Ever wonder if that old penny sitting in your drawer could be worth a fortune? Believe it or not, Lincoln cent errors are some of the most valuable coins in the world of numismatics. From misprints to missing mint marks, these tiny copper coins have sold for thousands — even tens of thousands — at auctions.
Here are the 9 most valuable Lincoln cent errors collectors are hunting for right now:
1. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
- What to Look For: Strong doubling in the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
- Value: $1,000 – $15,000+
- Why It’s Valuable: One of the most dramatic and famous U.S. coin errors ever released into circulation.
2. 1922 No D (Weak D)
- What to Look For: A 1922 penny with no visible mint mark (should have a “D” for Denver).
- Value: $500 – $10,000+
- Why It’s Valuable: Due to a filled die error, the “D” disappeared — and collectors love it.
3. 1943 Bronze (Copper) Cent
- What to Look For: A 1943 penny that sticks to a magnet? Not valuable. But if it doesn’t, it may be bronze!
- Value: $100,000 – $1,000,000+
- Why It’s Valuable: Only a handful exist. Most 1943 cents were steel; a few bronze planchets were struck by mistake.
4. 1972 Doubled Die Obverse
- What to Look For: Doubling in “LIBERTY” and the date.
- Value: $300 – $5,000+
- Pro Tip: There are several minor doubled dies in 1972, but only one major variety.
5. 1992 Close AM (Reverse Design Error)
- What to Look For: The letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” on the back are very close together.
- Value: $1,000 – $25,000+
- Why It’s Rare: It uses the proof reverse on a regular business strike.
6. 1999 Wide AM
- What to Look For: The opposite of the 1992 Close AM — here, the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” are far apart.
- Value: $200 – $5,000+
- Watch Out: Only found on 1999 cents intended for circulation.
7. 1983 Doubled Die Reverse
- What to Look For: Clear doubling in “ONE CENT” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” on the reverse.
- Value: $200 – $1,500+
- Why It’s Special: A reverse doubling, unlike the more common obverse varieties.
8. 1970-S Small Date with Doubled Die Obverse
- What to Look For: A small “70” in the date, paired with noticeable doubling in “LIBERTY.”
- Value: $500 – $3,000+
- Insider Tip: The “7” should curve sharply and be level with the “9”.
9. 1944 Steel Cent
- What to Look For: A 1944 penny that sticks to a magnet. Almost all were copper — a steel one is a major rarity.
- Value: $50,000 – $250,000+
- Why It’s Rare: Steel was only used in 1943; a few 1944 coins were mistakenly struck on leftover steel planchets.
Final Thoughts: Check Your Change!
These pennies might look ordinary, but if you spot one with the right error, date, or feature, you could be holding a valuable piece of American history.
