Coin collecting provides exciting finds since you ultimately come across valuable rare items hidden in plain pennies. These plain pocket pennies really are of extreme value since they can sell for thousands to tens of thousands. These six unique pennies have value exceeding $10,000 because of both wartime minting errors and extraordinary composition irregularities. These valuable finds need our knowledge regarding what they are and how to identify them.
1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny
As a result of the war effort, the United States Mint replaced copper with steel pennies for use during World War II. The production of the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny accidentally yielded some copper coins leading to the very rare 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny.
- A magnet test process verifies the identification of this coin. Steel pennies respond to magnets but genuine pennies do not attach to magnetic forces.
- The worth of this coin ranges from $10,000 to more than $100,000 depending on its state of preservation.
- Mint Marks without a mint mark, “D” (Denver), or “S” (San Francisco).
1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
A popular choice among collectors, the 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent boasts sensational doubling on its obverse side.
- The naked eye can easily discern that both “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY” are duplicated on this coin’s surface.
- The circulating market value for Doubled Die pennies is $1,000 but uncirculated ones cost over $10,000.
- The coin lacks a mint mark notation.
1983 Doubled Die Reverse Penny
An unusual production error during the penny metal transition led to the 1983 Doubled Die Reverse Penny.
- The reverse features distinctive doubling between “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” features.
- A zinc penny will weigh around 2.5 grams but identification relies on zinc content.
- A mint condition perfect example of a penny can sell for over $15,000.
1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
Owing to its pairing of the common San Francisco mint mark with its great doubling error the penny is now one of the most sought-after collectibles.
- TThe phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY” exhibit striking doubling effects on the obverse of the coin.
- High-grade specimens of this type of coin are worth between $10,000 and $70,000.
- All pennies with an “S” mint mark were produced at the San Francisco Mint plant.
1972 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
The 1972 Lincoln Cent features an impressive doubled die mistake on its coinage.
- Both mintmarks “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the obverse display visible doubling effects.
- Carefully valued doubled die mistakes are worth more than $10,000 but coins that have been circulated are worth higher in the hundreds of dollars category.
1982-D Small Date Copper Penny
The finding of the High-Grade 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny was during the transition era from copper pennies to zinc pennies thus making the coin unique as a rare find.
- This coin is identified by its “D” mint mark accompanied by its small date and composition made of copper planchet.
- Measurement of the weight shows that copper pennies have a weight of 3.1 grams, which is more than zinc pennies’ weight.
- Good-quality samples of this coin have been able to fetch prices in excess of $10,000.
Final Thought
Even though tiny your spare coins are they carry considerable monetary value. Being vigilant about special coins may find you an interesting chance for making money. Before investing that coin examine it thoroughly because it might hold a valuable treasure worth more than $10,000.
FAQ’s
How do I spot a 1943 Copper Penny?
Use a magnet test; copper pennies will not stick to magnets.
What is unique about the 1955 Doubled Die Penny?
It contains dramatic text doubling that can be seen by the naked eye.