MintErrors

We’ve purchased quite a variety of major mint errors over the past year. These major mint errors are in our shopping cart, as well as available at all the coin shows we set up and attend. In 1993, the US Mint added a higher degree of quality assurance / quality control devices through out the US Mints, so these “prisoners” are not escaping as much as they did prior to 1992. This means, as collectors buy up these major mint errors, the number of available pieces are getting a little more scarce year by year and that is driving prices upwards. We love the drama of the major mint errors, so have a look what is available.

Major Mint Error : 1920 1C Lincoln Cent Struck on Argentina 10 Centimos Planchet

In 1920, the US Mint manufactured planchets for Argentina. They did not strike any as official coins for Argentina. Some of these Argentina 10 Centesimi Planchets found their way into the US mint production system. So far, I was able to locate just four examples with on line research. The highest example I witnessed at auction was an MS-65 version which sold for over $1,500.00 USD in 2022.

Major Mint Error: 1964 Lincoln Cent struck on 10 cent blank (2.48 grams)

I decided to buy this major mint error due to its popularity. The Lincoln cent struck on a dime planchet in one of the more popular and sought after major mint errors that the average error collector can afford. The Lincoln cent struck on a dime planchet prices at auction for an average uncirculated example (say a MS63) are being sold northward of $1,000 USD.

Major Mint Error: 1971-D Nickel struck on a Lincoln Cent planchet

The 1971-D year isn’t too commonly plagued with the struck on wrong planchet errors. I see more in the 1980’s era than the early 1970’s. This is a nice red example, showing just enough Jefferson details to make the collector stop and think for a second, and read the label.

Major Mint Error: 1973-D Quarter struck on a Jefferson 5 cent planchet

I have had this coin tucked away in the safes at the storage, and finally decided to add it to this post. It exhibits just a touch of wear, but it does not detract from the obvious major mint error it is. The strike was well centered, but there wasn’t enough metal to flow evenly toward the collar. This results on the obverse, that LIBERTY is partially missing, and on the reverse, QUARTER DOLLAR is partially missing as well. It is an affordable major mint error, one which is not seen that often. Now this coin has plenty of other major mint errors to keep it company while in storage.

Major Mint Error: 1974 Washington Quarter double struck 2nd strike 80% off center

This is an earlier year double struck major mint error, on a denomination that is a little more rare that dimes, nickels and cents. The initial strike looks great, and the second strike barely touches the “4” in the date. This coin received an average grade for most major mint errors, although the fields look pretty clean. This being a recent purchase, it is competitively priced to move, we doubt it will be in our display cases or safes for long.

1977 Washington Quarter struck 45% off center at K11

It was very difficult to obtain a simple Washington Quarter that was struck close to 50% off center, without going overboard on the bids. People are biding on Quarters, along with Half Dollars and Dollars rather aggressively, thus these off center Washington Quarters are achieving prices pretty close to $100.00 or more at an auction. In my opinion, 40-60% off center is ideal. The coin is easily recognized, and the coin shows the dramatic effect really well.

1977-S Jefferson 5c Struck on Roosevelt 10c planchet (2.3g) NGC PF64

We acquired another major mint error in proof condition. I decided to purchase this example because proof errors that escape the mint are very rare. I’ve seen my fair share of double and triple strikes, broad strikes, off centers but only a handful that are struck on wrong planchets in proof condition. This coin will be made available when we get some competitive pricing on this example.

1978 Washington Quarter struck on a Jefferson Nickel planchet

Although there were a great deal of major mint errors that escaped the US Mint in the late 1970’s, the struck on wrong planchet errors always seen to be popular. They display a mini version of coin presented and in dramatic fashion. This is well centered strike, and the coin hints at a slight die rotation issue.

1978-D Roosevelt dime Double Struck – second strike 80% off center, Uniface

This Roosevelt double struck dime is just unique. It shows two dates, probably at the maximum off center percentage. The reverse displays a uniface strike, but it is clean and uniform. A common run of the mill grade was given for this coin, when overall the coin appears to be quite appealing.

1989 Roosevelt dime flip over double struck, second strike off center, Uniface.

This coin was bought at a major convention. It shows a touch of wear, but all of the details clearly shine. Although the obverse has a uniface struck over the date, the reverse shows a strong date to the northern portion of the coin.

No date Roosevelt Dime struck on a straight clipped planchet off center

This coin is pretty dramatic. The strike occurred on a piece of planchet with a straight clip. The strike is off center. The damage that occurred to this coin was more than likely done when the coin got stuck in a coin counting machine prior to bagging.

No date Washington Quarter (says 10c) struck on Roosevelt dime planchet (2.2 grams)

Wow ! Not only do we have a major mint error coin here, but we have an error on the label as well. I now own two of these error coin with an error label pieces. You can see this one in our CONECA display case at a coin show we attend in Virginia.

No date Lincoln Cent Obverse Die Cap

This Lincoln cent obverse die cap shows a ghostly image of Lincoln on the obverse. Additionally, the die cp has semi-high walls. The reverse shows a decent strike from die. A nice red example of a pretty uncommon major mint error.

Not a big fan of these major error coins?  Need more drama? Then, take a look at our major mint error coins called Die Caps: Die Cap Major Mint Error Coins (minterrors.org)

Looking for “normal” coins? Please see Shop – US Coins, Silver Bullion and Numismatic products and services – TheCoinStore.org