Introduction
Most of us don’t think much about pennies, but some hidden-in-plain-sight rare Lincoln cents circulating today might be worth almost $600,000! These quite valuable coins, easily forgotten in pockets filled with change, are treasures in the numismatic world. If you happen to stumble upon one, you might be clutching a small fortune in your palm. Here are three rare Lincoln cents circulating today and why they are so valuable.
How to Find These Rare Lincoln Cents
These pennies are still out there! Here are some tips to increase your chances of finding one:
- Check your pocket change carefully – rare pennies occasionally surface in everyday transactions.
- Search through old coin rolls from banks or coin machines.
- Look for doubling and unusual features on Lincoln cents from 1943, 1955, and 1969.
- Use a coin magnifier to inspect details closely.
If you find a suspicious penny, consult a professional coin grading service like PCGS or NGC.
1943 Copper Lincoln Cent
The United States Mint used steel pennies at some stage in World War II to keep copper for the conflict attempt. Still, some 1943 pennies have been produced via mistake in copper, which is one of the maximum popular blunders cash.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Only about 20 known examples exist.
- Most 1943 pennies are steel, but the rare copper ones weigh 3.11 grams.
- A high-grade example sold for $250,000 at auction.
How to Identify It:
- Test with a magnet: Steel pennies will adhere to a magnet, but copper pennies won’t.
- Check the weight: A genuine 1943 copper penny will weigh 3.11 grams, whereas a steel penny will weigh 2.7 grams.
- If you do happen to get one, have it authenticated right away!
1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent is the most well-known and dramatic error coin in U.S. history. Because of a misalignment in minting, the date and lettering of the coin appear doubled, rendering it a valuable collector’s coin.
Why It’s Valuable:
- The doubling effect is highly visible, making it a favorite among collectors.
- Only 24,000 were released into circulation.
- One recently sold for $125,000 in top condition.
How to Identify It:
- Look for clear doubling on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”.
- The doubling effect is strongest on the numbers “1955”.
- Even circulated versions can be worth thousands of dollars.
1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
Another rare and valuable error penny is the 1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Cent, which features a clear doubling effect similar to the 1955 version.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Less than 100 known examples exist.
- Many were mistakenly destroyed by the Secret Service, making surviving coins extremely rare.
- A high-grade version sold for over $100,000.
How to Identify It:
- Check for strong doubling on “LIBERTY” and the date “1969”.
- The “S” mint mark (San Francisco Mint) is present below the date.
- These coins are often counterfeited, so professional authentication is recommended.
Conclusion
Discovering a unprecedented Lincoln Cent to your pockets might also just set you up for life. Coins consisting of the 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent, 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent, and the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent aren’t only coins of U.S. Records however extraordinarily precious collectors’ portions.
If you ever discover this type of elusive pennies, it is probably treasured, so test the condition of your cash on a ordinary foundation. Investors and collectors alike need to be aware about those buried treasures—they will be worth extra than you would ever consider!
FAQ’s
How do I realize if a 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent?
You can tell the 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent by way of the doubling of the date and lettering at the obverse (heads) facet of the coin that is visible. The doubling is most prominent around the date and lettering.
How much are these Lincoln Cents worth?
Depending on the condition and coin, these Lincoln Cents can be worth from a few thousand dollars to almost $600,000.