Top 3 Most Valuable U.S. Mule Coins: Rare Errors Worth Up to $138,000

What Are Mule Coins?

Mule coins are among the rarest and most valuable errors in numismatics. They occur when two mismatched dies (obverse and reverse) are accidentally paired during minting. These extraordinary mistakes can turn ordinary coins into five and six-figure treasures.

The 3 Most Valuable U.S. Mule Coins

1. 1999 Lincoln Memorial / Roosevelt Dime Mule – $138,000

• Error: Lincoln cent obverse paired with Roosevelt dime reverse
• Grade: MS63 (PCGS)
• Why Valuable:
  • Only 3 confirmed examples exist
  • Struck at Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark)
  • Features Lincoln’s portrait with dime’s torch design
• Recent Sale: $138,000 at Heritage Auctions

![1999 mule coin showing mismatched designs]

2. 1993-D Lincoln Cent / Roosevelt Dime Mule – $51,750

• Error: Cent obverse with dime reverse (Denver Mint)
• Grade: MS64 (NGC)
• Key Features:
  • Bold “D” mint mark below date
  • Hybrid thickness (between penny and dime)
  • Weighs 2.5g (penny: 2.5g, dime: 2.27g)
• Last Auction: $51,750 (Stack’s Bowers 2023)

3. 1959-D Lincoln Wheat Reverse Mule – $50,000

• Error: 1959 obverse (Memorial reverse intended) with wheat ears reverse
• Grade: AU55 (PCGS)
• Historical Significance:
  • 1959 was the first year of the Memorial reverse
  • Accidentally used old wheat reverse dies
  • Only 2 known specimens
• Value Note: Last traded privately for $50,000+

![1959-D mule showing wheat ears on a Memorial-era penny]

Why Mule Coins Command Extreme Premiums

1. Ultra Rarity – Often fewer than 5 known examples
2. Visual Drama – Obvious mismatches attract collectors
3. Mint Accountability – Most are caught and destroyed

How to Identify Potential Mules

• Check Weight/Thickness: Compare to normal coins
• Look for Design Clashes: Mismatched elements
• Verify Die Pairings: Consult PCGS CoinFacts
• Use Magnification: 10x loupe reveals subtle differences

Warning: Many fakes exist. Always get professional authentication.

Where to Find Mule Coins

1. Newly Released Coin Rolls (Error occurs during die changes)
2. Unsearched Collections (Older accumulations)
3. Auction House Lots (Heritage, Stack’s Bowers)

FAQ

Q: Are modern mules still possible?
A: Yes! A 2023 quarter/dime mule was recently discovered.

Q: What’s the difference between a mule and double denomination?
A: Mules pair wrong designs; double denominations are struck on wrong planchets.

Q: Should I check all my 1999 pennies?
A: Absolutely—but focus on Philadelphia issues (no mint mark).

“I Found a Possible Mule—Now What?”

1. Don’t Clean It!
2. Compare to Official Images (PCGS/NGC)
3. Submit for Grading (50−50−150 fee, but essential for value)
4. Contact Major Auction Houses if genuine

Market Trends

• Mule coins have appreciated 20% annually since 2015
• Registry set collectors compete fiercely for new discoveries
• Fewer than 50 U.S. mules confirmed in numismatic history

Want to Learn More? Download our free [Mule Coin Identification Guide] at RareErrorCoins.com

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