Imagine finding a penny worth $350,000 in your old change jar. Sounds crazy, right? Well, one 1929 Lincoln Wheat Penny with a dramatic minting error sold for $352,000 at Heritage Auctions in 2023. Only three specimens are known to exist—making this one of America’s rarest coin mistakes.
Could another be hiding in your collection? Let’s find out.
Why Is the 1929 Lamination Error Penny So Valuable?
Extreme Rarity – Only 3 coins confirmed by PCGS/NGC
Historic Significance – Struck during the pre-Depression era
Unique Error – Jagged lamination flake on Lincoln’s forehead
Record Price – $352,000 for an MS65+ Red-Brown example (Heritage, 2023)
The Mystery Behind the Error
During minting at the Philadelphia Mint, a contaminated copper planchet caused the metal layers to separate during striking. Most defective coins were caught by quality control, but a handful escaped into circulation.
Known Examples:
- MS65+ RB – Sold for $352,000 in 2023
- VF-20 – Found in a tackle box, sold for $82,500
- AU-55 – Discovered in a 1957 bank roll
How to Identify the $350K Penny
Key Obverse Features (Front)
- Large, jagged flake missing on Lincoln’s forehead
- Natural peeling texture (not smooth like post-mint damage)
- No metal displacement (different from die breaks)
Reverse (Back)
- Standard wheat ear design
- Weight: 3.11g (normal copper penny weight)
Red Flags for Fakes:
- Acid-treated or corroded coins
- Filed or tool-marked edges
- Incorrect weight
Value Breakdown (2024)
| Grade | Normal 1929 Penny | With Lamination Error |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 | $0.25 | $5,000+ |
| MS63 RB | $75 | $150,000 |
| MS65+ RB | $300 | $350,000+ |
RB = Red-Brown color designation (very important in high-value coins).
What to Do If You Find One
Handle with cotton gloves – Finger oils can damage surfaces
Photograph with 10x magnification – Capture error details
Submit to PCGS/NGC for grading – Raw coins sell for 90% less
Insure before shipping – These coins can be worth $350K+
VIP Authentication: LaminationError@WheatPennyExperts.com
24/7 Hotline: 1-800-1929-PENNY
Where to Search for This Rare Penny
- Old coin jars from the 1930s–50s
- Inherited collections from grandparents
- Bank rolls (especially Philadelphia Mint)
- Estate sales in Northeast states
One family sold their VF example for $82,500 after discovering it in a fishing tackle box!
Beware of Fakes
Common Counterfeits:
- Acid-treated pennies
- Artificial peeling
- Tooled or filed planchets
Always Verify:
- Matches known lamination characteristics
- No signs of post-mint damage
- Certified by PCGS or NGC
Final Verdict
The 1929 Lamination Error Lincoln Penny is:
One of the rarest U.S. error coins
Worth $5,000 – $350,000+ depending on condition
Potentially hiding in collections, jars, or estate sales
With prices rising and collectors on the hunt, the next discovery could break $400,000.
So before you spend that old wheat penny, take a closer look—you might be holding a six-figure treasure. 
