How do I find the value of my error coin?

Question: I have a coin that I believe is an error coin? How do I go about finding out if it is an error coin, and if so what it is worth?

My Answer: To read about the most common error coins and see images of them, go here.

The value, or worth, of an error coin is not as simple to define. As I am not an expert in error coin values, here are a few tips to help you find the value of your coin:

You can go to All Experts.com and ask your question there. This link will take you to the page of coin collecting experts available to answer questions ( All Experts - Coin Collecting ). Once you get there, read about the experts and pick the one that specializes in the type of coin you have or error coins. You will need a good photograph of your coin to get an accurate reply.

You can also try asking your question in forums that specialize in coin collecting and get an opinion from several collectors all in one place. Again, you will need a good photograph for them to give an accurate assessment of your coin. You can do a search for coin collecting forums or bulletin boards, or you can try one of the links below.

Coin Talk Forum

Coin Community Forum

I hope this helps.

Is this some type of error coin?

by Jason
(Chicago, IL)

Question: I found this coin in my pocket change and after doing a bit of research I couldn't find anything that shows that it's an error type variety. The error though seems to be very precise as if it was made with a machine during the coin making process. It is a 1994 quarter I've attached a picture.

Thank you very much for your time.
Jason

My Answer: See above.

1974 p dime with the "us" missing from "pluribus" is that a rare coin ??

by jessica
(ft worth tx)

Question: 1974 p dime with the "us" missing from "pluribus" is that a rare coin ??

My Answer: Possibly, it depends on why the "us" is missing. If the coin came from the mint that way, then yes it is probably pretty rare, but if the missing "us" is from damage or alteration of the coin, then no, it would be worth only ten cents.

The only way to know for sure would be to have an expert look at the coin. See above.

1883 Liberty 'no cents' Error Nickel

by nickel
(maryland)

Question: I am trying to find out what a 1883 Liberty 'no cents' error nickel is worth.

My Answer: Same as above

1976 Nickel

by Cathy
(Tuscumbia, Al. USA)

Question: I have a 1976 nickel that is blank on the reverse side. The value or does it have value? It looks like it is half the width it is supposed to be.

My Answer: It is very hard to give an answer about the value of a coin. There are so many factors that go into determining what a coin is worth. Please see this page about determining coin values.

Error coins are even harder to try and determine a value for. Some errors are pretty common and appear frequently so that they are not as valuable and some error coins are one of a kind errors that are worth thousands of dollars.

The error coin you describe sounds like it could be an off-centered coin. Off-centered coins are relatively common, and they occur when the planchet or coin blank is not properly centered within the collar of the coin press during the minting process. Check out How Coins are Made for more details about the minting process.

Here is an example of an off-centered coin -

This image shows a quarter that is off-center about 40 percent. Usually the larger percent off-center the larger the value.

I am not an expert in error coins or their worth, however I would say that any coin with a mint error is going to have an increase in value just because of the rarity if nothing else.

See answer above for a few suggestions that should be helpful in determining the value of the nickel you describe.

If anyone else has any information that would be helpful to Cathy, please post it here.

1891 Indian Head Cent made of tin?

by stephen
(new york)

Question: I was given an 1891 Indian Head cent, but it looks like it was made of only tin. It has the color of a dime. Is this an error coin or a fake or ??? Ever heard of it, I can not find any information at the usual sites.

My Answer: I suppose it could be an off metal error, but it is doubtful. Are you sure that your Indian Head Cent has not been spray painted or dipped in something to coat it?

That would be my first thought, however, I am not an expert in error coins. See above for a few suggestions that you might try to find your answer.

I hope this helps,
Eva

Canadian one cent 1968 in nickel?

by Ron Tamber
(Pennsylvania)

Question: I have a 1968 Canadian one cent piece from a roll of pennies I was scanning. It appears to be made of nickel? Anything I've overlooked?

My Answer: I am not an expert in Canadian coins, see the suggestions above to try to find your answer.

I hope this helps.

What is a Die Crack ?

by zoltan
(Canada)

Question: Between a USA Jefferson Nickel's motto. I have a slash mark between the pluribus and the unum. So it looks like E Pluribus/Unum. Its a lefted slashed line. The line doesn't start from the rim, its just perfect looking like it belongs there.

My Answer: A Die Crack is a fine raised line on a coin that was caused by a crack in the die.

It is possible that what you describe was caused by a die crack or some sort of die defect.

I am not an expert in error coins, so please follow the suggestions above to find your answer.

I hope this helps.

Penny with No Date

by Tammy
(Syracuse, NY)

Question: I have a penny and the year on it is 196. There is no fourth number. Is this worth anything?

My Answer: It depends on whether the missing number was a result of a mint error of some sort or caused by wear of the coin or someone actually removing the number from the coin for some reason.

It would be impossible for me to tell you without being able to see the coin. You can try taking the coin to a reputable dealer in your area for a more precise evaluation or you can follow the suggestions in the first question at the top of this page.

I hope this helps.

multi-face 1939 wheat penny

by charles
(pa.)

Question: I have a 1939 wheat penny which has a dime face on one side. Its very clean and looks good. Whats the value? thank you

My Answer: See answer at top of page.