Known Errors and Varieties
Famous U.S. issues, transitional pieces, recognized varieties, and viral claims that demand precise diagnostics.
1943 Bronze Cent
A famous transitional wrong-planchet rarity: a 1943 Lincoln cent struck on a bronze planchet instead of the intended zinc-coated steel.
1944 Steel Cent
A transitional wrong-planchet issue in which 1944 cents were struck on leftover zinc-coated steel planchets.
1955 Doubled Die Obverse Cent
A famous Lincoln cent doubled-die variety with strong obverse doubling visible on date and lettering.
1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Cent
A rare Lincoln cent variety with strong obverse hub doubling and specific die diagnostics.
1972 Doubled Die Obverse Cent
Several doubled-die obverse varieties exist for 1972 cents, with one major variety especially prominent.
1982-D Small Date Copper Cent
A famous composition-and-date combination requiring exact subtype identification and weight confirmation.
1983 Doubled Die Reverse Cent
A recognized Lincoln cent reverse variety with strong doubling on portions of the memorial reverse design and lettering.
1992 Close AM Cent
A scarce Lincoln cent reverse-design variety identified by AM spacing and additional reverse diagnostics.
1998–2000 Wide AM Cents
Certain circulation-strike cents show a proof-style reverse with wider AM spacing on specific dates.
2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter
A recognized quarter variety with added leaf-like relief near the corn stalk in high- and low-leaf forms.
2005-P Kansas Filled-Die Claims
Grease-filled dies can weaken letters in IN GOD WE TRUST, but viral nicknames do not automatically create rarity.
2000-P Sacagawea Dollar Mule
A famous mule pairing a Washington quarter obverse with a Sacagawea dollar reverse on a dollar planchet.
Presidential Dollar Missing Edge Lettering
Early Presidential dollars became known for pieces that missed the separate edge-lettering process.
1970-S Proof Quarter on Dime Planchet
A dramatic wrong-planchet proof error requiring exact weight, partial design, proof surfaces, and expert certification.
State Quarter Missing Clad Layer
Genuine missing-layer quarters are underweight and show the exposed core with strike continuity.
No Mint Mark Myths
Many U.S. circulation coins from Philadelphia were intentionally struck without a mintmark; absence alone is not an error.
1965 Silver Quarter Claims
A genuine 1965 quarter struck on a silver planchet would require decisive weight, edge, composition, and certification evidence.
1982 Cent Weight Workflow
The 1982 cent transition created multiple date, mint, and composition combinations that require both visual subtype and weight.
Cheerios Sacagawea Dollar
Some 2000-P dollars distributed in promotional packaging show distinctive enhanced tail-feather detail.
2005-D Speared Bison Nickel
A recognized die-gouge variety showing a raised line through the bison.