💥 New 2024 penny errors are showing up in circulation — worth $50 to $500+ each!
Here are the 3 hottest varieties collectors are fighting over right now.
You could find one in your bank rolls TODAY 👀👇
1. The “W” Gouge Error (The Lincoln Shoulder Error)
This is arguably the most famous error of the 2024 series so far. It is a distinct, sharply raised “W”-shaped mark located on Abraham Lincoln’s coat, specifically near the shoulder area on the obverse (front) of the coin.
-
What to Look For: Use a magnifying glass to inspect the area just above the date. You are looking for a raised line of metal that looks like the letter “W.”
-
Why It Exists: This is believed to be caused by a “die gouge,” where a piece of the metal die was damaged, leaving a deep indentation. Every coin struck by that damaged die now carries this extra raised metal.
-
Estimated Value: Depending on the grade, these have been selling for $150 to $500+.
2. The Retained Die Break (Cud)
A “Cud” occurs when a piece of the hardened steel die actually breaks off. On many 2024 pennies, collectors are finding “Retained Die Breaks,” where the die has cracked significantly but hasn’t fully fallen away yet.
-
What to Look For: Look for a thick, blob-like raised area of copper near the rim of the coin. It will look like a smooth “lump” that covers some of the lettering (like the “L” in LIBERTY) or the date.
-
Why It Exists: The high-pressure minting process eventually causes dies to fail. These early-stage breaks are highly sought after because they represent the “death” of a coin die.
-
Estimated Value: Smaller breaks go for $50–$100, while major “Cuds” that cover significant parts of the design can reach $200 to $300.
3. The “Missing L” or Filled Die Error
The 2024 pennies have been frequently spotted with a “ghostly” appearance. The most common version of this is the “No L” error, where the first letter of the word “LIBERTY” is either extremely faint or completely gone.
-
What to Look For: Check the word “LIBERTY” on the left side of Lincoln. If the “L” is missing but the rest of the coin looks sharp and new, you have a winner.
-
Why It Exists: This is a “Grease Strike-Through.” Occasionally, machinery grease and metal dust build up in the crevices of the die. If grease fills the letter “L,” the metal can’t flow into that space during the strike, leaving it blank.
-
Estimated Value: These are more common but still very popular, usually selling for $20 to $75 in uncirculated condition.
Comparison of 2024 Penny Error Values
| Error Type | Identifying Feature | Estimated Value |
| “W” Gouge | Raised “W” on Lincoln’s coat/shoulder | $150 – $500 |
| Major Cud | Large blob of extra metal near the rim | $80 – $250 |
| Filled Die | Missing “L” in LIBERTY or faint date | $20 – $75 |
| Doubled Die | Doubling on “2024” or “LIBERTY” | $50 – $150 |
How to Check Your Coins
-
Get a Loupe: A 10x or 30x jeweler’s loupe is essential for spotting small “W” gouges.
-
Check the Luster: Errors found in “Mint State” (shiny, uncirculated) are worth significantly more than those found in dirty pocket change.
-
Check Your Bank: Ask your local bank for “customer-wrapped” or “uncirculated” rolls of 2024 pennies to increase your chances!
Would you like me to create a visual checklist of these error locations to help you search through your rolls?
