1. 1999 Wide AM Lincoln Cent

At first glance, this penny looks perfectly ordinary. But the “Wide AM” variation — found on select 1999 Lincoln pennies — has a distinctive spacing between the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” on the reverse.

This subtle minting error can make the coin worth $300 to $600, depending on condition.

Collectors value it because it was a reverse die mix-up, where a proof design was mistakenly used on a regular circulation strike.

2. 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf Error)

Issued as part of the 50 State Quarters Program, the 2004 Wisconsin quarter features a cow, cheese wheel, and an ear of corn.

On some coins, however, an extra leaf — either low or high on the corn stalk — appears due to a die gouge.

These error coins can fetch $50 to $400, with higher grades bringing even more at auction.

Found mainly in the Midwest, this one remains a favorite among error collectors.

3. 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime

Normally, Roosevelt dimes feature a mint mark below the date, indicating where they were struck (P, D, or S).

But a small batch of 1982 dimes from the Philadelphia Mint were mistakenly released without the “P” mark.

Because Philadelphia had begun using the mint mark that year, this omission became a notable rarity.

Values range from $100 to $500 — not bad for a coin that’s still occasionally found in pocket change.

4. 1995 Double Die Lincoln Cent

Double-die errors occur when the coin’s design is impressed twice at slightly different angles during minting.

The 1995 Double Die Obverse penny shows the most visible doubling in “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”

Collectors love this one because it’s both dramatic and accessible — and still turns up in circulation from time to time.

Depending on condition, expect a value between $40 and $250.

5. 2005 “Speared Bison” Jefferson Nickel

Part of the “Westward Journey” series, the 2005 nickel featuring an American bison hides a sharp die gouge that looks like a spear running through the animal’s back.

This visually striking error makes it one of the most recognizable modern varieties.

High-quality examples can sell for $50 to $600, depending on rarity and grade.

Even circulated versions hold strong collector demand due to the coin’s distinct and easy-to-spot design.

What You Can Do

Each of these coins tells a small story in America’s minting history — a moment of human error or mechanical variance that became something extraordinary.

Their continued circulation is part of what makes collecting so exciting; even today, your change could hold a piece of minting history.

What connects all five examples is accessibility: these are not ancient rarities or high-end numismatics. They are tangible links between everyday money and the thrill of discovery — the kind that can happen while paying for coffee or emptying a coin jar.