For decades, collectors have been interested in mistakes made when old money was being made because these mistakes can greatly increase the worth of a coin or bill.
For numismatists, these mistakes are worth a lot of money, whether they are caused by mistakes in the printing, the binding, or the materials used. Here are ten of the most valuable mistakes on old money that are now worth millions of dollars.
Most Valuable Vintage Currency Errors Worth Millions
1. 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny
During World War II, pennies were meant to be struck on steel planchets to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a few 1943 pennies were mistakenly struck on leftover copper planchets. These rare coins are now highly valuable, with one fetching over $1 million at auction.
2. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
This iconic error coin features a dramatic doubling of the obverse, most notably in the date and the word “LIBERTY.” Collectors highly prize this error, and it can sell for over $100,000 in mint condition.
3. 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
An over-polished die results in the buffalo on this coin appearing to have only three legs. This rare and unusual error has made this coin a favorite among collectors, with high-grade examples selling for up to $99,000.
4. 1942/1 Mercury Dime
This overdate error occurred when the die used to mint 1942 dimes were not properly cleaned, leaving the “1” from 1941 visible beneath the “2.” High-grade specimens have sold for as much as $120,000 at auction.
5. 2005-D Speared Bison Jefferson Nickel
A die gouge on this nickel’s reverse side makes it appear like a spear is piercing the bison. This unique and dramatic error has driven its value, with collectors paying high prices for well-preserved examples.
6. 1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime
Proof coins are usually struck with extra care, but in 1975, a few dimes were minted without the “S” mintmark, making them incredibly rare. Only two such examples are known, with one selling for over $450,000.
7. 1982 No P Roosevelt Dime
Another mintmark error, the 1982 Roosevelt dimes from the Philadelphia Mint were accidentally struck without the “P” mintmark. Despite being a relatively recent coin, collectors value it at around $175 for mint-state examples.
8. 2004-D Extra Leaf Wisconsin Quarter
Two varieties of this error coin feature an additional leaf on the ear of corn depicted on the reverse side. This die error was discovered shortly after release, and high-quality examples sell for between $50 and $100 today.
9. 1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent
This rare variety features the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” much closer together than usual on the reverse of the coin. The error was caused by a die mix-up, and collectors have made these coins highly sought after, often fetching premium prices.
10. 1976 Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar – Type 1 Reverse
While not as dramatic as some other errors, this Eisenhower dollar was struck with a Type 1 reverse instead of the Type 2. This subtle difference has driven up the value for collectors, particularly for coins in mint condition.
Most Valuable Vintage Currency Errors
| Currency Error | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny | $1,000,000+ |
| 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent | $100,000+ |
| 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel | $99,000 |
| 1942/1 Mercury Dime | $120,000 |
| 2005-D Speared Bison Jefferson Nickel | $50,000+ |
| 1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime | $450,000+ |
| 1982 No P Roosevelt Dime | $175 |
| 2004-D Extra Leaf Wisconsin Quarter | $100 |
| 1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent | $25,000 |
| 1976 Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar | $30,000 |
Conclusion
Not only are currency mistakes rare, they are also interesting pieces of history that fans like to keep. These mistakes can turn regular coins, like pennies or dollars, into rare gems worth millions of dollars. These very rare mistakes, like a wrong date or an extra design feature, are very sought after and can sell for huge amounts of money at auction.
These mistake coins might be worth more than you think if you happen to find one in your collection or pocket change. Keep an eye out for these important mistakes, and you could add a piece of history to your collection.
