By PennyVerse.info
A seemingly ordinary 2001 penny just sold for $1,749 because of one incredible mint error – it was struck on a dime planchet! At PennyVerse.info, we’ll show you exactly how to identify this rare “wrong planchet” error that turns a common penny into a collector’s treasure.
Why This 2001 Penny is Worth $1,700+
The Rare Error Explained
✅ Wrong Planchet: Struck on a dime blank (silver-colored)
✅ Visible Design: Shows outline of Roosevelt’s profile from dime
✅ Weight Difference: 2.27g (dime weight) vs 2.5g (normal penny)
✅ Color Contrast: Silver appearance stands out in circulation
Record Sales
- $1,749 (Recent eBay sale, AU condition)
- $2,300 (PCGS-graded example, 2022)
- $1,200 (Raw circulated example, 2021)
How to Spot This Valuable Error
Step 1: The 4 Key Identification Features
- Color Test
- Silver-gray color (not copper)
- No copper plating visible on edges
- Weight Verification
- Should weigh 2.27g (dime weight)
- Normal penny weighs 2.5g
- Edge Inspection
- Reeded edges (like a dime)
- Not smooth like normal pennies
- Design Ghosting
- Faint outline of Roosevelt dime design
- Most visible at 45° angle under light
Step 2: Date & Mint Mark Verification
- Can occur with any 2001 penny:
- 2001-P (Philadelphia)
- 2001-D (Denver)
- All versions are extremely rare
Where These Errors Are Found
- Coin Roll Hunting (bank-wrapped rolls)
- Pocket Change (silver color stands out)
- Coin Star Reject Bins (often misidentified)
- Estate Sales (in unsearched collections)
Grading & Value Chart
| Condition | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Circulated | 800−800−1,500 |
| AU-50 to AU-58 | 1,500−1,500−2,000 |
| MS-60 to MS-63 | 2,000−2,000−3,500 |
| MS-64+ | $4,000+ |
What To Do If You Find One
- Handle by edges only (cotton gloves ideal)
- Take high-res photos (obverse, reverse, edge)
- Weigh it precisely (confirm dime weight)
- Submit to PCGS/NGC for authentication
- List on Heritage Auctions or eBay
Beware of Fakes
❌ Plated Pennies (wrong weight, no reeded edges)
❌ Altered Coins (tool marks visible under magnification)
❌ Foreign Coins (different dimensions)
Always verify with professional grading services!
Free Resources from PennyVerse.info
Think you’ve found one? Get a free expert evaluation at PennyVerse.info.
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