Coins hold value for various reasons. While historical significance and metal content are among the primary factors, rarity is what often drives their price up. In most cases, the most valuable coins are the rarest. Some coins have gained significant attention over time due to unique backstories.
For example, the 1943 copper Lincoln penny was accidentally minted during a World War II copper shortage and is now worth up to $1 million. However, several lesser-known coins have also been fetching impressive amounts in the collector’s market, including some that might be hiding in your spare change.
It’s important to note that not all coins of a specific type are worth a fortune. Only those in the best condition are likely to command the highest prices. For instance, some rare Lincoln pennies, often overlooked when found in your pocket or change jar, are worth thousands due to specific features or mistakes made during minting. Let’s explore four lesser-known coins that could be worth more than you think.
1. 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Penny with Doubled Die Obverse
Mistakes made during the minting process often lead to valuable coins. One such example is the 1970-S Small Date Lincoln penny, which features a double die obverse. A double die occurs when the coin is struck multiple times by the design stamp, resulting in the design appearing more than once. This happens due to the die being improperly aligned or being struck again without being replaced.
In the case of the 1970-S Small Date Lincoln penny, the most noticeable issue is the word “LIBERTY,” which is less sharp and pronounced than in other versions. This misalignment in the design makes the coin unique. In mint or near-mint condition, this penny can be worth as much as $3,500. Collectors seek out coins with such errors, and the 1970-S Small Date penny is a prized example of such a mistake.
2. 1999 Wide ‘AM’ Reverse Lincoln Penny
Another valuable, lesser-known coin is the 1999 Wide ‘AM’ reverse Lincoln penny. This coin was part of a series of Lincoln cents minted between 1998 and 2000. The 1999 version is particularly rare due to a mistake made at the U.S. Mint. Instead of using a regular coin die for circulation coins, the Mint mistakenly used a proof die.
This caused the letters “AM” in “AMERICA” on the reverse side of the coin to be much more separated than they should be. Normally, these two letters are close together, but in the wide ‘AM’ version, there is a noticeable gap between them.
One of these rare 1999 Wide ‘AM’ reverse Lincoln pennies was sold at auction for $3,960 in November 2020, according to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). The wide gap between the letters on this penny makes it stand out among its counterparts and drives its value. If you happen to find one of these in your change, you might be holding a coin worth thousands.
3. 1972 Lincoln Penny Double Die Obverse
The 1972 Lincoln penny is another example of a double-die obverse coin that is highly sought after by collectors. The coin features a noticeable doubling of the letters “LIBERTY” and the phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the front. This doubling effect is due to a minting error, where the coin was struck multiple times, causing the design to appear more than once.
This particular error is rarer than other types of double-die coins, making the 1972 Lincoln penny even more valuable. In fact, the auction record for this coin was set in 2019, when a specimen sold for an incredible $14,400. The rarity of this specific doubling makes the coin highly collectable, and its value is only expected to rise as time passes.
4. 1969-S Lincoln Penny with Doubled Die Obverse
Another Lincoln penny worth a significant amount of money is the 1969-S Lincoln penny with a doubled die obverse. This coin is particularly rare, as it was one of the first to have the doubled die mistake. Early specimens of this coin were even confiscated by the U.S. Secret Service. The Mint eventually confirmed that the coins were genuine, which led to their value skyrocketing.
According to Spruce Crafts, this 1969-S coin is considered “exceedingly rare,” making it a highly desirable find for collectors. While most double-die coins are valuable, this particular version stands out due to its early production and the attention it attracted. Its rarity makes it one of the most valuable pennies out there, with prices for mint-condition versions reaching significant sums.
Conclusion
Coins can be valuable for many reasons, but rarity and minting errors are two of the main factors that influence their price. The four coins discussed—the 1970-S Small Date Lincoln penny with a doubled die obverse, the 1999 Wide ‘AM’ reverse Lincoln penny, the 1972 Lincoln penny with double die obverse, and the 1969-S Lincoln penny with a doubled die obverse—are prime examples of coins that are worth thousands of dollars.
If you happen to come across these rare coins, especially in mint or near-mint condition, you could be sitting on a small fortune. Always check your change carefully and keep an eye out for unusual features. Who knows, the next penny you find could be worth thousands!
Disclaimer: This article has been meticulously fact-checked by our team to ensure accuracy and uphold transparency. We strive to deliver trustworthy and dependable content to our readers.
