Some coins don’t just belong in collections — they belong in history books.
The 1958 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent is one of them. With only three examples known, this coin is among the rarest U.S. minting errors ever discovered. When one sold at auction for $336,000 in 2018, it instantly became a legend in the numismatic world.
🔑 Why the 1958 DDO Is So Valuable
- Population: Only three confirmed examples exist.
- Error Type: Dramatic doubled die obverse (not mechanical doubling).
- Auction Record: $336,000 (Stack’s Bowers, 2018).
- Rarity Level: One of the most elusive Lincoln cent errors of all time.
This is not just another collectible penny — it’s a numismatic unicorn.
📊 Standard vs. Rare 1958 Cents
| Year / Coin Type | Mintage | Circulated Value | Uncirculated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1958 Lincoln Cent (Philadelphia) | 800,430,000 | Face Value | $0.05 – $0.50 |
| 1958 Doubled Die Obverse | Only 3 Known | N/A | $336,000+ |
🔍 How to Identify the $336,000 Doubled Die
If you’re checking your 1958 pennies, here’s what matters:
- Date & Obverse Design: Must be 1958, no mint mark (Philadelphia).
- Strong Doubling on:
- LIBERTY – clear, separated doubling.
- IN GOD WE TRUST – dramatic split lettering.
- 1958 date – may show minor doubling.
- True Doubled Die (Valuable):
- Clear, raised, offset image.
- Caused by hubbing error in the die.
- Mechanical Doubling (Worthless):
- Flat, shelf-like, or smeared look.
- Striking issue, not die error.
⚠️ Tip: Use a 10x–20x loupe or USB microscope for confirmation.
📈 Grading & Auction Value
Even circulated examples (if one ever surfaced) would be worth six figures.
Here’s how condition impacts value:
| Grade | Description | Value Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated | Any wear | Still extremely valuable |
| AU-50 | Light wear | $100,000+ |
| MS-63 | Strong luster, minor marks | Six figures |
| MS-64RD | Choice red, full luster | $336,000 (record) |
| MS-65+ | Superb gem | Could break records again |
🏦 Where to Authenticate & Sell
If you believe you have one:
- DO NOT CLEAN THE COIN.
- Submit to PCGS or NGC immediately.
- Once certified, consign to:
- Heritage Auctions (HA.com)
- Stack’s Bowers Galleries (StacksBowers.com)
These are the only venues capable of handling such rarities.
⚠️ Counterfeit Warnings
Because of its extreme value:
- Many fakes exist (altered coins, machine doubling).
- Treat all uncertified 1958 doubled dies as suspicious.
- Always verify with PCGS/NGC population reports.
📊 Market Trends (2024–2025)
- Ultra-rarities like this are stable, long-term investments.
- Demand from registry set collectors keeps pushing prices higher.
- Next auction appearance could easily surpass $400,000+.
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