Oftentimes, Americans will subconsciously pass through potentially valuable coins each day.
A common place is within your spare change – whether that’s in a coin jar, cupholders, or underneath the sofa.
The most valuable pieces feature key dates, errors, or high grades.
In particular, there’s something special about a Lincoln penny with a 1980s date.
A coin collector, who goes by Treasure Town on TikTok revealed why in a recent video.
Why it’s valuable
The exact date is 1988, meaning the Lincoln memorial design is present on the reverse.
This was meant to honor the 150th anniversary of the former President’s birth.
But most importantly, you’ll want to look out for a double ear on the obverse side of the coin.
“Lincoln has his normal ear there, but then it’s almost like a second ear lobe that’s protruding from underneath his ear,” Treasure Town said.
This is a form of a double die error, which refers to a mistake committed by the mint, resulting in a duplicate of certain elements.
He said: “Any 1988 coin, no matter how worn it is, they are worth far more than one cent.”
In fact, in an April 2020 auction, one sold for a total of $3,120, according to Heritage Auctions.
However, keep in mind that this was certified by Professional Coin Grading Services in a high grade of MS 66, which is uncirculated.
Other double die pennies
The double die error can be found on a few other Lincoln pennies as well.
This includes arguably the most famous one of them all known as the 1955 double die piece.
In average condition, the 1955 double die penny is worth $1,318, according to USA Coin Book.
The value could surpass $17,000 if in an MS 63 grade.
One buyer recently paid more than $2,000 for a circulated 1955 piece in a high grade.
Then, there’s the 1969-S double die penny – which is extremely rare.
The reported mintage is just 15, according to Professional Coin Grading Service.
According to recent auctions posted by grading service, the value could range from as low as $16,500 to as much as $126,500.
All have been graded in MS 63 and above.
Additionally, the double die error can be found on a Lincoln penny with a 1970 date.
To see if your spare change is worth anything, you can check eBay by searching the full name, selecting the “sold” listing, and then toggling the search to “highest value”.
This will give you an idea of how much the coin might be worth, because your quarters half dollars, dimes, nickels, and Lincoln pennies could be valuable too.
For more related stories, check out the most valuable silver coins in circulation.
