Hidden Gems in Your Pocket: 5 Lincoln Pennies That Could Make You Rich

For over 50 years, the Lincoln Memorial penny was a staple of American currency. While most of these coins hold only their face value, some rare variations are worth significant amounts due to minting errors and unique features. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just someone looking to turn spare change into a windfall, here are five rare coins from the Lincoln Memorial penny series to keep an eye on.

1. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse

One of the most sought-after Lincoln Memorial pennies, the 1969-S doubled die obverse, features significant doubling on the obverse (front) of the coin. The words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” appear with overlapping shadows, making them easy to identify.

How to Spot It:

• Look for distinct doubling on the inscriptions and date.
• The “S” mint mark signifies it was minted in San Francisco.
• Requires careful magnification for confirmation.

This coin can be worth thousands of dollars, with some uncirculated examples selling for over $35,000.

2. 1972 Doubled Die Obverse

Another valuable error coin, the 1972 doubled die obverse, exhibits clear doubling on the inscriptions and date. Unlike minor doubling errors, this variation is prominent enough to be visible without magnification.

How to Spot It:

• Check for doubling in “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date.
• No mint mark, as these were minted in Philadelphia.

Depending on its condition, this penny can be worth from $100 to over $1,000.

3. 1983 Doubled Die Reverse

This rare penny features a doubled die on the reverse (back) side. The doubling affects the inscriptions “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” making them appear as if they were stamped twice.

How to Spot It:

• Examine the reverse lettering for noticeable doubling.
• No mint mark, meaning it was minted in Philadelphia.

Due to its scarcity, this penny is valued between $100 and $500, depending on its condition.

4. 1984 Doubled Ear Penny

Nicknamed the “Doubled Ear” penny, this variety features a distinct doubling of Abraham Lincoln’s ear on the obverse. This is a lesser-known error but still valuable among collectors.

How to Spot It:

• Look at Lincoln’s ear for a second, slightly overlapping lobe.
• No mint mark, meaning it was produced in Philadelphia.

Depending on grade, this penny can be worth anywhere from $100 to $1,000.

5. 1992 Close “AM” Penny

A fascinating minting error, the 1992 Close “AM” penny is the result of a design mix-up. Instead of the normal spacing between the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA,” this error coin has the letters nearly touching, a feature intended for proof coins but mistakenly used in regular circulation strikes.

How to Spot It:

• Look for an unusually close spacing between the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA.”
• Exists in both “P” (Philadelphia) and “D” (Denver) mint marks.

This rare penny has sold for over $20,000 at auction.

How to Identify and Preserve Rare Pennies

If you think you’ve found one of these rare Lincoln Memorial pennies, here’s what to do next:

1. Use Proper Tools: A magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe (10x magnification) is ideal for spotting small details.
2. Verify with Trusted Resources: Websites like PCGS and NGC provide authentication guides and estimated values.
3. Get Professional Grading: If you believe you have a valuable penny, send it to a reputable grading service such as PCGS or NGC.
4. Handle Coins Properly: Always hold coins by the edges to avoid damaging their surfaces.
5. Sell Through Reputable Dealers: Trusted platforms like Heritage Auctions or eBay can help you sell rare coins at competitive prices.

Final Thoughts

The Lincoln Memorial penny series may seem common, but hidden within are some extremely valuable coins. By knowing what to look for and how to verify authenticity, you could uncover a rare penny worth thousands. Keep an eye on your pocket change—one of these hidden gems might be waiting for you!

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.