Numismatists and coin collectors generally are abuzz about a unusual proposition in this day’s coin market: a series of obscure design variations of otherwise ubiquitous coins still in circulation. This assortment of 10 legendary coins, if discovered amongst your pocket change, may amount to a value of around $764.
Unlike most valuable coins taken out of circulation decades ago, these few precious specimens continue to circulate in ordinary transactions, sometimes unaware to their short-term owners.
2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter “Extra Leaf” Variety
The 2004 Wisconsin state quarter features a cow, cheese wheel, and ear of corn. But on some quarters that were minted in the Denver plant, there’s what appears to be an additional leaf on the ear of corn. Numismatists claim that this was due to intentional die alteration or a die gouge by accident, but these coins command significant premiums either way.
In circulated condition, they fetch $85-150, whereas flawless specimens go for $300 or more. Approximately 50,000 entered circulation, and hundreds of thousands more await discovery in loose change and quarter collections that individuals have amassed throughout the successful 50 State Quarters Program.
1995 Double Die Lincoln Cent
One of the most sought after modern pennies is the 1995 Double Die Lincoln cent with doubling visible on the obverse, particularly the word “LIBERTY” and the date. Doubling occurred during manufacture when the hub stamped the design onto the die multiple times but off-center.
An estimated 500,000 of the coins were circulated before the error was discovered, and while most have been found, thousands likely remain in circulation, passing from hand to hand without notice.
“The beauty of the 1995 Double Die cent is that it’s still available in circulation finds,” says Marcus Jenkins, curator at the American Numismatic Society. “While the fabled 1955 Double Die was quickly found and put away, the 1995 version languished unobserved for years.”
2005-P “Speared Bison” Jefferson Nickel
This is one of the newest error coins ever produced, and it has what seems to be a spear going through the back of the bison on the reverse side. In reality, it was caused by a die gouge during minting in Philadelphia.
Although not quite as scarce as some other examples on this list, it is still one of the most graphically stunning modern error coins, with the glaring line slashing ominously across the bison’s outline. Thousands of these nickels were released into circulation before the faulty die was replaced, and many are still circulating today, worth between $15-65 based on condition.
A mint mark is a letter or symbol on a coin that shows where it became minted. The most frequent mint marks within the U.S. Are D for Denver, S for San Francisco, and P for Philadelphia.
2009 “Formative Years” Lincoln Cent with Doubled Die Reverse
Released as part of the Lincoln Bicentennial commemorative series, this cent features Lincoln sitting on a log reading a book. Strong doubling on the reverse shows up in some, best in the log details and on Lincoln’s shirt.
Doubled die types are not uncommon but are still in circulation, with prices between $30 for worn coins and $75 for coins that are almost uncirculated. “Four reverse designs in one year for the 2009 cent series meant quality control issues,” says Diane Harrington, numismatic expert. “That opened the door to error coins that still pay off for watchful collectors today.”
1992 “Close AM” Lincoln Cent
There is a small but noticeable space on standard 1992 pennies between the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” on the reverse. But a few thousand 1992 cents were produced using a reverse die used to produce proof coins, so the letters are closer together. It is an insidious variety but one that will set the astute observer buyer $30-75 even in worn condition.
“‘Close AM’ types within a few years are some of the most underappreciated gems in circulation,” says long-time coin dealer Robert Menendez. “People just don’t examine their cents closely enough to notice these differences.”
2000-P “Wounded Eagle” Sacagawea Dollar
This type has what appears to be a line or crack on the eagle’s belly on the reverse of the golden dollar. While contentious whether this was the result of die damage or intentional die variety, the coins are still highly sought after.
The special characteristic combined with generally low circulation of dollar coins makes this a challenging but possible discovery, valued at $50-200 based on the condition of the coin. With Sacagawea dollars being periodically distributed by post office dispensing machines and transit system machines, the coins have not been completely pulled out of circulation.
2004-D Peace Medal Nickel Reverse Doubled Die
This Westward Journey Jefferson Nickel honoring the Lewis and Clark expedition shows doubling in the reverse design, and particularly in the hands on the peace medal.
Not so sensational in doubling of die as some, unavailability and newer vintage give it the appeal to the collector.
Maybe 15,000 went into commerce, but probably many more still circulate as part of ordinary transactions unknown to anyone.
1999 “Wide AM” Lincoln Cent
The opposite case of the “Close AM” variety, these 1999 cents are business strike coins accidentally struck using a reverse die meant for proof coins, with greater space between the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA.”
While requiring careful examination to find, these cents are worth $25-60 depending on condition, a pleasant reward for an investment of one cent.
2015-P “Doubled Die Obverse” Roosevelt Dime
Showing extreme doubling on Roosevelt’s ear and areas of the lettering, this more recent error was put into circulation relatively recently. The doubling is visible under magnification, particularly in the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
Since dimes are heavily circulated and the error is not easily noticeable without magnification, many likely go unnoticed in change jars and cash registers nationwide for $40-120.
1998-S “Proof Reverse” Lincoln Cent in Circulation
Rarities sometimes materialize when coins that are supposed to go into collector proof sets somehow end up in circulation. The 1998-S cent with proof reverse is one such case. It can be told by its “S” mintmark (San Francisco) and extremely sharp strike, which will set it apart from regular business strikes when viewed closely.
While proof coins which enter circulation is uncommon, this happens when collectors redeem their sets or mint employees mix runs while working. The coins, actually not meant to circulate but present nevertheless, typically command $50-100 even in gently worn condition.
Final Thought
Even though finding all ten coins would actually total up to around $764 in collector value, the real treasure might be in the knowledge gained and the joy of preserving these numismatic treasures from general commerce. With each passing year, some are taken out of circulation by astute collectors, leaving a few fewer ones less popular—and maybe worth more down the line.
FAQ’s
Why are some mint marks valuable?
Some mint marks are valuable because they are limited production or rare. Coins of a specific mint mark could have been made in smaller quantities, making them more valuable and collectible.
What is a mint mark on a coin?
A mint mark is a letter or symbol on a coin that shows where it became minted. The most frequent mint marks within the U.S. Are D for Denver, S for San Francisco, and P for Philadelphia.