A Coin Collecting Frenzy
The claim that P-D-S error coins generated $4.4 billion in one day, hyped by sites like hawkeyeshockey.com, is wildly exaggerated. No single coin or error type has ever fetched such a sum daily, though rare errors like the 1943 Bronze Penny ($1.7M) or 1955 Doubled Die ($114,000) are valuable. P-D-S refers to Planchet, Die, and Strike errors, key categories of minting mistakes that make coins rare. This guide explains these errors, their value, and how to spot them in your change.
What Are P-D-S Errors?
Planchet errors occur when the coin blank is flawed—wrong metal, misshapen, or peeling (lamination errors). Die errors result from faulty dies, like doubled dies or cuds (blob-like marks from broken dies). Strike errors happen during minting, such as off-center strikes or broadstrikes (no collar, causing spread edges). These errors, especially in coins like Lincoln Wheat Pennies, can fetch hundreds to millions, depending on rarity and condition.
Top P-D-S Error Examples
- 1943 Bronze Penny: Struck on copper planchet, ~15 exist, worth $282,000-$1.7M.
- 1955 Doubled Die Penny: Die error with doubled “LIBERTY,” worth $1,000-$114,000.
- 1971-S Lincoln Cent Cud: Major die break, worth $50-$500.
- 2007-D Idaho Quarter Double-Struck: Strike error, worth $100-$1,000.
- 1970-D Quarter on Dime Planchet: Wrong planchet, worth $500-$2,000.
Key Specifications
| Coin | Error Type | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1943 Bronze | Planchet | $282,000-$1.7M |
| 1955 Doubled Die | Die | $1,000-$114,000 |
| 1971-S Cud Cent | Die | $50-$500 |
| 2007-D Idaho Quarter | Strike | $100-$1,000 |
| 1970-D Quarter | Planchet | $500-$2,000 |
How to Find Them
Check pocket change or coin rolls from banks for odd-looking coins. Use a 10x magnifying glass to spot doubling, cuds, or off-center designs. For planchet errors, weigh coins (e.g., 1943 Bronze: 3.11g, not 2.7g steel) or test with a magnet (steel sticks, bronze doesn’t). Visit pcgs.com or ngccoin.com for authentication. The $4.4 billion claim is a myth, but finding a rare error could still net thousands!