Post on 23-Jun-2015
description
8 Valuable Coins That Could Be In
Your PocketAndrew Brunhart
There are plenty of highly valuable US error coins and die varieties floating around today. While most people don’t notice them because their distinguishing characteristics are so small, this slideshow will help you identify whether or not you’re holding a fortune in the palm of your hand.
1969-S Lincoln Cent With a Doubled Die
ObverseThis coin is exceedingly rare. The early specimens were confiscated
by the Secret Service until the U.S. Mint admitted they were genuine. Counterfeits abound,
but usually have the wrong mint mark. To identify, look for clear doubling of the entire obverse
("heads" side) except for the mint mark. If the mint mark is doubled,
it is probably a case of strike doubling, rather than a doubled
die, which isn't worth much. Approximate value is around
$35,000 or more in EF-40 or so.
1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent With a Doubled Die
ObverseAs with virtually all true
doubled die varieties, only one side of the coin shows
doubling. If both sides exhibit doubling, the coin probably exhibits strike doubling instead, and is
worth little. To detect, look closely for doubling in LIB of
LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST. Approximate value
is around $3,000 in EF-40 or so.
1972 Lincoln Cent With a Doubled Die
ObverseThe 1972 (no mint mark) Lincoln Cent doubled die
variety shows strong doubling on all elements. Use a "die marker" to help verify your
finds. A die marker is a gouge or crack that identifies a
particular die. Look for clear doubling of all obverse
elements; look for a tiny gouge near the edge above the D in UNITED as a die marker. The approximate value is about
$500 in EF-40 or so.
2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter With an
Extra LeafThere is some defect on the die that makes it appear as if there's an extra leaf on the lower left-hand side of
the ear of corn on the reverse. There are two
varieties: the High Leaf and the Low Leaf type.
Approximate value is $200-$300 in MS-60 or so.
1999 Wide "AM" Reverse Lincoln
CentThis variety is known for 3 dates, 1998, 1999, and 2000, with 1999 being by far the rarest. The mint erroneously used a proof die to strike normal circulation coins.
The AM in AMERICA on the reverse is clearly separated in the Wide variety. In the normal
variety for these dates, the letters AM are very close or
touching. Approximate value is $5 to $25 in circulated condition, $75 to $600 in MS-63 or better
depending on color. 1999 brings the highest prices, with 2000
being second.
1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt
DimeAt the point in time that these coins were made, the dies sent to the individual branch mints
would be punched with the proper mint mark letter for that branch. This variety is believed to be caused because one or more non-punched dies were
used to make coins. (The letter P was being used for
Philadelphia on dimes at this time.) If your 1982 dime is
missing a mint mark, it could be valued at $30 to $50 in AU-50,
more for higher grades.
Presidential Dollar Edge
Lettering ErrorsEver since the first Presidential Dollar (the Washington Dollar
issued in 2007) there have been errors associated with the
lettering on the edge of these coins. In some cases it is missing
entirely. In others, the edge lettering has been placed there
multiple times. To detect, look at the edge. The inscription should
appear fully incused all around the circumference of the coin. Missing
or doubled inscriptions are rare and valuable, anywhere from $50
to $3,000, depending on the President.
1995 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
This doubled die variety generated a lot of
mainstream interest when it was featured as a cover
story in USA Today. Specimens are still being found in circulation all the
time. There is clear doubling in LIBERTY and IN
GOD WE TRUST. Approximate value is $20 to
$50 in Uncirculated condition.