Some pennies are worth a few dollars, some are worth thousands… but the 1958 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent is in a league of its own. With only three confirmed examples, this ultra-rare error coin has sold for as much as $336,000 at auction.
At PennyVerse.info, we love sharing stories of coins hiding in plain sight — but this one is beyond ordinary collecting. It’s a piece of U.S. coinage history that has reached mythical status.
Why the 1958 Doubled Die Is So Special
Unlike the 800 million regular 1958 Lincoln cents minted, this error was caused by a die misalignment that created dramatic doubling on the obverse.
Only 3 known examples exist
One sold for $336,000 in 2018 (Stack’s Bowers)
Considered one of the “Holy Grails” of error coins
Key Varieties & Values
| Year / Coin Type | Mintage | Circulated Value | Uncirculated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1958 Lincoln Cent (P, normal issue) | 800,430,000 | Face value | $0.05 – $0.50 |
| 1958 Doubled Die Obverse (Ultra-Rare) | Only 3 Known! | N/A | $336,000+ |
How to Identify the $336,000 1958 Doubled Die
If you’re lucky enough to have a 1958 penny, here’s what to check:
Check the Date
- Must read 1958 (no mint mark — all were struck in Philadelphia).
Look for Doubling (Obverse)
Use a 10x–20x loupe or USB microscope to examine:
- “LIBERTY” → Clear, separated doubling
- “IN GOD WE TRUST” → Bold doubled letters
- Date “1958” → Subtle doubling possible
True Doubled Die vs. Machine Doubling
- True doubled die (valuable): Raised, distinct, offset letters
- Machine doubling (worthless): Flat, shelf-like, smeared
Grading & Auction Values
Even one of these coins in poor shape would be priceless, but condition multiplies its value:
| Grade | Description | Value Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated | Worn, visible details | Still six figures |
| AU-50 | Light wear | Tens of thousands |
| MS-63 | Few marks, good luster | High six figures |
| MS-64 RD | Strong luster, minor marks | $336,000 (Auction Record) |
| MS-65+ | Gem condition | Could break records |
Critical Warnings
Don’t clean the coin – cleaning destroys value
Beware counterfeits – this rarity is heavily faked
Only trust PCGS or NGC authentication
What to Do If You Think You Have One
- Do NOT clean or polish it
- Place it in a protective coin flip
- Submit to PCGS (PCGS.com) or NGC (NGCcoin.com)
- If confirmed → contact top auction houses like Heritage or Stack’s Bowers
Only premier auction houses can handle coins of this rarity and attract millionaire collectors willing to pay record-breaking prices.
Market Trends (2025 Update)
- Ultra-rarities like the 1958 DDO are still setting records
- PCGS/NGC authentication is mandatory for sales
- Global demand from high-net-worth collectors keeps pushing values upward
- Next appearance at auction could easily surpass $336,000
Final Thoughts
The 1958 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent is not just another rare penny — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime discovery with only three known examples. If a fourth ever surfaces, it would send shockwaves through the coin-collecting world.
While the odds of finding one are tiny, stories like this prove why every collector should check their change carefully. A small copper coin could still be hiding in plain sight — and worth more than a house. 
