These are the most valuable error coins in the U.S.
- A 1937 Buffalo nickel with only three legs was sold for $7,400, the highest sale price
- The lowest sale price was $699.95 for a Wounded Eagle Sacagawea dollar caused by a die error from the Philadelphia mint
Coin collecting has been a hobby for centuries, but in recent years, people have started collecting rare and error coins to sell them. An error coin can have one of three different types of errors associated with it:
- Strike Errors: Problems with making a coin itself, such as the design being off-center or multiplied.
- Planchet Errors: Problems with the blank metal disc used to make the coin, such as the wrong size or metal.
- Die Errors: Problems with the mold used in the coin design. When the die is damaged, it can cause this type of error.
Perhaps you’ve wondered if any of the coins in your wallet could be worth something. Gold and silver dealers SD Bullion have compiled a list of the most valuable error coins in the U.S. and then looked at eBay listings since January 2023 to find out which one is worth the most.
Three legs Buffalo nickel
Minted: 1937
Sold for: $7,400
The reverse of this coin features a buffalo missing its front leg. This could result from a damaged reverse die when it was minted. In February 2023, one of these coins sold for $7,400 on eBay. The record price at a private auction is currently $99,875.
1942/1 Mercury dime
Minted: 1942
Sold for: $3,990
The date mark on this coin shows “1” from 1941, just behind the “2” from 1942. This happens when the mint doesn’t fully remove the previous date mark. An eBay listing for this coin on January 29th, 2023, was found for $3,990, and in 2018, a highly graded sample was sold for $120,000.
DDO Lincoln Cent
Minted: 1955
Sold for: $3,663
This coin is an example of a doubled die on the obverse, or front, side. This can be seen clearly when looking at the “1955” mark. Many collectors seek out this iconic coin and one was sold for $3,663 on eBay in January 2023. If in mint condition, this coin can fetch over $125,000.
DDR Buffalo nickel
Minted: 1935
Sold for: $2,504
Another double-die error, this time on the reverse side of the coin. The error is more subtle, but looking closely reveals that the “Five Cents” is doubled. This is the only case of a major doubled die in this series of coins. The record price at auction for this coin was $104,650 in 2007, and a recent eBay listing from March 15th, 2023, sold for $2,504.
Silver Washington Quarter
Minted: 1965
Sold for: $2,500
In 1964, the U.S. Mint produced coins that were made of 90% silver. Although a cupronickel alloy started to be used in 1965, some coins were minted on leftover silver planchets. One of these coins was sold in 2012 for $12,650, and even though they are generally valued at between $5,000 and $9,000, an eBay listing in January 2023 was found for only $2,500.
“No D” Lincoln Cent
Minted: 1922
Sold for: $1,977
Coins minted in 1922 from the Denver Mint sometimes came into circulation with a weak or absent “D” mint mark. In 2008, an example of this coin sold for $92,000. A listing on eBay in February 2023 sold for $1,977.
Extra Leaf Wisconsin State Quarter
Minted: 2004
Sold for: $1,650
The state quarters were released between 1999 to 2008 to celebrate the culture and history of each state. The Wisconsin state quarter features an ear of corn with an extra leaf in either a high or low position. An example of a low extra leaf was sold on eBay for $1,650 in March 2023.
Doubled Die Obverse Quarter
Minted: 1943
Sold for: $1,550
This coin features a die error where the motto “In God We Trust” is doubled. An eBay listing from January 2023 sold for $1,550, though this coin in mint condition can fetch up to $20,000 in private auctions.
Unfinished Proof Dies Gold Eagle
Minted: 1999
Sold for: $1,499.99
This coin results from a proof die variety being used in the regular bullion blanks. The error appears in coins of $5 and $10 face value and features a ‘W’ mint mark. A listing for this coin was sold in March 2023 for $1,499.99.
Wounded Eagle Sacagawea Dollar
Minted: 2000
Sold for: $699.95
This coin has a small cut along the eagle’s stomach on the reverse resulting from an error in one dies at the Philadelphia Mint. PCGS values a mint condition coin at $5,000, but an eBay listing for only $699.95 was sold on February 16th, 2023.
| Year Minted | Coin Name | eBay sold price ($) |
| 1937 | 3 Legs Buffalo Nickel | $7,400 |
| 1942 | Mercury Dime | $3,990 |
| 1955 | DDO Lincoln Cent | $3,663 |
| 1935 | DDR Buffalo Nickel | $2,504 |
| 1965 | Silver Washington Quarter | $2,500 |
| 1922 | “No D” Lincoln Cent | $1,977 |
| 2004 | Extra Leaf Wisconsin State Quarter | $1,650 |
| 1943 | Doubled Die Obverse Quarter | $1,550 |
| 1999 | Unfinished Proof Dies Gold Eagle | $1,499.99 |
| 2000 | Wounded Eagle Sacagawea Dollar | $699.95 |
A spokesperson for SD Bullion commented on the findings:
“There are many variations of coin errors to be found, although it is more difficult to find one in your pocket change now due to credit cards being used more often than cash.
“Generally, the older a coin is, the more valuable it is. However, if there is a limited run of a design, such as the state quarters in 2004, this can also increase the value of any error coins found.
“Collectors can find coins through coin shows such as those run by the American Numismatic Association, which often offer on-site grading. Coins can also be purchased through local coin shops and online auctions, but verifying the coin is genuine is important.
“Coin collecting is important because it’s educational, and the coins have historical value. It can also be a source of investment due to the metal content in the coins.”
