Error Coins
Doubled dies, off-center strikes, blank planchets and other mint errors can be worth far more than face value, but most 'errors' in circulation are damage or machine doubling. These guides explain how each error is made and how to tell it apart. The rare coins worth money guide lists the best-known examples.
Key guides in this topic
Articles
Error Coins1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Cent: Complete Identification ReferenceThe 1969-S doubled die cent shows bold obverse doubling with a single S mint mark. Genuine examples sell from $25,000 to over $100,000.
Error Coins18 Canadian Silver Dollar Varieties Worth Money 1935 to 1967The 1948 voyageur is the key Canadian silver dollar, worth thousands today. Varieties from 1935 to 1967 hide real money. Learn how to identify each one.
Error Coins22 Most Valuable Modern US Mint Errors of the 2020sThe most valuable modern US Mint errors of the 2020s are wrong-planchet and off-metal strikes. They can sell for thousands of dollars at auction.
Error Coins16 Canadian Loonie 1 Dollar Errors and Varieties Worth HuntingThe rarest Canadian loonies are dramatic mint errors and low-mintage commemorative years. Strong examples can sell for several hundred dollars at auction.
Error CoinsHow to Identify Canadian Blank Planchet Quarter Errors (Missing Caribou)A Canadian blank planchet quarter was never struck, so both sides are smooth with no caribou and no portrait. Check the weight, diameter and raised rim to tell a genuine mint error from a coin that was ground or damaged.
Error CoinsWhat is a Doubled Die Error and How to Spot OneA doubled die error happens when the die itself receives a doubled image, so every coin it strikes shows doubled letters or numbers, as on the 1955 Lincoln cent. Flat, shelf-like doubling is machine doubling and adds no value.