Have you heard about the 1956 Wheat Penny that sold for $18,000? While most 1956 pennies are worth only a few cents, certain rare errors and varieties can be worth a fortune.
At PennyVerse.info, we help coin collectors identify valuable coins and avoid scams. Below, we’ll break down the 5 essential steps to find and sell a rare 1956 Wheat Penny—the right way.
Step 1: Know Which 1956 Pennies Are Valuable
Not all 1956 Wheat Pennies are rare. Here’s what makes some worth big money:
✅ 1956 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) – Shows doubling in the date or lettering.
✅ Repunched Mint Marks (RPMs) – Look for overlapping “D” or “S” mint marks.
✅ Major Errors – Off-center strikes, clipped planchets, or missing details.
✅ Full Red Uncirculated (MS-65+) – High-grade coins with original luster.
❌ Common 1956-D Pennies – Over 1 billion were made; most are worth $0.10–$0.50.
Step 2: Examine Your Coin for Key Features
Grab a magnifying glass and check for:
🔍 Doubling in the Date & Lettering (Sign of a doubled die error)
🔍 Mint Mark (D or No Mint Mark) – Philadelphia coins (no mint mark) are slightly rarer
🔍 Strong Strike & Full Luster – Uncirculated coins sell for more
🔍 Odd Errors – Cracks, misprints, or off-center strikes
📌 Pro Tip: Use PCGS CoinFacts or NGC Coin Explorer to compare your coin to known varieties.
Step 3: Get Your Coin Professionally Graded
If you think you have a rare penny, grading is a must. The best services:
✔ PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
✔ NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)
⚠️ Avoid: Unverified online appraisals that ask for fees upfront.
Step 4: Research Recent Sales for Real Value
Before selling, check real auction results for 1956 Wheat Pennies:
💰 MS-65 Red Penny → $20–$50
💰 Doubled Die Error → $500–$5,000+
💰 Ultra-Rare Error (Proofs, Major Misprints) → Up to $18,000
📊 Best Places to Check Prices:
- Heritage Auctions
- eBay Sold Listings
- PCGS Auction Archives
Step 5: Sell Your Coin for Maximum Profit
Once you confirm rarity, choose the best selling method:
🛒 eBay – Best for rare errors (reach millions of buyers)
🏛 Heritage Auctions – Ideal for high-value coins
🤝 Local Coin Dealers – Quick sale, but may offer less
💡 PennyVerse Tip: If your coin is graded (PCGS/NGC), you’ll get 10x more interest from buyers!
Final Verdict: Is Your 1956 Wheat Penny Worth $18,000?
Most 1956 pennies are NOT worth thousands, but a rare error or high-grade coin could be. Always:
✅ Check for errors (DDO, RPMs, off-center strikes)
✅ Get it graded by PCGS or NGC
✅ Compare to recent sales before selling
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