Some rare coins are tucked away in collections or museums—but others are still floating around in everyday pocket change. And a few of them could be worth over $90,000 each just because of rare minting mistakes.
Coins can skyrocket in value if they have a unique history, were made in small numbers, or—most importantly—contain a minting error. Here are three error coins that have sold for big bucks and could still be out there.
1. The 1970-S Quarter Struck on an 1898 Coin
This quarter might look like any other, but it’s actually one of the rarest and weirdest mistakes ever made by the U.S. Mint.
In 1970, a San Francisco Mint (S mint mark) quarter was mistakenly struck on top of an 1898 $5 gold coin planchet (known as a “half eagle”). That mix-up created a super unique coin with visible parts of both coin designs.
It sold at auction in 2023 for $93,000.
Collectors value it not just for the error, but also because it received a PR66 grade—which means it’s in nearly perfect condition.
2. The 2001-D Lincoln Penny with a Dime Back
This isn’t just a penny—it’s a “mule” coin.
A mule happens when two mismatched coin designs are struck together. In this case, the front (obverse) is a 2001-D Lincoln penny, and the back (reverse) is from a Roosevelt dime.
That rare mistake helped this coin sell for $96,000 at a Heritage Auction in 2023. It was also graded MS66, making it a top-quality example.
Only around 30 mule coins are known to exist in U.S. coin history!
3. The 1999 Lincoln Penny with a Dime Back
Yes, this is another mule—but even more valuable.
This 1999 penny has the same mistake: Lincoln on the front, dime design on the back. It sold at auction in 2006 for $138,000.
Adjusted for inflation, that’s worth over $218,000 today!
It was also given a high MS66 grade, boosting its value even further.
At a Glance
| Year | Coin Type | Error Description | Grade | Sold Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | S Quarter | Struck on 1898 $5 coin | PR66 | $93,000 |
| 2001 | D Lincoln Penny | Mule with dime reverse | MS66 | $96,000 |
| 1999 | Lincoln Penny | Mule with dime reverse | MS66 | $138,000 |
Conclusion
Most coins in your change might be worth only face value—but some rare error coins could bring in tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. The key is knowing what to look for: mismatched designs, strange surfaces, or unusual metal types.
Take a second look before spending your spare change—you might be holding a coin worth a fortune.
FAQ’s
Q: What is a mule coin?
A: A mule coin is made with mismatched coin dies, like a penny front with a dime back.
Q: How can I tell if my coin is rare or valuable?
A: Look for odd features like doubled images, mismatched designs, or strange metal coloring. Grading and authentication are also important.
Q: Can I still find these coins in circulation?
A: Yes! While rare, a few have been discovered in everyday pocket change or coin rolls.
