Coin collecting is a fascinating hobby, especially when certain coins, due to minting errors or unique features, become highly valuable.
One such coin is the 1975 Roosevelt Dime Error, recently fetching a staggering $350,000 at auction.
In this article, we’ll delve into this remarkable coin and explore five other coins that might be hiding in your collection, waiting to surprise you with their worth.
The 1975 Roosevelt Dime Error Worth $350,000
In 1975, the San Francisco Mint produced over 2.8 million special uncirculated “proof” sets of dimes, all expected to bear the “S” mint mark.
However, a rare error led to the creation of dimes without this mint mark. Only two such error coins are known to exist.
One of these elusive dimes was recently sold for an astounding $350,000 at auction. This coin’s rarity and the circumstances of its minting error contribute significantly to its high value.
Five Other Valuable Coins to Watch For
1. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent
During World War II, copper was essential for military purposes, leading the U.S. Mint to produce pennies from zinc-coated steel in 1943.
However, a few bronze planchets from 1942 were mistakenly used, resulting in the rare 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent.
Approximately 20 of these coins are known to exist, with one selling for over $1 million in 2018. Collectors can identify this coin by its distinctive reddish-brown color and non-magnetic properties.
2. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent features a prominent doubling of the obverse inscriptions and date, caused by a misalignment during the die creation process.
This error is easily visible to the naked eye, making it a favorite among collectors. Depending on its condition, this coin can fetch between $1,000 and $25,000.
3. 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter with Extra Leaf
Some 2004 Wisconsin State Quarters were minted with an extra leaf on the corn stalk, either in a “high” or “low” position.
This minting anomaly has made these quarters highly sought after, with values ranging from $300 to $1,500, depending on the coin’s condition and the position of the extra leaf.
4. 2000 Sacagawea Dollar/Washington Quarter Mule
A mule error occurs when a coin is struck with obverse and reverse dies not intended to be paired. In 2000, a few coins were mistakenly struck with the obverse of a Washington Quarter and the reverse of a Sacagawea Dollar. Only 18 of these coins are known to exist, with one selling for $155,250 in 2012.
5. 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime
In 1982, some Roosevelt Dimes minted in Philadelphia were released without the “P” mint mark. This error occurred due to a die that was mistakenly not engraved with the mint mark. These dimes can be worth between $50 and $300, depending on their condition.
| Coin | Year | Error Type | Approximate Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 Roosevelt Dime | 1975 | Missing “S” Mint Mark | $350,000 |
| 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent | 1943 | Wrong Planchet | $1,000,000+ |
| 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent | 1955 | Doubled Die | $1,000 – $25,000 |
| 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter | 2004 | Extra Leaf | $300 – $1,500 |
| 2000 Sacagawea Dollar/Washington Quarter Mule | 2000 | Mule Error | $155,250 |
| 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime | 1982 | Missing Mint Mark | $50 – $300 |
Minting errors can transform ordinary coins into extraordinary treasures. The 1975 Roosevelt Dime Error’s recent $350,000 sale exemplifies the potential value hidden in such coins.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious novice, it’s worth examining your change and coin collections closely—you might just discover a valuable error coin.
FAQs
How can I determine if my coin is a valuable error coin?
Carefully examine your coins for anomalies such as missing mint marks, doubled images, or unusual features. Consulting a reputable coin grading service or a professional numismatist can provide an accurate assessment.
Where can I sell a rare error coin?
Rare error coins can be sold through auctions, reputable coin dealers, or online platforms specializing in numismatics. It’s essential to have the coin authenticated and graded to maximize its value.
Are all error coins valuable?
Not all error coins are valuable; their worth depends on factors like rarity, demand, and the significance of the error. Some minor errors may have minimal value, while major, well-known errors can be worth substantial amounts.