Top 10 Penny Errors Worth Up to
Finding a rare error penny in your pocket change can turn a single cent into hundreds, thousands, or even six figures! 🤑
Here’s the Top 10 most valuable penny errors to look for—plus tips on how to spot them, their values, and where to sell them.
🔟 1998–2000 Wide AM Pennies
- Key Feature: Wide gap between the “A” and “M” in AMERICA.
- Values:
- 1998: $20–$50
- 1999: $100–$300
- 2000: $30–$150
- Pro Tip: Use a 10x loupe 🔎 to confirm spacing.
9️⃣ 1992 Close AM Penny
- Key Feature: The “A” and “M” in AMERICA nearly touch.
- Values:
- Philadelphia (no mint mark): $250–$500
- Denver (D mint mark): $600–$1,000+
- Recent Sale: $1,725 (PCGS MS-65 Red, 2023).
8️⃣ 1982-D Small Date (Copper)
- Key Feature: Skinny numerals, weighs 3.1 grams (copper).
- Value: $15,000–$25,000+ (PCGS-certified).
- ⚠ Warning: Beware of zinc-coated fakes—compare to the large-date variety.
7️⃣ 1983 Copper Penny
- Key Feature: Weighs 3.1 grams (shouldn’t exist after 1982).
- Value: $4,000–$20,000+
- Red Flag: Normal 1983 pennies weigh 2.5 grams (zinc).
6️⃣ 1984 Doubled Ear Penny
- Key Feature: Doubling on Lincoln’s earlobe (looks like a “ghost” ear).
- Value: $150–$500+
- How to Spot: Magnifier shows overlapping lines near Lincoln’s ear.
5️⃣ 1972 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
- Key Feature: Strong doubling on IN GOD WE TRUST and date.
- Value: $650–$10,000+
- Recent Sale: $4,313 (PCGS MS-64, 2021).
4️⃣ 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse (Proof)
- Key Feature: Heavy doubling on LIBERTY and date.
- Value: $25,000–$150,000+
- Auction Highlight: $126,500 (NGC PR-66, 2021).
3️⃣ 2023 Extra “V” VDB Error
- Key Feature: Extra “V” near Victor David Brenner’s initials (VDB).
- Value: $50–$600+
- Note: Confirm with PCGS/NGC—many counterfeits exist.
2️⃣ 2021 Die Crack Penny
- Key Feature: Raised cracks across Lincoln’s profile or reverse.
- Value: $150–$500+
- Spotting Tip: Look for raised lines, common on 2021-D issues.
🥇 2001-D Mule Error (Dime Reverse)
- Key Feature: A penny obverse paired with a dime reverse (eagle).
- Value: $50,000–$150,000+
- Recent Sale: $114,000 (raw coin, 2020).
- Authentication: Check for a reeded dime edge on the penny planchet.
🛠️ How to Sell Your Penny Errors
✔ Get Graded: Submit to PCGS or NGC ($30–$300 per coin).
✔ Best Platforms:
- eBay – for errors under $5,000.
- Heritage Auctions – for high-value coins.
✔ Avoid Scams: - Never clean coins (lowers value).
- Use Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG)-verified buyers.
📚 Learn More on PennyVerse.info
- 📝 Free Penny Error Checklist – download & use while hunting.
- 👨🏫 Expert Help – upload photos in our forum for free error checks.
- 📊 Live Auction Tracker – stay updated on what coins sell for today.
👉 Start checking your pennies today—your next coin could be worth $150,000!
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