8 Most Valuable Lincoln Penny Errors Worth Money : Lincoln pennies have been in circulation for over a century, and some rare error coins can be worth thousands of dollars. Collectors and coin enthusiasts always search for these unique mistakes, as they can turn an ordinary penny into a valuable treasure. Below, we explore eight of the most valuable Lincoln penny errors that you should look out for.
1. 1955 Double Die Obverse (DDO) Penny
The 1955 Double Die Obverse (DDO) Lincoln penny is one of the most famous error coins ever discovered. The doubling on the obverse (front) of the coin is most noticeable on the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”, as well as the date “1955”.
- Estimated Value: $1,000 to over $100,000, depending on condition
- Why It’s Valuable: The strong doubling effect makes this coin easily recognizable and highly sought after by collectors.
2. 1943 Copper Penny
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to zinc-coated steel to save copper for military use. However, a few copper planchets (blank coins) from 1942 were accidentally used in early 1943, resulting in the rare 1943 copper penny.
- Estimated Value: $100,000 to over $1,000,000
- Why It’s Valuable: Only a handful of these coins exist, making them extremely rare and highly valuable.
3. 1972 Double Die Obverse (DDO) Penny
Similar to the 1955 version, the 1972 Double Die Obverse penny features strong doubling on the inscriptions, including “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date “1972”.
- Estimated Value: $500 to $15,000
- Why It’s Valuable: The doubling is very prominent and distinct, making it a must-have for collectors.
4. 1992 Close AM Penny
Most 1992 Lincoln pennies were minted with a wide gap between the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” on the reverse side. However, some rare versions, known as the 1992 Close AM penny, have the letters almost touching.
- Estimated Value: $3,000 to $25,000
- Why It’s Valuable: This variety was not intended for circulation, making it one of the rarest Lincoln penny errors.
5. 1983 Double Die Reverse (DDR) Penny
The 1983 Lincoln penny features a rare double die error on the reverse side. The doubling is most noticeable on the inscriptions “ONE CENT” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM”.
- Estimated Value: $200 to $7,000
- Why It’s Valuable: This is one of the few Lincoln pennies with a strong doubling effect on the reverse rather than the obverse.
6. 1999 Wide AM Penny
Unlike the 1992 Close AM penny, the 1999 Wide AM penny was an error where the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” were spaced farther apart than usual. This was an accidental mix-up of proof and circulation dies.
- Estimated Value: $500 to $5,000
- Why It’s Valuable: Only a limited number of these error pennies exist, making them valuable to collectors.
7. 1969-S Double Die Obverse (DDO) Penny
The 1969-S Lincoln penny is another rare coin with a significant double die error on the obverse. The doubling is clearly visible on “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date “1969”.
- Estimated Value: $10,000 to over $100,000
- Why It’s Valuable: Many counterfeits exist, but genuine examples are among the rarest and most valuable Lincoln pennies.
8. 1982 Small Date Copper Penny
In 1982, the U.S. Mint transitioned from 95% copper pennies to zinc pennies with a copper coating. Some Small Date varieties were mistakenly struck on copper planchets instead of zinc.
- Estimated Value: $500 to $10,000
- Why It’s Valuable: Only a few of these copper versions were discovered, making them highly sought after.
Final Thoughts
Lincoln penny errors can turn an ordinary pocket change find into a valuable collector’s item. If you come across an old or unusual penny, it’s worth checking for errors that could make it worth big money. Always examine coins carefully, and if you believe you have a rare error penny, consider having it authenticated by a professional grading service. Happy collecting!
