If you are fond of collecting old coins or are interested in unique and valuable things, then there is a coin which is very special – its name is 1958 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent. This is a coin which is being sold today for crores of rupees due to its mistake. This coin is not only a dream for collectors, but it is also considered to be one of the most expensive minting error coins in the world.
What is a Doubled Die Coin?
When a coin is prepared from a die in which the design is not made properly or has moved a little, then the printing on the coin looks repeated i.e. double. This is called “Doubled Die”. This is a minting mistake, but because it is very rare and can be seen easily, collectors like it very much.
In the 1958 Lincoln Cent, this double image is especially visible in the words “In God We Trust” and “Liberty” on the front of the coin. Even the date “1958” shows slight doubling, making it easy to identify.
Where was this coin made?
This coin was made at the Philadelphia Mint. The special thing is that there is no mint mark (like ‘D’ or ‘S’) on the coins made there. Therefore, no additional letter will be found near the date on this coin. Another big feature of this coin is that its number is very limited – that is, very few coins were made. This is the reason why it has become so rare and valuable today.
Why is its price so high?
Because this coin was made in very few numbers and the doubling is very clearly visible in it, so it is very popular among collectors. A coin in such a condition that it was never used in circulation was sold at an auction for $224,831 (approximately ₹1.8 crores). That is, this is a coin that can be worth more than a luxury car!
It is worth it not only because of its mistake, but also because of its historical importance and how such a big mint mistake went unnoticed.
How to identify if you have a 1958 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent?

If you have old coins, then pay attention to these things:
- The letters in “In God We Trust” appear double
- The word “Liberty” also has a double image
- The date “1958” appears with a slight double effect
- There is no mint mark, because it is from the Philadelphia Mint
If you find such a coin, do not spend it in a shop! Rather, get it checked by a professional coin expert (coin grading service).
Conclusion:
The 1958 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent is not just a penny, but a historical treasure. There are only a few such coins left in the world and the double image on them makes them one of the most unique and valuable error coins. If you have a collection of old coins, take a closer look — who knows, you might have a gem worth millions hidden inside!
FAQs
Q1. What is a Lincoln Wheat Penny?
A: The Lincoln Wheat Penny, also known as the Wheat Cent, was minted in the U.S. from 1909 to 1958. It features Abraham Lincoln on the front and wheat ears on the reverse.
Q2. Why is this particular Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $224,000?
A: Some rare varieties, such as the 1909-S VDB, 1943 Bronze, or 1955 Double Die, are extremely scarce and highly valuable due to minting errors, low mintage, or historical significance.
Q3. How can I tell if I have a valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny?
A: Check for mint marks (like “S” for San Francisco), unique features like double dies or wrong metals, and the coin’s year. High-value versions often have specific traits identifiable under magnification.
Q4. Are these valuable pennies still in circulation today?
A: Yes, though extremely rare, some valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies can still be found in pocket change, old jars, or inherited collections.
Q5. Where can I get a Lincoln Wheat Penny appraised?
A: Visit a reputable coin dealer, or send it to certified graders like PCGS or NGC for authentication and professional valuation.