Errors on Pennies: How to Spot Them
Do you want to start collecting error coins? Today we will teach you about the six most common error coins. We will also give you some tips on how to find them.
Coin collecting is a fun hobby. But finding coins with mistakes can be even more fun. People like to have different things. That is why some people like to find coins with mistakes. These coins might be worth more money than regular coins.
The best part about error coins is that you don’t have to buy them from a dealer; they’re frequently located in your pocket change, and even while roll hunting for coins.
You get to choose what to do with a rare coin. You can either sell it for a profit or keep it in your collection. Knowing what types of errors to look for when checking coins would be helpful. That way, you can identify and detect them more easily.
Common Error Coin Types
Coin errors can vary from minor to major. Keep in mind that not all errors will make the coin more valuable.
Even if you know a lot about coins, you still need to have them assessed by an expert to find out how much they are worth. There are some mistakes that people often make when it comes to coins that can increase their value.
1. Inscription Errors
Most errors on coins happen with the writing. Missing letters and doubling are two types of errors to watch out for. Doubling usually only happens in part of a word.
2. Date and Mint Mark Errors
Some errors with the date and mint mark on coins can make them more valuable. For example, over-punches, re-punched dates and mint marks, doubling, and similar errors. So it’s important to be aware of these mistakes when you’re looking to buy or sell coins.
3. Errors on the Primary Element
If you find any errors in the portrait, it will probably increase the coin’s value. Be sure to check both faces for anything that looks unusual, such as doubling and missing elements.
4. Materials Errors
Some coins may look like they have all the right elements, but they might be made from different materials than normal. Learning about the metals used to make common coins is essential so that you can identify them by sight.
5. Die Rotation Errors
You can detect die rotation errors by the orientation of the elements on the opposite side. Look at the face of the coin and make sure that it is precisely right side up. Turn the coin over to see that the opposite side’s elements are upright.
Most die rotation errors will be easy to see. Coins with a lot of displacement can be worth some money. But coins with the elements rotated 180° are worth the most money.
6. Edge Errors
Finally, check the edge of your coin. You can do this by rolling it across your palm. Look out for lines, seams, missing edges, and other anomalies. Make sure to also look for doubling or missing letters along the edge.
Essential equipment for Finding Error Coins
You can usually find mistakes on coins without any special equipment. Look at every coin element and check for flaws or imperfections.
However, some errors may be more difficult to detect and require specific tools and accessories. Here are some items that could make it easier for you to see the error:
- A jeweler’s loupe, magnifying glass, or digital microscope
- A desk lamp
- A piece of cloth
- A compartmentalized case for sorting coins
You should have enough supplies to get started. If you find a coin worth keeping, make sure you store it in a way that will prevent it from being lost or damaged.
How to Identify Coins with Errors
Now that you know what to look for, how do you inspect your coins for errors? Whether you are inspecting your coin collection or a lot of old coins purchased from a collector or auction, the process is pretty much the same.
Here are the basic steps for inspecting a batch of coins for common errors:
1. Sort Coins by Denomination
Start by organizing your coins. The best way to do this depends on your work, but most experienced collectors group their coins by denomination.
If you are looking for differences in a set of coins, it will be easier to spot them if you only look at dimes or nickels.
You will repeatedly see the same elements as you sort through the same coins. If anything unusual comes up, you will be able to detect it right away.
2. Examine Inscriptions
The next step is to look carefully at the lettering on the coins. In particular, you will want to look closely for any unusual characteristics.
Be careful when you are editing your work. Many errors won’t seem strange at first, but if you look closer, you will see they are there. Doubling often happens in only part of a word.
These errors can be caused by abrasion, polishing, or dirt buildup on the die face. This means that they can show up on any coin.
3. Check the Date
The most valuable coins have errors with the date and mint mark. This is why experienced collectors focus on inspecting these particular features.
There are many possible errors involving date and mint markings. Some of the most common of these is when someone punches the date or mint mark a second time.
When checking the mint mark, you might want to see if the coin is still in circulation. Indian Head pennies and Buffalo nickels are among the coins that are no longer being made. Still, they are often mistaken for current coins.
4. Examine the Primary Features
The most important features are almost hard to miss. However, taking the time to read both sides of the coin might help you avoid missing anything.
Check the portrait and the other side of your coin carefully. Are there any strange things that seem out of place? Are there any signs of doubling? Are there any missing elements? These are important questions to ask when examining your coin’s primary features.
5. Check the Die Rotation
To check for die rotation errors, turn the coin over. On most currencies, the text and images on both sides are positioned in opposite directions. If the image on one side is right-side-up, turning the coin side-to-side will show the upside-down image on the other.
Turn the coin over and check that the other side is right-side up. If it is not, the coin might not be worth as much. If it is right-side up, you might have a valuable and collectible coin on your hands.
5. Check the Die Rotation
Check the “tails” side of the coin just as carefully as the “head” side. This side is just as likely to make mistakes, so look for things like doubling and missing elements. Check the mint mark, and hold the coin to the light at different angles. This will make it easier for you to see if there is anything unusual about it.
7. Examine the Edge of the Coin
The last step is to look at the edges of the coin. Check for any seams, unusual lines, or missing edges. Roll the coin between your palms to feel for any other problems you might not have seen with your eyes. You can take a closer look with a magnifying glass or loupe if you find anything.
These steps can help you find mistakes on coins. Look at every coin carefully. If you do this, you might be able to find mistakes on them and get a reward.
Read more: A Penny for Your Thoughts Could Be a Lot Harder to Find
Frequently Asked Questions About Errors on Pennies
The 1982 copper large date penny is also valuable. Still, it is worth considerably less than the small date zinc double die. A piece of the other 1982 penny varieties in uncirculated grade is worth $2 to $4.
The different types of 1982 Lincoln cents were created because of changes in the metallic composition and obverse master hub. The seven types are:
- 1982 brass large date.
- 1982 brass small date.
- 1982 zinc large date.
- 1982 zinc small date.
- 1982-D brass large date.
- 1982-D zinc large date.
- 1982-D zinc small date.
Most 2020 pennies are only worth their face value of $0.01. These coins can only sell for a higher price if they are in good condition and have not been used. The 2020 penny with no mint mark and the 2020 D penny are worth around $0.30 in good condition with an MS 65 grade.
The most valuable penny from 1982 is the transitional error caused by the move from 95% copper to 99.2% zinc composition. This penny is called the 1982-D “small date” Lincoln Memorial cent, made from copper. There wasn’t supposed to be any “small date” bronze Lincoln cents struck in Denver in 1982, but a few were made by accident.
The 1983 penny without any mark is worth about $0.01 in a circulated condition. If there is a “D” mark on the 1983 penny, it is worth about $0.30 in an uncirculated condition.
The 1959-D Lincoln Mule Memorial Penny has an error. The coin has the date of 1959, but the reverse (the back) has the original Wheat Ear reverse. This suggests the coin was produced with a 1959 die but an old reverse.
