Check
- Normal 2022 quarter: ~5.7 grams
- This error: ~5.0 grams (because a nickel planchet is lighter)
If your coin is lighter and matches the visual clues above, you may have struck gold — well, silver in value at least!
Auction Results
- Sold with 17 bids for over $10,000.
- Verified and authenticated before sale.
- Demand is high because wrong planchet errors are extremely rare, especially in modern coins.
Why It’s Worth So Much
When the U.S. Mint accidentally feeds the wrong blank into the press, the coin gets struck with the wrong size and weight. Because mint quality control usually catches these errors, very few escape into circulation, making them highly desirable to collectors.
Quick Finder’s Checklist
- Year: 2022 Dr. Sally Ride quarter
- Size: Smaller than a normal quarter
- Details: Missing part of LIBERTY on the front and QUARTER DOLLAR on the back
- Weight: Around 5.0 grams
Pro Tip: Always carry a small scale when coin roll hunting. Catching the weight difference could mean spotting a $10,000 treasure.
