Top 10 Lincoln Penny Errors That Can Make You Rich

Understanding Lincoln Penny Errors

Lincoln penny errors occur when something goes wrong during minting, producing coins with unusual characteristics. These mistakes range from mild die cracks to extremely rare wrong-planchet strikes that can be worth large sums.

How Lincoln Penny Errors Gain Value

Value depends on rarity, demand, and condition. Errors that are visually obvious and scarce attract collectors and can command high prices at auction.

Authentication and grade are crucial. Unauthenticated or damaged pieces lose trust and value, while certified examples sell for significantly more.

Top 10 Lincoln Penny Errors

1. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) — A Classic Lincoln Penny Error

The 1955 doubled die obverse shows strong, doubled lettering on LIBERTY and the date. This is one of the most sought-after Lincoln penny errors and can be very valuable in high grades.

• Look for: Clear doubling on the date and motto.
• Value range: Hundreds to tens of thousands USD depending on grade.

2. 1943 Bronze or Copper Planchet — Wrong Planchet Errors

In 1943 most cents were struck on zinc-coated steel. Copper cents from that year are wrong-planchet errors and extremely rare. These are museum-quality rarities when genuine and well-provenanced.

• Look for: Typical brown copper color and weight close to other copper cents.
• Value range: Hundreds of thousands to over a million USD for authenticated pieces.

3. 1944 Steel or Fallen Planchet Errors

After 1943, most cents returned to bronze. A 1944 steel cent or a misplaced steel planchet is a valuable wrong-planchet error. These are far less common than normal cents.

• Look for: Steel appearance and magnetic attraction.
• Value range: High, depending on rarity and condition.

4. Off-Center Strikes — Common But Valuable When Large

Off-center Lincoln penny errors occur when the planchet shifts before striking. Small offsets are common and low value, but large offsets revealing most of the design can be valuable.

• Look for: Missing design elements and clean strike edges.
• Value range: A few dollars for small offsets to hundreds or more for dramatic offsets.

5. Broadstruck and Misaligned Collar Errors

Broadstruck pennies lack a defined rim because the collar failed to hold the planchet. These Lincoln penny errors show a widened, flattened look and can fetch collector interest.

• Look for: No rim, stretched features, and irregular planchet shape.
• Value range: Tens to several hundred dollars in many cases.

6. Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) Errors

RPMs occur when the mint mark is punched more than once in different positions. Certain RPM varieties are documented and collectable, especially on scarce years.

• Look for: Duplicate mint mark impressions or shifted letters.
• Value range: Typically modest unless tied to a rare date or strong visual impact.

7. Die Cuds and Die Breaks

Die cuds are raised blobs or missing design areas caused by die breakage. They create unique, one-off features that collectors often pursue for variety sets.

• Look for: Raised lumps, missing detail near the rim, or unusual raised lines.
• Value range: Usually modest, higher for dramatic or well-documented examples.

8. Clipped Planchets and Lamination Errors

Clipped planchets show a curved bite taken from the edge; laminations reveal layers peeling from the metal. Both are easy to spot and can be desirable to error collectors.

• Look for: Smooth curved missing sections or flaking metal layers.
• Value range: From a few dollars to higher for striking examples.

9. Mule and Overstrike Errors

Mules are coins struck with mismatched obverse and reverse dies. Overstrikes occur when a coin is restruck over another date or design. These Lincoln penny errors are rare and prized when confirmed.

• Look for: Conflicting motifs between obverse and reverse or visible remnants of an earlier coin.
• Value range: Can be significant if the error is authenticated.

10. Die Doubling Versus Hub Doubling

True doubled dies form during die creation and produce clear doubled design elements. Hub doubling or machine doubling is a post-strike artifact and usually less valuable.

• Look for: Clear, full doubling of letters and features for true doubled dies.
• Value range: True doubled dies can be valuable; machine doubling is often low value.

How to Verify and Sell Lincoln Penny Errors

Start by photographing both sides under strong light and using a loupe or macro camera to document details. Compare to reference guides and online services for known varieties.

For high-value candidates, seek third-party grading and authentication from major services like PCGS or NGC. Certified coins gain buyer trust and usually sell for higher prices.

• Document provenance and discovery details.
• Use reputable auction houses or specialist dealers for sales.
• Get multiple opinions for extremely rare items.

Small Case Study

One famous case involved a 1943 copper Lincoln cent discovered in a pocket change roll. After authentication, it sold at auction for over $1.7 million, proving how a single confirmed error can dramatically change value.

A more common success story: a collector found a 1955 doubled die obverse in circulated condition and, after certification, sold it to a specialist for several thousand dollars. Proper verification and presentation were key to the sale.

Practical Tips for Collectors

Always handle coins by the edges, store them in inert holders, and document every potential error carefully. Quick online research can identify known error types and help avoid common misidentifications.

When in doubt, seek expert help. Even experienced collectors consult grading services or specialists before investing in expensive error coins.

Follow these steps and you may turn a pocket change find into a valuable addition to your collection or a profitable sale.