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.