Did you know an ordinary-looking 1984 Lincoln penny could actually be worth $300 or more? 😲 Thanks to a fascinating mint error known as the “Double Ear” variety, collectors are paying top dollar for coins that most people overlook.
Here’s how to identify this rare penny and maximize your profit.
🔍 Why Some 1984 Pennies Are Worth $300+
The secret lies in a minting mistake that created a second earlobe on Abraham Lincoln’s profile.
✅ The “Double Ear” Error Explained
- Visible Extra Earlobe – A shadow-like doubling under Lincoln’s ear
- Cause – Misaligned die strike at the Philadelphia and Denver Mints
- Recent Sales –
- $80–$100 (uncertified coins)
- Up to $300 for PCGS-certified MS-65 examples
🪞 How to Spot a 1984 Double Ear Penny
You’ll need a 10x magnifier for the best results.
1️⃣ Sort all your 1984 pennies
- Philadelphia (no mintmark)
- Denver (marked with “D”)
- Errors exist for both!
2️⃣ Examine Lincoln’s ear closely
- ✅ Error coin: A second earlobe slightly offset beneath the main one
- ❌ Normal coin: Only one clean earlobe
3️⃣ Verify weight and details
- Standard weight: 2.5g
- Avoid coins with artificial doubling (like plating errors)
💰 Value & Grading Breakdown
| Condition | Uncertified Value | PCGS-Certified Value |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated | $20 – $50 | $80 – $150 |
| MS-63 | $50 – $100 | $150 – $250 |
| MS-65+ | $100+ | $300+ |
💡 Pro Tip: Certification often triples the value—don’t sell raw if your coin looks high-grade!
🔎 Where to Find These Error Pennies
- Bank rolls (ask for customer-wrapped pennies)
- Estate sales & old collections
- eBay “unsearched coin lots” (sometimes lucky finds!)
🏆 How to Sell for Maximum Profit
1️⃣ Get it certified – Submit to PCGS via pcgs.com/submissions
- Cost: ~$50 (worth it for a $300+ coin)
2️⃣ Choose the right marketplace
- ✅ eBay – great for uncertified finds ($80–$100)
- ✅ Heritage Auctions – best for certified errors ($200–$300)
- ✅ Coin forums – collectors often pay premium prices
⚠️ Avoid:
- ❌ Pawn shops (low offers)
- ❌ “Cash for coins” kiosks
🎯 Join the 1984 Penny Hunt!
Thousands of these coins are still in circulation. Start hunting today:
🔎 Your Action Plan
- Inspect all your 1984 pennies tonight
- Use a magnifier to check for the double ear
- Post photos in the comments if you find one!
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