Found in an Old Purse: A Lincoln Penny Worth More Than the Handbag

Finding an unexpected coin in a purse can be exciting and confusing. Many Lincoln cents look ordinary, but a few varieties are rare and can be worth far more than the handbag they came from.

Found in an Old Purse: A Lincoln Penny Worth More Than the Handbag Itself

This article explains how to check a Lincoln penny for value, what errors and dates matter, and how to handle a possible find. Follow these steps calmly and avoid common mistakes that can lower the coin’s value.

Quick steps after finding a penny

• Handle the coin by the edges to avoid fingerprints and oils.
• Do not clean or scrub the coin; cleaning reduces value.
• Photograph the obverse and reverse in good light for records.
• Note the date and any unusual marks, doubling, or color.

Why some Lincoln pennies are valuable

Lincoln cents were minted for many years and include varieties and errors collectors prize. Rarity, condition, and demand drive value. Common valuable categories include:

• Error coins (double dies, off-center strikes).
• Minting anomalies (wrong planchet material like 1943 copper).
• Key dates and mint marks (1909-S VDB, 1914-D in higher grades).
• High-grade specimens that survived without wear.

How to identify a valuable Lincoln penny found in an old purse

Check the coin closely under magnification. Look for these signs:

• Date and mint mark: Early dates (1909–1919) and certain mint marks can be more valuable.
• Doubling: A 1955 doubled die obverse is a well-known valuable variety.
• Color and metal: 1943 pennies were mostly steel; a bronze 1943 will stand out by color and may be rare.
• Strike and centering: Off-center strikes or broadstrikes are collectible.

Use a 10x loupe or a smartphone macro lens to inspect details. Note any wear patterns or cleaning marks that might hurt value.

Practical checklist for assessment

1. Record the date and mint mark (if present).
2. Photograph both sides against a neutral background.
3. Compare images to reliable online resources or coin guides.
4. If it appears valuable, seek professional authentication before selling.

How to preserve a valuable penny found in a purse

Preservation matters more than immediate sale. Avoid household cleaning and abrasive materials. Even a well-intentioned cleaning can strip original surfaces and cut value dramatically.

• Place the coin in a soft, inert holder such as a Mylar flip or acid-free envelope.
• Keep the coin in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Limit handling; use cotton gloves if possible.

When to get professional help

If your inspection suggests a rare date, obvious error, or unusually good condition, consult a qualified coin dealer or a grading service. Authentication and grading add buyer confidence and typically increase sale prices.

Well-known grading services include PCGS and NGC. For valuable pennies, professional encapsulation helps protect the coin and proves its certified grade to buyers.

Selling or appraising a Lincoln penny found in an old purse

Decide your route: local dealer, auction house, or online marketplace. Each choice trades convenience, speed, and potential price differently.

• Local coin dealers give quick offers but may pay less than retail auction prices.
• Auction houses can reach specialized collectors and may fetch higher prices for rare items.
• Online marketplaces (with clear photos and graded certificates) let you reach a wider audience.

Before selling, gather documentation: clear photos, any provenance you have (where and when found), and the results of any professional grading.

Small case study

A homeowner found a worn Lincoln cent in an old handbag while clearing out a closet. The date looked like 1943, but the color was coppery instead of silver-gray. After handling it carefully and taking clear photos, they consulted a local coin dealer who verified it might be a 1943 bronze error. The owner then sent the coin to a grading service for authentication. Because the coin was authenticated, it attracted serious collectors and sold for a significant premium over face value.

This example shows the value of careful handling, professional verification, and patience before attempting a sale.

Final practical tips for a Lincoln penny found in an old purse

• Do not clean the coin. Leave surfaces intact.
• Document the find: photos, context, and date discovered.
• Check reliable resources and ask for a second opinion from an expert.
• Get rare finds authenticated before selling to get fair market value.

Finding a potentially valuable Lincoln penny in an old purse is a chance to learn about numismatics and possibly add to your funds. Handle the coin carefully, get informed, and use trusted channels for appraisal and sale.