Happy Accidents

A 1971 Washington quarter double struck on a 1970 quarter sold for $7,930 as the top lot in Heritage Auctions’ error coin sale on March 23. Graded Mint State (MS)-64 by Numismatic Guaranty Company, the rare double-struck quarter bears a complex and visually compelling overlap of design elements. The reverse undertype from the host coin is visible across the obverse, while the obverse undertype appears on the reverse, with the 1970 date discernible between the eagle’s right wing and the rim.

More Rarities

The auction featured 230 lots and achieved a 100-percent sell-through rate by both value and total lots sold. Final sales totaled $134,847. Other highlights from the sale include:

• 2000-P Sacagawea dollar struck on a 25-cent planchet (realized $4,880)
• Matron Head cent (1816-39) struck approximately 75 percent off center ($4,636)
• 1996 Lincoln cent featuring a three-planchet bonded trio ($4,457)
• 1999 Lincoln cent with a two-planchet obverse die cap ($3,661) 
• 1967 Canada 25 cents struck on a 100-percent nickel planchet ($3,660)
• 1962-D Jefferson nickel overstruck on a 1962 cent ($3,416)

According to Heritage, “The results from this auction reinforce the enduring popularity of error coins within the broader rare U.S. coins market, where collectors continue to pursue pieces that combine visual intrigue, historical insight, and scarcity.”