Fold Over Coins Error Price Guide

Fold Over Coins

Fold-over error coins are among the most dramatic and visually striking mint errors known to collectors. These occur when a planchet (the blank piece of metal intended to become a coin) is improperly fed into the press, usually standing vertically between the dies rather than lying flat. When struck with full force, the result is a coin that is literally bent and folded over onto itself, producing a wildly distorted shape.

These types of errors are very rare and are typically not found in circulation. In the majority of cases, the sheer nature of the fold results in a highly irregular shape, with only part of the coin design being visible. Sometimes, these pieces feature a partial strike, while others show nearly the full design—just bent or wrapped around the fold.

Characteristics of Fold Overs

Shape and Form: Fold-overs can take on many different shapes depending on how the planchet was aligned vertically. The error may produce a coin that is partially folded, completely bent over, or even shows multiple overlapping folds.
Striking Detail: Some fold-over errors display crisp strike impressions on both sides of the fold; others may only show partial design elements, depending on the force and angle of impact.
On-Center or Off-Center: These errors may be struck either centrally or off-center—each variation adds to its uniqueness and collectible value.
Multi-Error Fold-Overs: A few rare examples involve more than one striking or an additional misfeed, producing compound fold-over errors that command substantial premiums on the market.

Fold-overs are considered major mint errors, and due to their extreme visual impact and rarity, they often attract interest from both error specialists and general collectors alike. In auctions, they routinely bring high premiums and may even be the centerpiece of an error coin collection.

Valuation Chart

Denomination	Typical Value Range	High-End Auction Sales	Notes
1 Cent (Lincoln, Memorial, Wheat)	$150 – $500+	Some examples have sold for over $1,000	Values depend heavily on the visibility of the design and degree of fold
5 Cent (Jefferson Nickel)	$250 – $700+	Rare high-grade fold-overs can reach $1,200+	Folded nickels are less common than cents, but still appear with regularity
10 Cent (Roosevelt Dime)	$200 – $600+	Higher premiums for multi-fold or double strike examples	Scarcer than cents; some show near-complete fold with partial reverse
25 Cent (Washington Quarter)	$400 – $1,200+	Exceptional examples can exceed $2,000	These command higher premiums due to larger size and clearer details
50 Cent (Kennedy Half)	$800 – $2,500+	Fold-over half dollars are very rare	Often struck with visible die features; rarely offered
$1 Coin (Presidential, SBA, etc.)	$1,200 – $3,500+	Extreme fold-overs can exceed $5,000	Scarce due to larger size and limited issue
Older/Pre-Modern Coins	$2,500 – $10,000+	Depending on coin type and rarity of the strike	Examples from older U.S. series (e.g., Wheat Cents, Buffalo Nickels) are highly desirable

Final Thoughts

Fold-over error coins are some of the wildest-looking pieces you’ll ever come across in numismatics. Even if someone doesn’t know the first thing about minting, they’ll stop and stare at one of these. They’re that dramatic. This type of error happens when a coin blank (or planchet) gets misfed into the press—sometimes even standing up on edge—then struck in that twisted position. The result? A coin that’s folded over itself, often with distorted design elements, jagged edges, or parts of the coin striking completely off-kilter.

For collectors, fold-overs are a dream find. They’re rare, bizarre, and straight-up fascinating. Spotting one in the wild—like in a bank roll or pocket change—is a jackpot moment. These coins instantly jump out from the bunch, and they almost never last long on the market. When a good fold-over error hits an auction, you can bet there’ll be serious bidding heat—especially if it’s a silver coin, a compound error, or in high grade.

What’s cool is that these errors exist across denominations, so whether you’re going after a humble penny with a clean fold or a bold silver planchet with a full flip and partial design, there’s something out there that’ll add serious character to your error collection. They’re not just valuable—they’re showpieces. Perfect for sparking conversation, showing off to other collectors, or just enjoying for what they are: total chaos caught mid-strike.