Could Your Pocket Change Be Hiding a $10,000+ Penny?
That spare change sitting in your kitchen jar might be worth more than you think!
At CoinVerse.Pro, we’ve helped collectors uncover rare Lincoln Memorial cents hiding in everyday circulation — some selling for $10,000 to $50,000+ at auction. Here are the Top 5 valuable pennies you should start looking for right now!
#1 — 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse (DDO): $10,000–$50,000+
The King of Lincoln Cent Errors
How to Identify:
- Doubling clearly visible on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”
- “S” mintmark (San Francisco) below the date
- Doubling strong enough to see without magnification
Auction Highlights:
- MS-64 sold for $48,000
- AU-55 examples fetch $12,000+
Collector Warning:
Over 99% of 1969-S DDO pennies online are counterfeits. Only buy or sell certified coins from PCGS or NGC.
#2 — 1972 Doubled Die Obverse: $500–$1,000+
This is one of the most dramatic visible errors ever made during the Memorial Cent era!
How to Spot It:
- Noticeable doubling on date, “LIBERTY,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”
- Philadelphia mint (no mintmark)
Values:
- AU-55: $400–$600
- MS-63: $800–$1,200
Tip: Always use a 10x magnifier to confirm separation lines in the lettering.
#3 — 1992 “Close AM” Penny: $50–$500+
One of the most famous reverse design mix-ups in the Lincoln cent series!
How to Identify:
- The letters A and M in “AMERICA” are touching or nearly touching
- Compare spacing with a normal penny — genuine “Close AM” examples are obvious under magnification
Value Breakdown:
- No Mintmark (Philadelphia): $50–$100
- Denver Mint (D): $500+ — extremely rare!
#4 — 1998–2000 “Wide AM” Pennies: $20–$150
Modern collectors’ favorite — these subtle spacing varieties are fun and valuable finds!
Key Identification Tip:
- Look for a wide gap between A and M in “AMERICA”
- Check 1998, 1999, and 2000 Philadelphia pennies (no mintmark)
Typical Values:
- 1999 Wide AM: $100–$150 (rarest)
- 1998 Wide AM: $20–$40
- 2000 Wide AM: $18–$25
Pro Tip: Use side lighting to see the AM spacing clearly.
#5 — 1984 Doubled Ear Penny: $100+
A minor but popular variety that’s still being pulled from circulation!
How to Identify:
- Clear doubling on Lincoln’s ear (use magnification)
- Found mostly on Philadelphia-minted coins (no mintmark)
Values:
- Circulated: $25–$50
- Uncirculated: $100–$250
Collectors love this error for its bold visual doubling and affordability.
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“Just found a 1999 Wide AM worth $150 using your guide!”
— Mike T., Ohio
