When it comes to the study of currency, the most valuable finds aren’t always shiny or perfect. In fact, some of the rarest treasures are actually minting mistakes. Whether caused by misaligned dies or simple human error, misprinted coins often slip through quality control, only to become prized collectibles years later. These errors give each coin a unique fingerprint, driving up demand among collectors. From oddities to blunders, here are 6 misprinted coins that went from flawed to fantastic.
6. 2007 Presidential Dollar Coins Without “In God We Trust”
Nicknamed the “Godless Dollars,” thousands of George Washington Presidential $1 coins were released in 2007 without the “In God We Trust” motto, which was supposed to appear on the edge. Some collectors were initially outraged, but interest quickly grew. Depending on the version and condition, these misprinted coins can now fetch between $50 and $500.
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5. 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent
In 1943, the U.S. Mint used steel instead of copper to conserve resources during World War II. However, a few copper planchets (blanks) from 1942 were accidentally used at the beginning of production, resulting in about 40–50 copper cents from 1943. These ultra-rare misprinted coins are considered “holy grails” among collectors. In 2010, one sold for $1.7 million, making it a millionaire’s keepsake.
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4. 2000 Sacagawea Dollar / Washington Quarter Mule
Considered one of the most dramatic minting mistakes in recent history, this coin features the obverse (front) of a Washington quarter and the reverse of a Sacagawea dollar. Only around 20 of these misprinted coins are known to exist, making them exceptionally rare. One sold for over $190,000, and it’s a striking reminder that errors can be valuable when they’re unique enough.
3. 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime
Most dimes from the 1980s bear either a “P” or “D” mint mark, but a small batch of 1982 Roosevelt dimes left the Philadelphia Mint with no mark at all. This was an error, and collectors quickly took notice. These misprinted coins are now worth between $75 and $300, depending on their condition, and they continue to be sought after.
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2. 2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter
This state quarter gained fame for having an extra “leaf” on the ear of corn on the reverse side. Two versions exist, one with a high leaf and one with a low leaf, and both are hot items among collectors of misprinted coins. Some have sold for over $500 at auction, making it a lucky find for anyone who still has one.
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1. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
One of the most well-known misprinted coins in U.S. history, the 1955 doubled die penny features a strong doubling effect on the date and lettering. Caused by a misalignment during the hubbing process, this error wasn’t caught before thousands entered circulation. Even though it was initially worth only a cent, these coins can now sell for $1,000–$2,500, depending on the condition.
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