Documented Cases of Seven-Figure Mint Mistakes
While most coin errors carry modest premiums, these verified exceptions have achieved auction prices exceeding $250,000 due to their extreme rarity and historical significance. Here are the only confirmed coin errors in this elite category:
5 Coin Errors That Have Legitimately Sold for $250,000+
1. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent
- Record Sale: $1.7 million (2010, PCGS MS64 Red)
- Why Valuable: Only 10-15 exist (all were supposed to be steel)
- Key Authentication:
- Weighs 3.11g (not 2.7g like steel cents)
- Non-magnetic
- Matches 1943 die characteristics
2. 1944 Steel Lincoln Cent
- Record Sale: $375,000 (PCGS MS66)
- Why Valuable: Only 2-3 authenticated examples
- Key Authentication:
- Weighs 2.7g (not 3.11g)
- Strongly magnetic
- PCGS “FS-401” designation
3. 1974 Aluminum Cent (Pattern)
- Record Sale: $258,500 (Smithsonian specimen)
- Why Valuable: Only 10 exist, never released
- Key Authentication:
- Weighs 0.94g (vs. 3.11g copper)
- Matte proof surface
- Treasury documentation
4. 2000-P Sacagawea “Cheerios” Dollar
- Record Sale: $25,000 (highest confirmed)
- Note: While not $250K+, this is the most valuable Sacagawea error
5. 1913 Liberty Nickel
- Record Sale: $4.5 million (not an error, but proof of extreme rarity value)
Reality Check: Modern Dollar Errors
No modern Sacagawea or Presidential dollar errors have ever sold for over $250,000. The highest verified prices for modern errors:
- 2000-P Cheerios Dollar: $25,000 (MS67)
- 2000 Sacagawea/Quarter Mule: $150,000 (only 3 known)
- Major Off-Center Strikes: Typically $500-$5,000
How to Spot Truly Valuable Errors
- Weight Must Be Wrong (vs. standard specs)
- Documented Rarity (PCGS/NGC population reports)
- Historical Significance (transitional or experimental issues)
- Professional Certification (PCGS/NGC only)
Where These Ultra-Rarities Sell
- Heritage Auctions (Platinum Night)
- Stack’s Bowers (Rarities Auction)
- Private Treaty Sales (Museums/Elite Collectors)
Think You Have a Seven-Figure Error?
Contact PCGS/NGC directly—these require institutional-level verification.
“In numismatics, reality beats hype every time.”
— The PennyVerse Authentication Team
