Slight Errors, Colossal Coin Values

Slight errors in US coins can mean big bucks for you. However, since the errors are small, they may be hard to spot and you may just be throwing the coins into your purse, not knowing how valuable they may be. The rule here is that you have to keep your eye on minor errors like doublings of the image on the coin or slight variation in the dimension or spacing of the letters. To help you out, here are the kinds of coins that you should look out for.

Small Date Lincoln Cent with a Doubled Die Obverse (1970-S)

On this coin, only the face or the obverse of this coin should exhibit clear doubling. The doubling is best seen in the appearance of the letters LIB and in the word, “IN GOD WE TRUST”. This coin is valued at $3,000.

Wide "AM" Reverse Lincoln Cent (1999)

On the reverse side of this coin, there is a wide distance between the letters A and M, in the word, AMERICA. This variety was produced from 1998-2000, with the 1999 version being the rarest. The value depends on the year of the coin’s production.

Wisconsin State Quarter with an Extra Leaf (2004-D)

On this coin, you should look at the ear of the corn’s lower left-hand side. If there is an clear extra leaf on that area, you found the genuine coin. It can sell for $200-300.

Speared Bison Reverse New Design Jefferson Nickel (2005-D)

On this coin, there should be a clear line that starts from the E in STATES and that line should go straight through the entire length of the bison. This is valued starting at $75.

No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime (1982)

This coin has no mint mark. It can fetch anywhere between $30-50.

State Quarter Die Axis Rotation Errors

In this coin, the face and the reverse of the coin have different orientations. If the reverse is rotated to 180 degrees (the two sides face north and south, respectively), you can get $20 for it.

Lincoln Cent with a Doubled Die Obverse (1972)

This 1972 Lincoln cent should have no mint mark and the doubled die should be very distinguishable with the doubling of all the elements on one side of the coin. If you want to be more certain, use a die marker that will identify the die. This coin can get you around $500.

Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cents (1995 and 1995-D)

On this coin, the mint is doubled along with the words, ‘LIBERTY’ and ‘IN GOD WE TRUST’. Its value ranges from $20 – 75$.

Various "Old Style" Jefferson Nickels

These are the Jefferson nickels with doubling errors that date back to as early as 1938. Depending on the year, it can go for $5 – 75.

Lincoln Cent with a Doubled Die Obverse (1969-S)

This coin can be distinguished by the fact that entire obverse or face shows clear doubling of all images, except for the mint mark. If you find a genuine Lincoln Cent with a 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse, it can give you around $ 35,000.