The Mint Mistakes That Created America’s Most Famous 20th-Century Overdate Coins
Mint errors fascinate collectors, but they also create confusion.
Each month, grading services and dealers hear from people who believe they found a valuable mint error. In many cases, the coin only shows damage. It may have scratches, dents, stains, or post-mint alteration. Yet true mint errors tell a very different story.
Most mint errors and misstruck coins are unique. Therefore, values can vary widely. A dramatic-looking error may not bring the price a new collector expects. For that reason, auction records offer the best guide. They show what serious collectors actually pay.
Overdate coins are different. They belong to one of the most popular error categories in U.S. numismatics. Better yet, several 20th-century overdates fit neatly into regular coin series. The Guide Book of United States Coins, better known as the Red Book, lists them in their proper series. In addition, many coin albums include spaces for them. As a result, demand remains strong in lower grades as well as Mint State.
These coins also carry a powerful backstory. They came from the era before modern die-making. A rushed Mint, worn equipment, and repeated hubbing created some of the most famous varieties in American coinage.
The 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel: A Wartime Classic
The first great 20th-century overdate is the 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel.
This variety came from the die-making process of the period. The Mint had to impress a working die more than once with a working hub. After each impression, Mint workers heated the die in a furnace. This annealing process softened the metal. Then the die could take another impression.
In this case, a die first received an impression from a 1917-dated hub. Then, either by mistake or by design, it received another impression from a 1918-dated hub. That second impression created the famous 1918 over 7 date. David Lange’s explanation of this process can be found in The Complete Guide to Buffalo Nickels.
The 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel remains scarce. NGC has numerically graded a little more than 1,000 examples, according to the data cited in the original article. Most survivors show heavy circulation. Low-grade examples begin around $1,000.
High-grade coins tell a tougher story. Numismatists did not identify the variety until the early 1930s. By then, most pieces had already entered circulation. Choice and Gem examples remain extremely rare. NGC records only one MS66 example in its census data cited by Garrett.
Valuable Vintage Silver Rarities
1942/1 and 1942/1-D Mercury Dimes
The next Red Book overdates are the 1942/1 and 1942/1-D Mercury Dimes.
These two coins rank among the most famous Mercury Dime varieties. They also show the overdate clearly. Even well-worn examples often reveal the underlying “1” beneath the final digit of the date.
NGC Census figures cited in the source show 2,288 numerically graded 1942/1 Mercury Dimes and 2,048 numerically graded 1942/1-D Mercury Dimes. That makes the two issues roughly equal in rarity.
These dimes still turn up in unexpected places. Coin shops that buy 90% silver across the counter sometimes cherry-pick them from bulk silver. Therefore, sellers should always check old silver dimes before selling them for melt value. One small date detail can change everything.
Condition drives the real excitement. NGC has graded only one 1942/1 Mercury Dime in MS66 and two in MS65, according to the cited census data. The Denver overdate appears slightly more available in Gem. NGC has graded three 1942/1-D examples at the MS67 level.
Full Bands examples bring even stronger premiums. Aside from the 1916-D Mercury Dime, the 1942/1 and 1942/1-D rank as the most expensive Mercury Dimes in circulated grades.
The 1918/7-S Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1918/7-S Standing Liberty Quarter may be the toughest silver overdate in this group.
Collectors did not discover the variety until nearly 20 years after issue. By then, the best chance to find one came from searching rolls of circulated quarters. Very few collectors saved Mint State examples at the time.
The issue also suffers from strike weakness. In fact, the 1918/7-S ranks among the weakest-struck Standing Liberty Quarters. Full Head examples almost never appear. Many coins also show heavy clash marks in Liberty’s gown.
NGC has numerically graded 350 examples without the Full Head designation, according to the source data. The service has designated only 20 examples as Full Head. Those numbers make the 1918/7-S Standing Liberty Quarter the rarest coin discussed so far.
Well-worn examples start around $1,500. Prices climb quickly with each grade. Gem coins almost never appear. PCGS CoinFacts lists a $108,000 auction record for a 1918/7-S Overdate in MS67, sold by Heritage Auctions on August 18, 2024. Coin World also reported that an NGC MS67 example brought $108,000 in Heritage’s Patton Collection offering.
Unlike the 1942/1 Mercury Dimes, this quarter almost never appears in bulk 90% silver. Buyers should also pay close attention to the visibility of the overdate. A clear overdate improves eye appeal and resale strength. A weak overdate can limit future demand.
Gold Coin Overdates of the 20th Century
The silver overdates above belong to heavily collected series. Thousands of collectors pursue Buffalo Nickels, Mercury Dimes, and Standing Liberty Quarters.
However, gold coins also produced important 20th-century overdates. These pieces remain scarce. Yet many collectors overlook them. As a result, they look underrated when compared with the famous silver keys.
The 1901/0-S Liberty Half Eagle
The 1901/0-S Liberty Head Half Eagle starts the gold portion of the story.
This overdate shows clearly. In fact, collectors can spot it with the naked eye. NGC has numerically graded about 500 examples of the overdate, according to the cited article. By comparison, NGC has graded 8,327 regular 1901-S Half Eagles.
That contrast matters. The 1901-S Half Eagle ranks among the most common dates in the Liberty Head Half Eagle series. Yet the 1901/0-S overdate remains much scarcer.
Collectors should check regular 1901-S Half Eagles carefully. Some overdates can slip through the grading process without the overdate attribution. That creates a real cherry-picking opportunity.
The market still treats this coin with surprising restraint. In grades below Mint State, the 1901/0-S often sells for only a little above melt value. Choice and Gem examples remain rare. NGC has graded only four at MS66, according to the cited census data.
For that reason, the 1901/0-S Half Eagle looks underpriced across many grades.
The 1909/8 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The final Red Book overdate in this study is the 1909/8 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle.
This coin delivers instant visual appeal. Because of the large format, the overdate stands out clearly. Collectors do not need much imagination to see it.
The 1909 and 1909/8 Double Eagles also form an interesting pair. Surprisingly, the overdate is the more common of the two. NGC has numerically graded 1,757 examples of the 1909/8 Double Eagle and 1,379 examples of the regular 1909 Double Eagle, according to the cited article. Gem examples of the regular 1909 are also rarer.
That gives the 1909/8 a unique distinction. It is the only 20th-century overdate in this group that appears more available than the normal date.
Even so, the coin remains a favorite among Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle specialists. The overdate is bold. The design is legendary. Also, examples below Choice condition often trade close to melt value. That combination gives the issue broad appeal.
Building a Six-Coin Overdate Mini-Collection
Collectors who want a focused challenge can build a six-coin overdate set from these classic issues:
- 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel
- 1942/1 Mercury Dime
- 1942/1-D Mercury Dime
- 1918/7-S Standing Liberty Quarter
- 1901/0-S Liberty Head Half Eagle
- 1909/8 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
This group offers history, scarcity, and variety. It also spans copper-nickel, silver, and gold coinage.
The 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel and 1918/7-S Standing Liberty Quarter have long ranked among the 100 Greatest U.S. Coins. Both coins carry major collector demand. Both also tell a story rooted in early 20th-century Mint production.
Meanwhile, the two gold overdates deserve more attention. They remain scarce. They show clear date features. Yet many examples still trade near bullion-related levels in lower grades.
As always, collectors should buy the best coin they can afford. They should also choose coins with clear overdates, strong eye appeal, and problem-free surfaces. These details matter now. They will matter even more when it comes time to sell.
Very interesting article and helpful to know what to look for in potential error coins.
I have the nickel. Two of them actually. And the dime. I’m sell them. Make a offer. How much do you want them?
I have really a lot of coins my mother left me not sure what they worth interested in finding out
I would really like to see some of them
Have a 2018 coin strike with penny on the front and a 5¢ print of the memorial on the back of Lincoln penny
I have a 1942 mercury dime. I would like any information possible about my coin.
I have a Buffalo Nickel and the mint on it is 1937. I wonder is it worth something.
If I had only known of the error coins that I had in my hands throughout my lifetime.
I had just told my girlfriend the same thing just before I saw and read what u wrote!!!! Bc I’m 63:and I’ve seen numbers under numbers on dates but had no idea I thought I was imagining it or it was a scratch or something, to bad for me, oh well moneys not everything you just can’t live without it, lol!!!!!
I have 4 buffalo nickels and I put them on coin scan and they said 10 dollars for 3 of them and for the last one 7 Dollars
I can understand why the 1901 / 0 double eagle is valuable because it’s an error but what error is there on the 1901 that makes it so valuable?
Have a buffalo coin but doesn’t no the date what will that but worth if , I had that date.
I have a 1937 old Nichol is it worth anything
I HAVE A 1942 SILVER DIME IS IT WORTH ANYTHING
Yes it’s worth 90% of its weight in silver. Which is like 6 bucks or so right now.
I have a question about the 1941 dime you all talk about the 1942 dime that goes all the way up to the 19th 32 dime value of it but what about the 1941 dime can someone explain the value in the difference between it to me because I’m trying to understand it
The 1941.and 1942 can have an error that the date is on top of each other. Otherwise it is the same as the rest. Melt value. ³
I have been collecting 1966 Kennedy doubled profile cameo coins. PCGS population is 13 and I have 8 of them. NGC has relaxed grading standards for these coins and have over 10 of these including the only deep cameo in existence for this error variety
Good article
I’ve got 5 nicked with the bison at they worth any thing
The buffalo coin with the Indian on it. I do not see any date, is that coin worth something?
Good job
You should add the Morgan O/CC dollar to the list
My wife and I have old buffalo Nichols in the 1800 wheat pennies quarters times
I also have an entire collection of Buffalo nickels, mercury dimes, 100’s of silver proof sets, dozens of proof sets S, D, and even some W mints. Complete state quarters, every year of the wheat cents including steel cents, plus many, many more. I haven’t checked for errors but I’m looking to sell a few or possibly the whole collection. Where do I go to do this? I’ve tried a local coin dealer but he was only interested in ripping me off. Feel free to email me privately at [email protected]
I have many coins in one of the coins I do have is a buffalo nickel, but I do not know the date because there isn’t one. I would imagine it’s just worn out. Do you have advice where I can find out the date of it?
I have a 2021 dime that has a very thick edge and it is smooth all the way around it
There are more errors being found and cataloged than ever before.
Very interesting article! I need to check and see if I have any of these!
the older coins are so hard to find
I have a 1881 silver dollar and a 1937 Buffalo nickel
I have a 19-69 s double die pennies
I am just a beginner to collecting coins and would like to ask a question. I have a 1987-D quarter that has a “bubble” under the metal on each side. Ive asked countless coin “experts” and none of them would even reply. Someone told me it is a die-chip error and i seen one something like it selling on ebay. Could you point me in the right direction to someone that could give me info. Thank you
I own the 1918 over 17 Buffalo nickel but it’s in rough shape.good article.
I have a buffalo and an Indian nickel I can’t see the date is that worth anything
I love looking into America historical build of old coins, it brings good memories of how far America has come on making America greatness.
It’s a honor to help America keep strong on history on holding on to old coins then passing them on to our history.
I have a 1936 nickel with the Indian face on one side and the buffalo on the other in mint condition how much do you think it is worth trying to get an estimate price
I have a rare 1905 Buffalo Nickel is it worth anything today??
Kathy:
The Buffalo Nickel was not produced until 1913. So your coin could only be a 1915m 1925 or a 1935, assuming that the “5” is in fact correct. Take a look at it again under magnification.
I have a few of the buffalo nickels. Love the information you share!
1944-1959 pennys that look new some are black also deep red
I have a few of each. Always loved the unique designs.
I won a 18/17 D in G04 in an auction , unfortunately the package was cut open and it was stolen before I received it.
Checking for errors in my coins can be fun but is exhausting.