There are currently tons of U.S. error coins and die varieties in circulation today worth a significant premium over face value
While most people overlook their pocket change it might pay to take a closer look at the coins that are potentially worth thousands.
There are currently tons of U.S. error coins and die varieties in circulation today worth a significant premium over face value. These rare coins have small distinguishing characteristics that aren’t easily recognizable, including modest doubling of the coin image or minute differences in the size or spacing of the letters in the legends, according to The Spruce Crafts.
One such coin is the 1969-S Lincoln Cent with a Doubled Die Obverse. The exceedingly rare coin was confiscated by Secret Service until the U.S. Mint admitted they were genuine. Then in May 2014 a mother in Texas found one while going through rolls of coins.
There are currently tons of U.S. error coins and die varieties in circulation today worth a significant premium over face value (
The Washington Post via Getty Images)
The Professional Coin Grading Service graded the coin AU-55, valued at approximately $24,000. If you’re on the hunt for one of these coins look for an apparent doubling of the entire obverse (“heads” side) except for the mint mark, if you’re lucky enough you could pocket $40,000 or more in AU-50 or better.
Below are some more rare error coins to keep an eye out for:
1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent With a Doubled Die Obverse
Only one side of this coin shows doubling, as opposed to doubling on both sides of the coin which is not worth as much as an actual doubled die. A good way to determine if you have this rare coin is the weakness of LIBERTY.
Another way to identify the Small Date variety is to look at the 7 in the date. If it is level with the other numerals in the date, it is the Small Date variety. If the numeral seven is slightly lower, it is the more common Large Date variety. The Doubled Die Obverse is best demonstrated by doubling in LIB and IN GOD WE TRUST. This coin is worth around $3,500 in EF-40.
Presidential Dollar Edge Lettering Errors
Since the first Presidential Dollar was issued in 2007 some coins have had errors associated with the lettering on the edge. The edge lettering is applied to the coin after the coin is struck, but in some cases it’s missing entirely. In others, the edge lettering has been placed there multiple times.
To find a coin with lettering errors, look at the edge and the inscription should appear fully encased all around the circumference of the coin. Missing or doubled inscriptions are rare and valuable.
One of these coins is valued anywhere from $50 to $3,000, depending on the President.
1995 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
The 1995 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent generated much mainstream interest when featured as a cover story in USA Today. Specimens are still being found in circulation all the time. A way to know if you have one of these is to look out for clear doubling in LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST.
This coin is valued around $20 to $40 in uncirculated condition.
Certain Uncirculated State Quarters
When times got tough those with rolls of State Quarters began spending them into circulation. If you can put together whole rolls of uncirculated quarters of certain in-demand states, you can get as much as $30 per roll.
The way to know if you have these coins is to look for Georgia, Connecticut, Tennessee, and Illinois quarters that are uncirculated. These coins can get you anywhere from $20 to $52 per roll for strictly uncirculated rolls of certain states.
