The 1956 Lincoln Wheat Penny may look ordinary, but certain varieties can be worth hundreds, thousands, or even up to $18,000. 🤯
At PennyVerse.info, we help collectors spot valuable coins and avoid scams. Follow these 5 simple steps to see if your 1956 penny is a rare treasure.
🪙 Step 1: Know Which 1956 Pennies Are Valuable
Not every 1956 Wheat Penny is rare. Here’s what makes some special:
✅ Doubled Die Obverse (DDO): Doubling in the date or lettering.
✅ Repunched Mint Marks (RPMs): Overlapping or doubled “D” or “S” mint marks.
✅ Major Mint Errors: Off-center strikes, clipped planchets, missing design details.
✅ Full Red Uncirculated (MS-65+): Bright, original luster in high grades.
❌ Common 1956-D Pennies: Over 1 billion minted — most are only worth 10¢–50¢.
🔍 Step 2: Examine Your Coin for Key Features
Grab a magnifying glass or coin loupe and check for:
- 🔎 Doubling in the date or letters (sign of DDO error)
- 🔎 Mint mark (D for Denver or none for Philadelphia — slightly rarer)
- 🔎 Strong strike & full luster (better for high grades)
- 🔎 Odd errors (cracks, misprints, off-center designs)
📌 Pro Tip: Compare with trusted databases like PCGS CoinFacts or NGC Coin Explorer.
🛡 Step 3: Get Your Coin Professionally Graded
If you suspect you have a valuable coin, grading is essential.
✔ PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
✔ NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)
⚠️ Avoid unverified online “appraisals” that charge upfront fees.
📊 Step 4: Research Recent Sales for Real Value
Before selling, check real auction results to see what your coin is truly worth:
💰 MS-65 Red Penny: $20 – $50
💰 Doubled Die Error: $500 – $5,000+
💰 Ultra-Rare Errors (Proofs, Misprints): Up to $18,000
🔎 Best resources for price checks:
- Heritage Auctions
- eBay Sold Listings
- PCGS Auction Archives
🛒 Step 5: Sell Your Coin for Maximum Profit
Once confirmed, pick the best way to sell:
- 🛒 eBay: Great for rare errors, with millions of buyers
- 🏛 Heritage Auctions: Best for coins valued in the thousands
- 🤝 Local Coin Dealers: Quick cash, but usually lower offers
💡 PennyVerse Tip: A coin graded by PCGS or NGC will attract 10x more buyers and higher offers.
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