Most people toss pennies aside without a second thought. But what if one of those small copper coins could secure your retirement? Certain doubled die pennies—caused by a rare minting error—are now selling for tens of thousands to even millions at auctions. These errors cause the coin’s design elements to appear doubled, creating incredibly valuable collectibles. Here are three rare doubled die Lincoln pennies that could be hiding in your change jar right now.
1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
Arguably the most famous doubled die penny, the 1955 Lincoln cent has a strong and obvious doubling of the date and inscriptions on the front of the coin. The words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” appear clearly doubled to the naked eye. Only 20,000–24,000 of these coins are believed to have entered circulation before the mistake was caught. In good condition, this penny can sell for $1,000–$25,000, while pristine versions can fetch over $100,000 at auction.
1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Penny
This coin is one of the rarest and most valuable Lincoln cent errors ever discovered. The 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse penny shows bold doubling on the inscriptions and date, similar to the 1955 version, but with much lower mintage. Counterfeits exist, but authentic ones have sold for over $70,000 to $100,000, and one specimen went for over $500,000 at auction. Its rarity and strong visual doubling make it a dream find for collectors.
1972 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
The 1972 Doubled Die penny is another incredible error with prominent doubling on “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date. Unlike some other error coins, this one is relatively more available, with several hundred thousand believed to exist. Even so, high-grade uncirculated examples are extremely valuable, often selling for $300 to over $3,000, with top-condition coins reaching $10,000 or more.
Finding a doubled die penny is like winning the numismatic lottery. These coins may look ordinary to the untrained eye but are considered treasures by coin collectors. Whether you inherited old coins or have a jar of spare change, take the time to inspect those pennies closely. You could be holding the key to your retirement without even knowing it.
FAQ’s:
1. What exactly is a doubled die penny?
A doubled die penny is a coin struck with a die that was incorrectly manufactured, causing parts of the design—like the date or lettering—to appear twice.
2. Are doubled die pennies still being made today?
Modern minting processes are more precise, but doubled die errors can still occur, although they are much rarer and typically less dramatic.
3. How do I know if my penny is a genuine doubled die?
Compare your coin to verified images online or consult a professional coin dealer or grading service like PCGS or NGC to authenticate it.
4. Why are some doubled die pennies worth more than others?
Value depends on rarity, condition, and the severity of the doubling. Coins like the 1969-S are incredibly rare, which boosts their value.
5. Can I sell a doubled die penny online?
Yes, through trusted auction platforms or numismatic websites. It’s often recommended to get your coin graded before selling to maximize its value.
