The Lincoln Penny first came out in 1909 to celebrate Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. It’s one of America’s most famous coins. The front shows Lincoln’s face, and the back has had different designs over the years. Normally, these pennies are worth just a cent, made of copper or zinc. But some have mistakes from when they were made, and those errors make them super valuable. In this article, we’ll look at eight Lincoln Pennies with errors that could make you a lot of money if you find one.
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1. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny
The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny is one of the most well-known mistake coins. During World War II, pennies were made from steel coated with zinc because copper was needed for the war. By accident, a few pennies in 1943 were made on old bronze pieces instead of steel. That mix-up made them super rare. One of these sold for $282,000 in 2023 when it was in really good shape (graded MS-62). People love it because it’s so unusual and hard to find.
2. 1955 Doubled Front Penny
The 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Penny has a cool error where the front looks doubled up. You can see it clearly in the word “LIBERTY” and the year “1955.” It’s one of the first big mistakes that coin collectors noticed, and it’s a classic. A super nice one (graded MS-65) sold for $75,000 in 2023. The bold error and how few there are make it a big deal for collectors.
3. 1922 Penny Without a “D”
The 1922 No D Lincoln Penny is special because it was made in Denver but doesn’t have the “D” mark it should. Workers polished the coin-making tool too much, and the “D” got wiped off. Only a few of these exist in great condition. One sold for $100,000 in 2023 (graded MS-63). Its odd mistake and small numbers make it a treasure for coin fans.
4. 1909-S VDB with a Cut Edge
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny with a clipped planchet is eye-catching because part of its edge is missing. Before it was stamped, the blank coin had a problem, leaving a crescent-shaped gap. One in good condition (graded MS-63) sold for $35,000 in 2023. Its weird look and rarity make it stand out.
5. 1931-S Penny on a Nickel Blank
The 1931-S Lincoln Penny struck on a nickel planchet is a neat mistake. It was accidentally made on a blank meant for a nickel, so it’s smaller and thicker than a normal penny. One sold for $40,000 in 2022. Its strange size and how rare it is give it a lot of value.
6. 1936 Double Hit Penny
The 1936 Lincoln Penny with a double strike error got hit twice when it was made. That left overlapping designs, making it look funky and cool. A nice one (graded MS-63) sold for $20,000 in 2023. Its quirky style and low numbers make it a fun find for collectors.
7. 1960 Small Date Over Big Date
The 1960 Lincoln Penny has a neat error where a small date was stamped over a bigger date. It’s a small detail, but it makes the coin worth way more than usual. One in great shape (graded MS-65) sold for $18,000 in 2023. Its history and scarcity keep it popular.
8. 1972 Doubled Front Penny
The 1972 Doubled Die Obverse Penny has doubling on the front, especially in “LIBERTY” and the year “1972.” It’s a bold mistake that collectors love. A top-quality one (graded MS-65) sold for $25,000 in 2023. Its striking look and rarity give it a high price.
Why Are These Mistake Pennies Worth So Much?
These Lincoln Pennies with errors are valuable for a few reasons:
- Hard to Find: Mistakes like double designs, wrong blanks, or extra strikes don’t happen often, so there aren’t many of these coins around.
- Good Shape: If the coin looks almost new, it’s worth a lot more than one that’s scratched or worn out.
- History: Some errors connect to big moments, like World War II, which adds meaning and value.
- Cool Looks: The mistakes make them stand out with unique designs that catch people’s eyes.
Could You Have One of These Valuable Pennies?
Finding one of these rare pennies in your pocket change isn’t likely, but it could happen! Smart collectors check coin rolls, old collections, or even online sales to spot these gems. If you see a Lincoln Penny with strange marks, a weird shape, or something off about it, take it to an expert. It might be worth a ton of money!
Why People Love Collecting These Pennies
Collecting Lincoln Pennies with mistakes is exciting because they’re rare, tied to history, and show off cool craftsmanship flaws. They’re like little pieces of art that tell a story. Plus, for people who invest in coins, these can grow in value over time as more collectors want them. The eight pennies we’ve talked about show how wild and interesting coin collecting can be. From the famous 1943 Bronze Penny to the funky 1972 Doubled Front Penny, each one has its own tale and charm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the rarest Lincoln Penny error?
The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny is often called the rarest because only a few were made by mistake on bronze instead of steel during World War II. It’s super hard to find and worth a lot.
How can I tell if my penny has an error?
Look for odd things like double letters, missing marks, weird shapes, or if it feels different (like too thick or small). If it looks unusual, get it checked by a coin expert.
Where can I sell a valuable penny?
You can sell it at coin shops, auctions, or online marketplaces like eBay. For big money, try a professional coin dealer or an auction house that specializes in rare coins.
Are all old Lincoln Pennies worth money?
Not really. Most old pennies are worth just a cent unless they have a rare error or are in amazing condition. Regular ones aren’t valuable, but mistakes can be!
How do I keep my pennies in good shape?
Store them in a dry, cool place in plastic holders or coin albums. Don’t touch them too much—fingerprints can damage them—and keep them away from dirt or water.