Could Your Pocket Change Be Hiding a $50,000 Penny?
Your everyday pocket change may be worth way more than you expect! 
Collectors across the U.S. are finding rare Lincoln Memorial pennies worth $100… $1,000… and even $50,000+—all from pocket change, jars, and old coin rolls.
Here are the Top 5 Most Valuable Lincoln Memorial Pennies you should start checking for today! 
1. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
Value: $10,000 – $50,000+
The holy grail of Memorial cents!
This dramatic doubled-die error is extremely rare and highly counterfeited.
How to Identify
- Strong doubling on LIBERTY
- Doubling on IN GOD WE TRUST
- Date shows clear doubling
- Look for the S mintmark under the year
Auction Highlights
- MS-64 → $48,000
- AU-55 → $12,000+
Warning:
Over 99% online are fake — only trust PCGS or NGC slabs.
2. 1972 Doubled Die Obverse
Value: $500 – $1,200+
Known as one of the boldest doubled dies in the series.
How to Spot It
- Heavy doubling on LIBERTY, date, and IN GOD WE TRUST
- No mintmark (Philadelphia)
Market Values
- AU-55 → $400–$600
- MS-63 → $800–$1,200
Tip:
Use a 10x loupe to clearly see the split lines on the letters.
3. 1992 Close AM Penny
Value: $50 – $500+
A famous reverse design mistake!
Key Identification
- Letters A and M in “AMERICA” touch or nearly touch
- Compare with a normal cent to confirm the tight spacing
Values
- Philadelphia (no mintmark): $50–$100
- Denver (D): $500+ — very rare!
4. 1998–2000 Wide AM Pennies
Value: $18 – $150
These modern varieties are still being found today!
How to Identify
- Look for a wide gap between A and M in “AMERICA”
- Only check 1998, 1999, and 2000 Philadelphia cents
Values
- 1999 Wide AM → $100–$150 (rarest)
- 1998 Wide AM → $20–$40
- 2000 Wide AM → $18–$25
Pro Tip:
Tilt the coin under a lamp — spacing becomes easier to see.
5. 1984 Doubled Ear Lincoln Cent
Value: $25 – $250
A strong doubled-ear variety collectors love.
How to Spot
- Doubling behind Lincoln’s ear
- Found mostly on Philadelphia coins (no mintmark)
Value Range
- Circulated: $25–$50
- Uncirculated: $100–$250
BONUS: Free Rare Penny Detection Kit!
Text “PENNY” to receive:
Error-spotting checklist
Magnification & photo tips
Updated buyer price list
PCGS discount code
“I found a 1999 Wide AM worth $150 using your guide!” — Mike T.
Final Tip
If you collect coins, ALWAYS check your pocket change.
Your next grocery-store penny could be worth thousands! 
