Most people barely glance at the change they receive, especially pennies, which many consider to be the least valuable coin in their pocket. But what if one of those ordinary-looking coins held an extraordinary secret? Across the country, coin collectors are buzzing about rare Lincoln penny errors that were once overlooked and are now making major headlines. These rare mistakes have turned average coins into high-value treasures, often worth thousands or even millions of dollars.
1992 Close AM Lincoln Penny
The 1992 Close AM penny is one of those rare error coins that has recently captured national attention. Most Lincoln pennies from 1992 feature a wide gap between the letters “A” and “M” in the word “AMERICA” on the reverse. However, a small number of 1992 pennies were accidentally struck using a proof die, which has a much closer spacing between those letters. Only a handful have been discovered, and high-grade examples have sold for over $20,000. This error went unnoticed for years and is now being closely hunted by collectors.
1958 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny
The 1958 Doubled Die penny is among the rarest and most valuable doubled die errors ever minted. For decades, this coin flew under the radar, with only a few verified examples known to exist. The error is seen in the doubling of the word “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the front of the coin. In 2023, one of these ultra-rare pennies sold for over $336,000, and collectors now view it as one of the crown jewels of Lincoln cent errors. Its long-overlooked status makes it all the more intriguing.
1972 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny
Another error making headlines again is the 1972 Doubled Die Obverse penny. Although it has been known to collectors for some time, recent auction prices have reignited interest in this coin. The doubling is obvious on the inscriptions, especially the date and “LIBERTY.” High-grade uncirculated examples of this penny have sold for upwards of $14,000, and many more are being found in old collections. With its dramatic appearance and growing value, this penny is now a top target for numismatists.
These overlooked coin errors prove that some of the most valuable treasures are hiding in plain sight. What once seemed like a simple penny could be a rare mint error worth thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. As more people become aware of the hidden potential in their change jars, attention around coins like the 1992 Close AM, 1958 Doubled Die, and 1972 Doubled Die continues to grow. If you have old pennies lying around, now is the time to take a second look—because one small detail could lead to a life-changing discovery.
FAQ’s:
1. What does “Close AM” mean on the 1992 penny?
It refers to the extremely narrow spacing between the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” on the reverse side—caused by a rare die error.
2. How many 1958 Doubled Die pennies exist?
Only a few verified examples are known to exist, making it one of the rarest doubled die errors ever produced.
3. Is the 1972 Doubled Die penny still being found today?
Yes, they are occasionally found in old coin rolls and collections, though high-quality examples are very rare.
4. Can I check these errors with the naked eye?
Some errors, like doubled dies, can be seen without tools, but a magnifying glass or loupe makes them easier to identify.
5. Where can I sell a rare penny?
You can sell through reputable coin dealers, auction houses, or online marketplaces after getting your coin professionally graded.
