Could your 1987 Lincoln Memorial Penny be worth a jaw-dropping $200,000? 🤯 While most 1987 pennies are only worth one cent, some collectors claim that rare errors can turn this ordinary coin into a life-changing treasure.
Let’s break it down so you can check your 1987 pennies today and see if you’re holding hidden gold in your pocket change!
🔎 Why the 1987 Penny Could Be Valuable
- 🇺🇸 Billions Minted: The U.S. Mint struck a massive number of 1987 pennies, making most of them common.
- 💥 Error Potential: Even with huge production runs, mistakes happen. These errors are what make certain coins valuable.
- 💲 The $200,000 Claim: A unique 1987 Lincoln Penny with a major error (like a strong Doubled Die Obverse or a mule coin) is said to have allegedly sold for $200,000 in 2024.
👉 While not every coin will reach that value, knowing what to look for gives you the best shot at finding a hidden gem.
🧐 Quick Guide: How to Spot Rare Errors on a 1987 Penny
Grab a magnifying glass or coin loupe 🔬 and start hunting! Here’s what to check:
1️⃣ Check the Date & Mint Mark
- Look just below Lincoln’s portrait for “1987” and the mint mark (D for Denver or P for Philadelphia).
- Errors often show in the numbers or letters.
2️⃣ Look at “IN GOD WE TRUST”
- Focus on the motto at the top of the coin.
- What to spot: Clear, strong doubling (two distinct sets of lines).
3️⃣ Other Common Errors
- Die Chips: Small raised bumps on the coin.
- Off-Center Strikes: Part of the design missing.
- Struck-Through Errors: Strange lines or textures caused by debris during minting.
4️⃣ Use a Loupe or Magnifier
Even small errors can be worth hundreds — so don’t skip this step!
📈 How to Maximize the Value of Your 1987 Penny
If you find something unusual, don’t clean the coin (cleaning destroys value!). Instead:
- ✅ Get it Graded: Submit to PCGS, NGC, or ANACS for professional certification.
- 🌐 Sell Smart: Use trusted coin dealers, eBay, or online auctions.
- 🛡️ Keep It Safe: Store in a protective coin holder.
🚨 Collector Tips for Success
- 🔍 Magnify EVERYTHING — even tiny details matter.
- 📝 Compare with online error coin photos.
- ⏳ Be patient — coin hunting takes time, but rewards can be big.
📊 The Market for Error Coins in 2024
- 📈 Modern Error Coins Are Hot: Collectors love unique mistakes.
- 💯 Certified Coins Sell Higher: A graded error coin is trusted and fetches more money.
- 💻 Online Auctions Are Active: Thousands of collectors buy and sell daily.
🤝 Join the PennyVerse Community!
At PennyVerse.info, we help collectors like YOU discover rare treasures in pocket change.
- 🔔 Get free alerts about rare coin finds.
- 🎥 Watch live demos on spotting errors.
- 📚 Access beginner-friendly resources.
👉 Found an interesting 1987 Penny? Send us photos for a free preliminary check! 📸
Leave a Reply