Did you know some ordinary-looking pennies are worth hundreds of thousands — even over $1 million? 
Recent auctions have shocked coin collectors worldwide when three Lincoln cents sold for $275,000, $288,000, and an incredible $1.14 million.
Recent auctions have shocked coin collectors worldwide when three Lincoln cents sold for $275,000, $288,000, and an incredible $1.14 million.Let’s dive into these legendary coins and how you can spot one in your own change.
The Million-Dollar Penny Trio
1922 “No D” Lincoln Cent
- Sold for: $275,000 (MS64)
- Key Error: Missing Denver mintmark
- How to Spot: Smooth blank area where the “D” should be
1955 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
- Sold for: $288,000 (MS65+)
- Key Error: Dramatic doubling on the date and the word LIBERTY
- How to Spot: Bold “shadow effect” on numbers and letters — visible without magnification
1958 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
- Sold for: $1,140,000 (MS65)
- Key Error: The most extreme doubled die in Lincoln cent history
- How to Spot: Overlapping, blurry letters clearly visible to the naked eye
Why These Pennies Are Worth a Fortune
Ultra Rare – Only a handful are known to exist
Mint State Grades – Uncirculated coins bring the highest prices
Historical Significance – Each represents a major minting mistake
Collector Demand – Competitive bidding pushes prices to record levels
How to Check Your Pennies
Focus on Dates: 1922, 1955, and 1958
Use a 10x Loupe: Inspect dates, mintmarks, and lettering
Mintmark Rules:
- 1922: No “D” should appear
- 1955 & 1958: Philadelphia only (no mintmark)
Check Condition: - Full red luster preferred
- Avoid cleaned or damaged coins
Value Guide (Recent Auction Prices)
| Coin Variety | Grade | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1922 No D | MS64 | $250K – $300K |
| 1955 DDO | MS65+ | $275K – $350K |
| 1958 DDO | MS65 | $1M – $1.2M |
Where Rare Pennies Are Found
- Old coin albums from the 1950s & earlier
- Estate sales and auctions
- Forgotten bank rolls saved for decades
- Safety deposit boxes in family collections
What To Do If You Find One
Handle only by the edges
Store in a protective holder
Send to PCGS or NGC for authentication & grading
Contact trusted auction houses like Heritage Auctions
Important: Counterfeits are common! Always get your coin professionally authenticated before selling.
