For coin collectors and numismatists, there is perhaps nothing more exciting than discovering a rare and valuable error coin. While the U.S. Mint strives for perfection when striking coins, mistakes do happen, and these minting blunders can result in some extremely coveted and expensive coins.
One of the most popular denominations for error coin collecting is the quarter. Over the decades, the U.S. Mint has produced billions of quarters, so there are ample opportunities for errors to occur. Some of these error quarters have sold for hefty sums at auction. In fact, the most expensive error quarter to date, an 1828 Capped Bust quarter struck over a half dollar, sold for an astonishing $352,500 in 2008!
So what exactly are error coins and what makes them so valuable? Let‘s dive in and explore the fascinating world of quarter errors worth money.
What Are Error Coins?
Error coins are coins that exhibit mistakes made during the minting process at the U.S. Mint facility. These mistakes can range from minor die cracks or die chips to dramatic errors like off-center strikes, double strikes, wrong planchets, etc.
Most error coins are caused by:
- Improperly prepared dies
- Misaligned or worn out dies
- Misfeeds or improperly seated planchets (blank coins)
- Foreign objects falling into the dies or trapping coins
- Press malfunctions
The vast majority of error coins are caught by the U.S. Mint‘s quality control and destroyed before ever leaving the mint facility. However, a small percentage do make it out into circulation. These error coins are the holy grails for collectors.
Types of Quarter Errors
There are numerous types of errors that can be found on quarters and other coins. Some of the most common and popular with collectors include:
Off-Center Strikes – Occurs when the planchet is not properly seated between the dies, resulting in a coin that is not struck in the center. The coin‘s design is shifted towards the edge.
Double Strikes – Happens when a coin is not properly ejected from the dies and is struck again, often with a slight rotation. This results in a doubled image on the coin.
Broadstrikes – A coin that is struck without the retaining collar, resulting in a wider, flatter coin than normal. Design details will be stretched out.
Wrong Planchets – When a planchet intended for one denomination is accidentally fed into the press for another denomination. Quarters struck on dime, nickel, or penny planchets are highly prized.
Clipped Planchets – Coins struck on improperly cut planchets, often exhibiting a crescent-shaped clip on the edge.
Mated Pairs/Capped Dies – Errors caused when two coins or a coin and a "cap" are struck together, with one coin being impressed into the other.
Partial Collars – When the retaining collar slips up only part way, resulting in a coin with an incomplete reeded edge.
Indents/Brockages – Errors caused when another coin or foreign object is struck into a coin, leaving an incused impression.
These are just a few of the many types of error coins out there. Each offers a unique and fascinating glimpse into the minting process.
List of Most Valuable Quarter Errors
Here are some of the most valuable and sought-after error quarters that have sold at auction in recent years. Condition, rarity, and the visual appeal of the error all play a role in determining values.
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1828 Capped Bust Quarter 25/5/50C Error – An 1828 quarter struck over a half dollar, with both denominations visible. In MS67 condition. Sold for $352,500 in 2008.
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1828 Capped Bust 25C 25 Strike Over 50C – A similar error to the above coin but in "reverse", meaning the quarter design is visible over the half dollar. MS67 condition. Brought $282,000 in 2006.
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2000P Sacagawea Dollar Obverse/Washington Quarter Reverse Mule – A rare modern mule error with the obverse of a Sacagawea dollar and the reverse of a statehood quarter. MS65-graded example fetched $144,000 in 2019.
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2000P Sacagawea Dollar/Washington Quarter Mule – Another example of this dramatic error in MS67 condition sold for $120,000 in 2012.
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1918/7-S Standing Liberty Quarter – A popular overdate error with the 8 over 7 in the date clearly visible. AU55 specimens have sold for over $50,000.
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1943 Steel Cent Struck on a Curacao 25 Cent Planchet – Wrong planchet error featuring the rare WWII-era steel cent struck on a foreign silver planchet. MS61 example sold for $31,200.
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Undated Washington Quarter Double Struck with Indent – An impressive and dramatic double strike error with a deep indent on the obverse. Graded MS66 and sold for $41,975.
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1976 Bicentennial Washington Quarter Overstruck on a Bicentennial Half Dollar – A unique double denomination error with a quarter struck over a half dollar, both featuring the special Bicentennial reverse designs. MS64 with price realized of $28,200.
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1999 Delaware State Quarter Struck on Experimental Planchet – A delaware quarter accidentally struck on an experimental planchet not intended for circulation. The composition includes manganese and differs from the standard copper-nickel clad composition. MS67 example brought $9,775.
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Standing Liberty Quarter Struck 50% Off-Center – A dramatic off-center error leaving half of the quarter unstruck. One graded XF45 by PCGS sold for $15,525.
This is just a small sampling of some of the most expensive and desirable error quarters. Mint error coin collecting is an exciting and potentially lucrative pursuit for numismatists.
How to Spot Valuable Quarter Errors
If you‘re a collector hoping to strike it rich with a rare quarter error, the first step is knowing what to look for. While major errors like off-center strikes or double strikes are usually easy to spot, others can be more subtle.
Start by familiarizing yourself with the designs of the coins you collect, especially what the coins are supposed to look like normally. Get a coin loupe or magnifying glass and carefully examine your coins, looking for any anomalies or deviations from the norm.
Some things to check:
- Look for off-center designs, double images, missing design elements, etc.
- Compare the size of the coin to others of the same denomination. Wrong planchet errors will often have a different diameter and thickness.
- Check the edge of the coin for missing reeding, partial reeding, etc. indicating a collar error.
- Weigh the coin and compare to standard weights for that denomination. Wrong planchet errors will be heavier or lighter than normal.
- Look for seams, lines, or cracks that shouldn‘t be there, possibly indicating a die error.
Of course, some apparent "errors" can be caused by post-mint damage, and it takes an expert eye to tell the difference between mint-made errors and coin damage. When in doubt, consider having your coins authenticated and attributed by a respected third-party grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Tips for Collecting Valuable Error Quarters
Error quarters can be tricky to find and even trickier to afford, but there are some things you can do to increase your odds of success:
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Always be on the lookout – You never know where a rare error coin may turn up, so check your change, search rolls from your bank, visit estate sales and flea markets, etc.
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Focus on a series – Pick a specific quarter series, like Standing Liberty or Washington quarters, and become an expert on that series and the errors known for it.
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Buy certified – For high-value error coins, stick with examples graded by PCGS or NGC. This takes the guesswork out of authenticity.
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Aim for eye appeal – Dramatic, visually impressive errors like off-centers, brockages, double strikes, etc. are always in demand with collectors.
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Be patient – Rare error quarters don‘t turn up every day. It can take months or years of dedicated searching to find that one special coin. Stick with it!
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Get connected – Join coin collecting clubs, visit shows, and participate in online forums. Networking with other error coin collectors is a great way to learn more and find coins for your collection.
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Understand pricing – Learn the nuances of error coin pricing and grading. A coin‘s value is dependent on a combination of factors including the rarity and magnitude of the error, the coin‘s condition, eye appeal, etc.
Wrapping Up
Quarter errors are some of the most popular and valuable of all minting mistakes. Due to their scarcity and unique nature, collectors are willing to pay top dollar for high grade, rare, and visually dramatic error quarters.
By familiarizing yourself with the types of errors to look for, you may be able to cherry pick a valuable error coin from circulation or your local coin shop. However, always be sure to have rare error coins authenticated and graded by a reputable third party grading service to ensure authenticity.
Remember, error coin collecting is a challenging but exciting pursuit. Not only are you preserving numismatically significant coins, but you also have the potential for impressive financial gains if you manage to track down some of those rare holy grail error quarters. So start checking your change, and happy hunting!
