Top 10 Rare Striking Error Coins Worth Money: Coin collecting is a fascinating hobby, but what really excites collectors are striking error coins—those rare mistakes made during the minting process. These errors can turn ordinary coins into valuable collectibles worth thousands of dollars. From double strikes to off-center errors, these coins are sought after for their uniqueness and rarity.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 rare striking error coins that are worth serious money and why they’re so valuable.
Also Read: Top 11 Uncommon and Rare Dollar Bills Worth Collecting
Table of Contents
1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
One of the most famous error coins, the 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent features a dramatic doubling of the date and inscriptions on the obverse. This error occurred due to a misalignment during the hubbing process, causing a clear doubling effect that is visible to the naked eye.
Value: Circulated examples sell for $1,000-$3,000, while high-grade specimens can fetch $50,000 or more.
1972 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
Similar to the 1955 version, the 1972 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent has a noticeable doubling on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” While less dramatic than the 1955 cent, it is still highly sought after.
Value: Can range from $300 in circulated condition to over $5,000 in uncirculated grades.
2000-P Sacagawea Dollar / Washington Quarter Mule
This is one of the rarest and most famous U.S. coin errors. A mule error occurs when two different coin designs are mistakenly struck together. In this case, a Sacagawea dollar was struck with a Washington quarter obverse.
Value: Only about 20 examples are known to exist, with sales exceeding $100,000 at auction.
1983-P Washington Quarter with Double Die Reverse
This error quarter features strong doubling on the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” on the reverse. It’s a favorite among error coin collectors.
Value: Depending on the grade, these can sell for $500 to $3,000
2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter
This fascinating error involves an extra leaf on the ear of corn in the design of the Wisconsin State Quarter. There are two varieties: a high leaf and a low leaf, both resulting from accidental die modifications.
Also Read: Top 10 Rare and Valuable Foreign & World Coins
Value: These quarters have sold for $150 to over $5,000, depending on condition.
1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
This is another legendary doubled die error, with clear doubling on the date and inscriptions. It was originally thought to be counterfeit until experts verified its authenticity.
- Value: Only a few dozen examples are known, making them extremely valuable, often selling for $35,000 to $100,000.
1999 Wide AM Lincoln Cent
On certain 1999 Lincoln cents, the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” are spaced farther apart than normal. This happened because the reverse die intended for proof coins was accidentally used for business strikes.
- Value: In high grades, these cents can be worth $500 to $5,000.
1976 Bicentennial Quarter Double Struck Error
The 1976 Bicentennial quarter is already a collectible piece of American history, but when struck twice, it becomes even more valuable. A double-strike error occurs when a coin is struck twice before being ejected from the press.
- Value: Depending on the visibility of the second strike, these can sell for $1,000 to $10,000.
1995 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
Although less dramatic than earlier doubled die cents, the 1995 Lincoln Cent still shows clear doubling on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
- Value: Common in circulated grades (worth around $50-$100), but uncirculated examples can reach $1,000 or more.
1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime
Normally, dimes struck in Philadelphia bear a small “P” mintmark, but in 1982, some dimes were accidentally minted without the mark. This was due to a mistake in die preparation.
Value: These dimes can sell for $200 to $1,500, depending on condition.
Table – 10 Rare Striking Error Coins Worth Money
| Coin | Mint | Estimated Value | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent | Philadelphia | $1,000 – $50,000+ | Dramatic doubling of date and inscriptions |
| 1972 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent | Philadelphia | $300 – $5,000+ | Doubling on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” |
| 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar / Quarter Mule | Philadelphia | $100,000+ | Sacagawea dollar struck with Washington quarter obverse |
| 1983-P Washington Quarter (Double Die) | Philadelphia | $500 – $3,000 | Doubling on “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” & “E PLURIBUS UNUM” |
| 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter | Denver | $150 – $5,000+ | Extra high or low leaf on corn design |
| 1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Cent | San Francisco | $35,000 – $100,000 | Strong doubling on date and inscriptions |
| 1999 Wide AM Lincoln Cent | Philadelphia | $500 – $5,000 | Wide spacing between “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Double Struck) | Various | $1,000 – $10,000 | Struck twice before being ejected from press |
| 1995 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent | Philadelphia | $50 – $1,000+ | Doubling on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” |
| 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime | Philadelphia | $200 – $1,500 | Missing “P” mintmark due to die preparation error |
Final Thoughts
Striking error coins are among the most exciting discoveries in coin collecting. Whether it’s a classic doubled die Lincoln cent or a modern mule error, these coins can be worth thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of dollars. If you ever come across an unusual coin in your pocket change, take a closer look—you might be holding a hidden treasure!
FAQs
What is a striking error coin?
A striking error coin is a coin that was minted incorrectly due to mechanical or human mistakes during production.
Which striking error coin is the most valuable?
The 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar / Washington Quarter Mule has sold for over $100,000.
How can I tell if my coin has a striking error?
Look for misprints like doubling, missing elements, off-center strikes, or unusual shapes.
Are striking error coins rare?
Yes, most striking errors are rare because they are usually caught and removed before being released into circulation.
Where can I sell my error coin?
You can sell error coins through coin dealers, online auctions (eBay, Heritage Auctions), or numismatic shows.
