Imagine finding a coin in your pocket change that looks like a tiny flying saucer—struck off-center, clipped, or with wild shapes that make it look like a UFO landed on the planchet. These so-called UFO-like coin errors are among the most dramatic and visually striking minting mistakes collectors hunt for in 2026. Far from defects that ruin value, these rare anomalies can transform ordinary pocket change into five- and six-figure treasures. The most extreme examples sell for tens or hundreds of thousands at auction because they are one-of-a-kind, instantly recognizable, and highly sought after in error collections. This guide explores the most famous UFO-like coin errors, explains why they occur, how they dramatically increase value, current 2026 market trends, and what collectors should look for when hunting these modern rarities.
What Makes a Coin Error “UFO-Like”?
UFO-like errors refer to dramatic minting mistakes that give the coin an unusual, saucer-shaped, or flying-object appearance. Common types include:
- Off-center strikes — Planchet struck far off-center, leaving a crescent moon shape or “flying saucer” look
- Clipped planchets — Curved or straight clips that create irregular, saucer-like edges
- Broadstrikes — Coin struck outside the collar, expanding dramatically into a thin, wide, UFO-shaped disc
- Saddle strikes / double strikes — Coin struck between two planchets, creating overlapping or stretched designs
- Capped die strikes — A coin sticks to the die and strikes subsequent coins, leaving a blank or ghost-like “UFO” impression
These errors are rare because the Mint’s quality control usually catches and destroys them. Survival rates are often fewer than 100–200 known examples, especially in high grade.
How UFO-Like Errors Dramatically Increase Value
Value skyrockets due to:
- Extreme rarity — Most are one-of-a-kind or survive in tiny numbers
- Visual drama — The UFO-like shape makes them instantly recognizable and display-worthy
- High-grade survival — MS-65+ examples are almost nonexistent
- Collector demand — Error registry sets and major auctions drive competition
- Provenance — Coins from famous collections or with strong auction history command premiums
In 2026, major auction houses (Heritage, GreatCollections) regularly feature five- and six-figure sales for dramatic UFO-like errors.
Top UFO-Like Coin Errors & 2026 Values
Here are standout examples collectors hunt in 2026:
| Coin / Year / Variety | Error Type | Rarity Level | Typical Value Range (2026) | Record High Sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000-P Sacagawea Broadstrike | Broadstrike (UFO shape) | Very rare | $5,000 – $50,000+ | $50,000+ |
| 2000-P Sacagawea Off-Center 70%+ | Off-center (saucer look) | Rare | $2,000 – $20,000+ | $25,000+ |
| 1999-P New York State Quarter Broadstrike | Broadstrike | Rare | $1,000 – $10,000+ | $12,000+ |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Saddle Strike | Saddle / double strike | Very rare | $5,000 – $30,000+ | $35,000+ |
| 2004-D Wisconsin Quarter Broadstrike | Broadstrike (UFO disc) | Rare | $2,000 – $15,000+ | $18,000+ |
| Lincoln Cent Capped Die (various dates) | Capped die (UFO ghost strike) | Rare | $1,000 – $20,000+ | $25,000+ |
The most dramatic broadstrikes and off-center strikes often sell for the highest prices due to their instantly recognizable UFO-like appearance.
Current Market Trends in 2026
Modern U.S. coin errors remain very hot in 2026. Online auctions regularly feature five-figure sales for UFO-like broadstrikes and off-center strikes. Registry set competition pushes high-grade examples higher, while circulated errors with strong visuals trade in the hundreds to low thousands. Demand is especially strong for certified coins with clear, dramatic shapes and good eye appeal.
How to Identify UFO-Like Errors
- Look for coins that appear stretched, off-center, or unusually wide/thin
- Check for clipped edges or curved “bite” marks
- Examine for overlapping strikes or blank areas (capped die)
- Weigh the coin if possible—broadstrikes are thinner and lighter
- Submit high-potential coins to PCGS or NGC for grading and authentication
- Use auction archives (Heritage, GreatCollections) for comparable sales
FAQs – UFO-Like Coin Errors Guide
- What makes a coin error “UFO-like”? Dramatic off-center strikes, broadstrikes, clipped planchets, or capped die strikes that create a saucer or flying-object shape.
- Which UFO-like error coins are worth the most? Broadstrikes and extreme off-center strikes on modern coins (Sacagawea, state quarters) can reach $10,000–$50,000+.
- Are any common coins worth thousands as UFO-like errors? No—common circulated coins stay near face value; dramatic errors with low survival drive high prices.
- How do I know if my coin has a UFO-like error? Look for unusual shape, off-center design, clipped edges, or stretched appearance; get it graded by PCGS or NGC.
- Where should I sell a valuable UFO-like error coin? Major auction houses (Heritage, GreatCollections) or reputable error coin dealers; always grade high-value coins first.
Conclusion
In 2026, most coins remain pocket change, but UFO-like errors prove that dramatic minting mistakes can turn ordinary pieces into five- and six-figure treasures. Broadstrikes, off-center strikes, and capped die errors continue to captivate collectors with their instantly recognizable shapes and extreme rarity. Examine your change, old jars, and rolls carefully, submit promising coins for grading, and follow major auctions for the latest trends. The excitement of modern U.S. coin collecting lies in exactly these rare anomalies—keep looking!