Some of those pennies could be worth more than a small fortune. The most famous among them is the 1972 Lincoln Cent Doubled Die Error, valued at up to $35,000 auction price.
Another six other rare pennies might still be in circulation, ready to transform your life in a flash. This guide will dissect why these coins hold so much value and appropriately pinpoint how to recognize them.
The 1972 Lincoln Cent Doubled Die Error: Value Up to $35,000
The most gainful and well-known penny mistakes in numismatic history are the 1972 Lincoln Cent with the Doubled Die Obverse (DDO).
What Makes It Special?
The coin has a notable doubling of the lettering on the obverse side, most prominently showing:
- “LIBERTY”
- “IN GOD WE TRUST”
- The date “1972”
This said doubling happened during the minting process, where the coin die was struck twice but out of alignment. This created an interesting and quite collectible error.
Value Breakdown
- In Circulated Condition: $300–$1,000
- Uncirculated (MS65 Red): $6,000–$15,000
- Top Grades (MS67 Red): Up to $35,000
There are also some other lesser doubled die varieties of the 1972 penny, but the one that collectors are after is the “Type 1” DDO.
6 More Rare Pennies That Could Make You Rich
1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
The very first Lincoln Cent ever minted had the initials “V.D.B.” of its designer, Victor David Brenner, in tiny letters on the reverse. The rarest of all is the San Francisco version (with the “S” mintmark).
- Mintage: Only 484,000.
- Value: $700 in worn condition (over $50,000 in mint condition).
2. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent
Some of the bronze planchets were erroneously used in 1943, making extremely rare coins.
- Only a few are known to exist.
- Value: $100,000 to over $1,000,000 depending on grade
To verify, use a magnet: Steel cents will stick, but the rare bronze ones won’t!
3. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
This penny is legendary among collectors. The 1955 doubled die features extreme doubling on all front inscriptions, especially “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
- It’s generally visible without magnification.
- Value: $1,000 in low grades; $15,000+ in high grades.
4. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse
Often confused with 1955, the 1969-S DDO is yet another rarified error. Few are known to exist.
- They exhibit sharp doubling on the obverse.
- Value: $25,000 to $75,000+.
Counterfeits abound, so getting an authentic certification is paramount.
5. 1983 Doubled Die Reverse (DDR)
Given a little less notoriety, this error exhibits doubling on the reverse side, chiefly “ONE CENT” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
- From $150 to $2,500, varying with grades.
- You can still occasionally find one in circulation.
6. 1992 Close AM Penny
A bona fide modern rarity. In the 1992 penny, the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” are meant to be set wide apart. The Close AM variety has them almost touching, a design meant for proof coins accidentally struck onto business pieces.
- Look for the 1992 or 1992-D Close AM.
- Values range from $5,000 to $20,000+.
How to Identify These Valuable Pennies
Use a magnifying glass.
The doubling occurrences and tiny design changes are barely observable to the naked eye. Purchase a coin loupe (10x magnification) for proper checking.
Check Key Features
Focus on:
- Letter spacing (AM in America)
- Doubling in inscriptions
- Mintmarks (S, D, or no mintmark)
Reference Reputable Sources
Reliable websites such as PCGS.com, NGCcoin.com, or LincolnCentResource.com display more substantial pictures and offer good guides.
How to Liquidate Rare Pennies
You have found some possible treasure; now it’s time to get cash for it:
- Grading the Coin: Use professional services like the PCGS or NGC for authentication and grading.
- Auction Houses: High-value coins are often handled by Heritage Auctions and Stack’s Bowers.
- Online Platforms: eBay is probably a big marketplace, but graded coins could confer more trust and money.
- Local Dealers: Try certified coin dealers and check what they have for your coin.
Read More:- Rare Kennedy Half Dollar Is Worth $250,000 – Uncover the Hidden Details
Tips to Protect and Store Your Coins
- Use coin holders for scratch and damage prevention.
- Handle with Gloves: Skin oils could deteriorate a coin’s value.
- No Cleaning: There is nothing worse than cleaning a rare coin after which the coin is worth very little!
Conclusion
That little copper penny in your pocket could be hiding a secret. Whether it’s the 1972 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent or one of half a dozen other ultra-rare types, finding valuable coins in everyday transactions is still possible. A few seconds of checking could bring in life-changing rewards.
So next time you empty your pockets or search that old jar of coins, be sure to keep your eyes open. You might just be holding a piece of history worth thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
FAQs:-
What makes the 1972 Lincoln Cent error so valuable?
The 1972 penny features a strong doubled die error on the obverse. Its rarity and condition can push its value up to $35,000.
What are the other six pennies that are worth a lot?
They include the 1909-S VDB, 1943 Bronze Cent, 1955 Doubled Die, 1992 Close AM, 1983 Doubled Die Reverse, and 1969-S Doubled Die.
How can I tell if my 1972 penny has the error?
Look closely at “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” for clear doubling. A magnifying glass can help spot this error.
