$1,700+ 2001 Penny Error
😲 A seemingly ordinary 2001 Lincoln penny just sold for $1,749 — and here’s the twist: it was struck on a dime planchet!
This rare “wrong planchet” mint error turns a common-looking penny into a $1,700+ collector’s treasure. Let’s break down exactly why it’s valuable and how you can identify one.
🤑 Why This 2001 Penny Is Worth $1,700+
✅ The Rare Error Explained
- Wrong Planchet → Struck on a dime blank instead of a penny blank
- Silver Color → Appears grayish-silver, not copper
- Weight Difference → 2.27 g (dime) vs. 2.5 g (normal penny)
- Reeded Edges → Like a dime, not smooth like pennies
- Design Ghosting → Sometimes faint outline of Roosevelt’s profile appears
📈 Record Sales of 2001 Wrong Planchet Pennies
- $1,749 → Recent eBay sale (AU condition)
- $2,300 → PCGS-graded example (2022)
- $1,200 → Circulated example (2021)
🔎 How to Spot a 2001 Wrong Planchet Penny
Step 1: The 4 Key Identification Features
1️⃣ Color Test → Silver-gray tone, no copper edges
2️⃣ Weight Test → 2.27 g (use a digital scale)
3️⃣ Edge Check → Reeded edges (like a dime)
4️⃣ Design Ghosting → Look under light at 45° for faint dime details
Step 2: Date & Mint Mark
- Error can occur on 2001-P (Philadelphia) or 2001-D (Denver) cents
- All versions are extremely rare
🔍 Where These Errors Are Found
- 🏦 Coin Roll Hunting (bank rolls)
- 💰 Pocket Change (silver color stands out!)
- 🏪 CoinStar Reject Bins (often discarded by mistake)
- 🏡 Estate Sales (unsearched collections)
📊 Grading & Value Guide
| Condition | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Circulated | $800 – $1,500 |
| AU-50 to AU-58 | $1,500 – $2,000 |
| MS-60 to MS-63 | $2,000 – $3,500 |
| MS-64+ | $4,000+ |
🛠 What To Do If You Find One
✔ Handle by edges only (cotton gloves = best)
✔ Take high-resolution photos (front, back, edge)
✔ Weigh the coin to confirm dime weight
✔ Submit to PCGS or NGC for authentication
✔ Sell through Heritage Auctions or eBay for maximum value
⚠️ Beware of Fakes
❌ Plated Pennies → Wrong weight, no reeded edges
❌ Altered Coins → Tool marks under magnification
❌ Foreign Coins → Different dimensions
👉 Always confirm with a professional grading service before buying or selling!
📥 Free Collector Resources (from PennyVerse.info)
- ✅ Wrong Planchet Error Checklist
- 📸 How to Photograph Error Coins
- 📈 Current Error Coin Values
Leave a Reply