From 25 Cents to $9,000
Sometimes the difference between pocket change and a life-changing payday comes down to spotting a rare mint error.
Recently, a West Virginia State Quarter was discovered struck on a copper penny planchet—a shocking U.S. Mint mistake that collectors dream about.
How Experts Identified This $9,000 Error
Obvious Color Difference
- The obverse looked slightly reddish.
- Copper from the penny planchet gave it a penny-like tone.
Smaller Size
- The coin measured smaller than a normal quarter.
- Reason? Penny blanks are smaller than quarter blanks.
Reverse Design Confirmation
- Despite the wrong planchet, the reverse clearly showed the West Virginia quarter design.
Weight Test (Critical Step) 
- Standard quarter = 5.67 g
- Copper penny (pre-1982) = 3.1 g
- This coin weighed 3.1 g exactly → undeniable proof!
Auction Result
This dramatic error coin sold for a jaw-dropping $9,000 at auction.
Collectors love these coins because they are:
Rare
Easily authenticated
Visually dramatic
What This Means for You
Don’t overlook coins that seem “off.” Check for:
- Smaller or larger than normal size
- Strange or unusual color
- Weight differences from the official standard
Sometimes, those tiny details can add up to thousands of dollars.
