If you’ve ever emptied your pockets and casually tossed your spare change into a jar, you might want to take a closer look. Some coins—especially rare U.S. mint errors—are worth far more than face value, and a few are even valued at thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars. These mistakes during production make certain coins exceptionally rare and highly collectible.
Here are seven rare error coins that could still be lurking in circulation and may be worth $1,000 or more. Let’s break down what to look for and how to spot these hidden treasures.
1. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
Key Feature: Doubling in the inscriptions
Estimated Value: $1,500 – $20,000+
The 1955 Doubled Die Penny is one of the most famous error coins in U.S. history. It was created when the coin die shifted slightly between strikes, leading to very visible doubling of “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
If you find one in worn condition, it can still fetch over $1,500. A mint-condition example, especially one graded by PCGS or NGC, can sell for well over $20,000.
2. 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
Key Feature: The buffalo has only three legs
Estimated Value: $500 – $99,000+
Due to an over-polished die, a famous error from the Denver Mint in 1937 left a buffalo with only three legs on the coin’s reverse.
Circulated versions sell for several hundred dollars, but if you have a well-preserved, high-grade coin, it could be worth close to $100,000.
3. 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent
Key Feature: Struck in copper instead of steel
Estimated Value: $100,000 – $1,000,000+
During World War II, the U.S. Mint produced pennies using steel to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a few 1943 pennies were mistakenly struck on leftover copper planchets. These are among the most valuable coins in U.S. history.
Only a few dozen are known to exist. One sold privately for over $1 million. If you find a 1943 penny that doesn’t stick to a magnet, you may have struck gold—literally.
4. 2005-D Speared Bison Jefferson Nickel
Key Feature: Die gouge that looks like a spear through the bison
Estimated Value: $1,000 – $2,000+
Nicknamed the “Speared Bison,” this error occurred when a die gouge created a line across the bison’s body on the reverse. It’s a highly desirable coin for modern error collectors.
Well-struck examples in uncirculated condition consistently sell for over $1,000, with some going beyond $2,000.
5. 1975 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime
Key Feature: Missing “S” mintmark
Estimated Value: Up to $456,000
Only two known examples of the 1975 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime exist. These coins were supposed to carry the “S” mintmark (indicating San Francisco), but a handful were mistakenly struck without it.
One of these coins sold for $456,000 at auction. This is one of the rarest modern U.S. coins ever minted, and finding another would be a life-changing event.
6. 1982 No P Roosevelt Dime
Key Feature: Missing “P” mintmark from the Philadelphia Mint
Estimated Value: $100 – $1,000
In 1982, some Roosevelt dimes were released without the expected “P” mintmark. While more common than the No-S version, these still fetch a premium—especially in high-grade condition.
If you spot a 1982 Roosevelt Dime without any mintmark, it’s worth checking with a coin grading service. Depending on condition, these coins can sell for anywhere from $100 to $1,000.
7. 1942/41 Mercury Dime Overdate
Key Feature: Visible overdate error (1942 struck over 1941)
Estimated Value: $500 – $2,500+
This famous overdate error occurred when a 1942 die was struck over a 1941 die. With close inspection, the overlapping digits are visible in the date area. This kind of mistake is rare and highly valued by Mercury Dime collectors.
Values start at $500 in average circulated condition and can rise dramatically with higher grades.
Summary Table: Rare Error Coins Worth Checking
| Coin Type | Error Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1955 Doubled Die Cent | Doubled inscriptions | $1,500 – $20,000+ |
| 1937-D Three-Legged Nickel | Missing buffalo leg | $500 – $99,000+ |
| 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent | Wrong metal (copper instead of steel) | $100,000 – $1,000,000+ |
| 2005-D Speared Bison Nickel | Die gouge (spear through bison) | $1,000 – $2,000+ |
| 1975 No-S Proof Dime | Missing “S” mintmark | Up to $456,000 |
| 1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime | Missing “P” mintmark | $100 – $1,000 |
| 1942/41 Mercury Dime Overdate | 1942 struck over 1941 | $500 – $2,500+ |
Final Thoughts: Your Spare Change Could Be Worth a Fortune
It’s easy to overlook the coins in your pocket, but rare error coins like these prove that extraordinary value can hide in the ordinary. Whether it’s a missing mintmark, a dramatic design flaw, or a once-in-a-lifetime metal mix-up, these coins represent both historical quirks and serious investment potential.