Wrong Planchet Errors
A wrong planchet error occurs when a coin is struck on a blank intended for a different denomination or even a different country's coin. These are among the rarest and most valuable mint errors.
Famous Examples
- 1943 copper cent — Struck on a bronze planchet instead of steel. ~20 known. $100,000+.
- 1944 steel cent — Struck on a steel planchet instead of bronze. $50,000+.
- Cent on dime planchet — Lincoln cent struck on a silver or clad dime blank. $500–$2,000.
- Nickel on cent planchet — Smaller than normal with copper color. $200–$500.
- Quarter on nickel planchet — Missing clad layers, smaller diameter. $500–$2,000.
- Sacagawea dollar on quarter planchet — $3,000+.
Transitional Errors
Coins struck on planchets from the previous year's composition when the alloy changed. The 1965 silver Roosevelt dime (struck on 90% silver planchet after the switch to clad) is a famous example worth $10,000+.
Mule Coins
A mule is a coin struck with mismatched obverse and reverse dies from different denominations. The 2000 Sacagawea/$1 State Quarter mule (Sacagawea obverse with State Quarter reverse) is one of the most famous US error coins, worth $50,000+.
Up Next
This guide is for educational purposes. Where official standards, grading services, organization memberships, or legal requirements apply, consult the primary authority named in the references below or the relevant government agency.
Reviewed on March 6, 2026 by the US Coin Shows editorial team. Editorial policy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a wrong planchet error?
A coin struck on a blank intended for a different denomination. Among the rarest errors — a cent on a dime planchet is worth $500–$2,000.
What is a mule coin?
A coin struck with mismatched dies from different denominations. The 2000 Sacagawea/Quarter mule is worth $50,000+.
Apply what you've learned