All the coin errors can be different, and if you see that your token does not look perfect and it seems that some elements are doubled, then open the guide → check the token through coin value checker → compare with the error description.
Planchet Errors
Before turning into a coin, the metal changes into smooth, round discs called planchets. Errors appearing at this point often relate to the wrong metal mix or the planchet’s incorrect shape.
Wrong Planchet Error is struck using a blank intended for a coin of another value or even another country. For example, a 10-cent coin struck using a blank meant for a 5-cent piece.
Clipped Planchet is during the automatic cutting of blanks from a metal strip, the machine sometimes cuts over an area already cut. As a result, the coin gets a strange, usually half-moon, cut edge.
The metal strip used for cutting the blanks was set up incorrectly, resulting in it being thinner than necessary.
A coin struck on a wrong planchet weighs less than the standard, looking much flatter, reflecting poor initial metal preparation.
Die Errors
Doubled Die: This is one of the most famous and costly errors, not coming from a double hit, but from a poorly made die itself. During its making, the die blank slightly moved between presses, resulting in letters or numbers having a clear double image.
The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent is the most iconic case, selling for tens of thousands of dollars, representing a severe die preparation mistake.
Rotated Die: If the die hitting one side of the coin moves in its holder when compared to the die hitting the other side, the coin’s reverse and front are turned compared to each other.
Instead of facing 180 degrees apart, they might be 90, 45, or any random angle, showing a setup failure.
Die Breaks and Cuds: Due to massive pressure, the die sometimes cracks or pieces break off. These broken parts fill with the blank’s metal during striking, leaving raised lines, spots, or large metal blobs on the edge. These flaws are physical marks left by a failing die, making the coin very interesting.
Strike Errors
These mistakes happen at the exact moment of the strike, when the die pushes onto the planchet.
Off-Center Strike: The planchet did not land exactly in the center of the press and was only partly struck. The smooth, unstruck part of the coin remains, showing the partial cut-off edge, while the coin’s design is pushed far to one side.
The greater the offset, the higher the price. The value is greatest if the year and coin value remain visible, proving the coin’s identity.
Double Strike: The coin was struck twice, but it moved a little between the two hits. This creates an overlap, being different from a Doubled Die where the doubling is thin and sharp, here it is a rough overlay of two full or partial designs.
Struck on Foreign Object: A very rare error, happening when a foreign item falls between the die and the planchet: a piece of metal, a tiny shaving, a wire, or even a small screw.
This object leaves its mark on the coin, creating an unusual indentation, signifying a major contamination event.
Mule: The rarest and most wanted error. This coin is struck using dies that should never be together — for example, the front side die of a 10-cent coin and the back side die of a 50-cent coin.
The Logic of High Value
Mintage
Most error coins are found and destroyed before they ever leave the Mint. If an error does get past the quality system, its number may be from one to a few dozen pieces. The fewer coins that got out, the higher their price.
For example, if only one coin exists with a certain type of triple strike, its price will be set by the desire of two or three collectors wishing to own that unique item. This factor is the strongest reason driving the price up.
Visibility of the Error
The most valuable error is one that is easy to see. A small, microscopic die chip on the edge of the coin will not cost much. But a coin struck 30% off-center, or a coin with a clear doubling of all letters and the date, catches the eye even of non-experts.
The error’s clear visibility creates wider demand, making the coin a "hot item" at auctions. Numismatists are willing to pay huge amounts for "display-quality" errors, producing the greatest visual impact.
Condition and Certification
Just like regular coins, the condition of the error coin is extremely important. An error in MS-65 condition will cost tens of times more than the same error in AU-50 condition having clear signs of wear.
In the error coin market, it is almost impossible to sell an expensive item without professional grading.
The main grading companies, such as PCGS or NGC, not only confirm the coin’s real identity and the error type but also give it a condition score.
This process guarantees the buyer is getting the exact unique piece they are paying for, removing any doubt about its truthfulness, which is vital in this field.
But the free coin identification app is perfect for initial evaluation — you don't need to send anything anywhere, just scan the token with your phone.
Price Records
The "Double Dime" of 1955
The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent is the perfect example of a numismatic error. Because of a bad setting on the stamping press at the Philadelphia Mint, the die blank moved, and all letters and date numbers on the front of the coin got a clear, almost two-sided doubling.
Only about 20,000 of these coins entered public use, and collectors quickly found them. Today, coins in high condition can cost from $10,000 to $50,000.
This error’s unique feature is that it is perfect, easily seen, and its story is well-recorded, making it a favorite for collectors.
The 1943 Copper Penny
During World War II, to save copper for military use, the United States started striking pennies from zinc-coated steel.
However, a few copper blanks accidentally got into the press in 1943. These copper pennies became some of the most famous mistakes in history, and their value easily goes over $250,000. This is a clear case of a planchet error being made even stronger by the historical situation.
2000 Sacagawea/State Quarter Mule
This example shows the "Mule" error. In 2000, at the Philadelphia Mint, someone mistakenly joined the front die from the Sacagawea dollar coin with the back die from a regular 25-cent coin. This created a hybrid coin having two front sides, making it highly unusual.
About twenty of these coins have been found. At auctions, their price stays steady between $70,000 and $100,000, making it one of the most expensive modern errors, proving the high price of manufacturing confusion.
How to Tell an Error from Damage
This is the most important step for new collectors, needing careful observation.
Mint Error: A defect that happened during or before the striking process. It is defined by clear, straight lines, doubling, special metal flows, or an incorrect shape, all created under the huge pressure of the press.
Post-Mint Damage: Damage happening after the coin entered public use. Such damage looks uneven, random, and never has the sharpness typical of a press strike, coming from outside contact.
For example, hitting a coin with a spoon will not result in a clear doubling of the date, which can be seen on a real doubled die.
Mint errors are one of the most interesting areas of collectibles because they physically indicate a mistake. They are a rarity, a physical proof that even the most advanced and well-organized production process can fail.
Their high price is due to their rarity, the passion of collectors and the unique appearance of the defect itself.
For an experienced numismatist, a coin with errors is not just a metal, but a one-of-a-kind artifact that tells the story of the temporary disorder at the mint, and it is this story that makes them truly priceless.