Coins Go Wrong: 20 Error Pennies That Could Make You Rich

These days, one dollar coin is the smallest denomination currently utilized in the US, yet its worth may be much higher than its face value itself. Though it is not always obvious, some instances may be sold for dozens or even thousands of dollars just because of unique features they exhibit – errors.

What are the most valuable error pennies? What makes them so special, and how to identify these coins with the naked eye? Learn more about exclusive deviations and comprise a collection no one may boast about but you.

Briefly About How Minting Errors Occur

Let us start with the understanding of how minting errors might occur. When something goes wrong during the coin production process and gets reflected in its appearance, it is commonly known as a minting error. Even with the rigorous quality control measures, errors can sometimes occur, producing expensive exclusive deviations (i.e., error pennies worth money) that collectors are always looking for.

The List of Error Pennies: Top 20

It is unbelievable for a person far from numismatics that cents may be more valuable than they are said to be. Here are the rare error pennies list with pictures that might give you some hints regarding your pocket change and coins you stumble upon on a daily basis. 

The data below can be subject to fluctuations since it exhibits current bids as of February 2025 provided with the support of Coin ID Scanner, an innovative coin identifier app that helps numismatists manage their collections of valuable coins like 1941 Wheat pennies and keep track of the market.

1980-D Lincoln Cent Struck on 90% Silver 10 Cents Blank

Approximate value: $3,350

Instead of boasting the typical copper color, this instance is bright and silvery since it was accidentally struck on a silver dime blank. It is easily distinguished from ordinary Lincoln cents by its smaller diameter and reeded edge as well.

1951-D Lincoln Cent Obverse Full Mirror Brockage

Approximate value: $2,300

The situation is quite flabbergasting: it is an example when one coin was stuck to the die and the next one received a reversed mirror image of the obverse. Hence, it gets an incuse (sunken) design on one side instead of the usual raised relief.

1964 Lincoln Cent Struck on Clad 10 Cents Transitional Planchet Blank

Approximate value: $1,827

As soon as this penny was struck on a planchet intended for a dime, it looked thinner and more silvery. The mistake is quite popular today, thanks to its surprising composition (which should have been copper-plated zinc).

1991 Lincoln Cent Broadstruck 

Approximate value: $750

A broadstrike error happens when the collar die, which forms the rim of the coin, is broken (either partially or entirely. As a result, there appears to be a misshapen penny with a stretched or incomplete design.

1943-S Lincoln Cent Struck on Silver 10c Planchet

Approximate value: $575

As such, this instance was accidentally made on a silver dime blank rather than a steel planchet used during wartime. Because of this confusion, it has a peculiar white-silver luster and is much smaller than a typical cent in diameter.

1904 Indian Cent Struck 25% Off Center

Approximate value: $385

Another representative of the list of error pennies worth money is the 1904 Indian Cent struck 25% off center. Due to misalignment during striking, a significant amount of the design was absent from this coin. Collectors particularly value the off-center strike and fight for it when on auctions.

1966 Lincoln Cent On Split Planchet Before Strike 

Approximate value: $140

As for one more example of the Lincoln error pennies, there is a flaw in the planchet-making process that caused the metal to split before the coin was struck. This is how this ultra-thin piece appeared. 

2000 Lincoln Cent Double Struck

Approximate value: $100

The pattern of this coin overlapped, for it was struck twice in different places. The second strike was insignificantly shifted, which is why some of its features are duplicated and distorted.

1953-D Lincoln Cent Reverse Struck Thru

Approximate value: $100

The part of the pattern is corrupted, thanks to the foreign object, e.g., oil or debris, that was present during striking. As a result, the surface where the anticipated details should be is uneven.

1955-D Lincoln Cent Struck 85%

Approximate value: $92

The selection of the most valuable error pennies also includes the 1955-D Lincoln Cent. The main part of the coin's design was lost due to a striking misalignment. Lincoln's image is only partially visible, and the remainder of the surface is blank.

1972-S Lincoln Cent Struck on Clad T-1 Blank

Approximate value: $77

Another peculiar option refers to the 1972-S Lincoln Cent struck on clad T-1 blank rather than a copper planchet, which is why it appears silver. Unlike ordinary variety, it does not have a complete copper layer at all.

1971-S Lincoln Cent Struck Through Obverse 

Approximate value: $75

In this very case, the striking process was hampered by dirt, grease, or another material, which resulted in a faint or faded impression of Lincoln's portrait. While the reverse is still correctly struck, some areas on the obverse may seem blurry.

Related article: 1974 Aluminum Penny Value.

Lincoln Cent Struck Through Late Stage Capped Die

Approximate value: $52

Sometimes, the mint error pennies may look unrecognizable (at least, from one perspective). To be more precise, one side of this coin has a soft, ghostly appearance due to a highly worn die cap that impaired the striking process.

1968-D Lincoln Cent Obverse Misaligned Die

Approximate value: $45

One more common example should feature Lincoln's portrait shifted to one side by the improper centering of the obverse die. Hence, the border is uneven, with one side having a larger rim on one side and a narrower one on the other.

2009-S Lincoln Cent Presidency - Struck-Through Reverse

Approximate value: $21

The 2009-S Lincoln Cent Presidency design features the U.S. Capitol dome under construction, though some details were faded. In contrast to the coin's other strong relief, the afflicted area could seem like a smooth, featureless patch, though.

1912 Lincoln Cent Straight Clip

Approximate value: $21

Prior to the minting process, a straight section of its edge was chopped off by a planchet error. The coin looks as though a piece was cut off because of this missing area.

1990 Lincoln Cent Tilted Collar Partial Brockage

Approximate value: $21

What are error pennies to look for? One side of this coin's rim rose higher than the other since there was a slanted strike caused by an incorrectly seated planchet. This mistake results in a somewhat warped pattern and an uneven border.

1970-S Lincoln Cent Large Date Struck 60% Off Center 

Approximate value: $21

On this variety, only a part of Lincoln's portrait was visible as there was a significant off-center inaccuracy, leaving the majority of the coin blank. It is considered one of the more stunning mistake options, though it is quite common (in flawed terms).

1972-D Lincoln Cent Split After Strike Finned Rim

Approximate value: $20

A fin-like rim extension was "born" when a structural defect caused a portion of the coin's metal to break after being struck. Compared to a typical cent, this mistake causes the edge to appear elevated or jagged.

1986-D Lincoln Cent Partially Missing Plating

Approximate value: $10

The last representative of the list is the 1986-D Lincoln cent partially missing plating. After sections of the copper layer were lost, the zinc core of the coin was exposed due to a plating error. The result is a patchy or spotted appearance, with silver-colored areas where the copper should be.

Pay attention to the details, and you will definitely find exclusive pieces in your pocket change!

Sources: 

1. https://www.pcgs.com/news/varieties-vs-mint-errors-whats-the-difference 

2. https://kids.usmint.gov/about-the-mint/penny