[Value]
In this deep-dive guide, we reveal the “Holy Grail” coins of the Lincoln Cent series that collectors will pay millions to own:
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The 1943 Bronze/Copper Penny: Only a handful were ever made by mistake during WWII. One recently sold for over $1.7 Million, with some estimates reaching as high as $5 Million for the finest known examples.
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The 1944 Steel Penny: The “opposite” of the 1943 error—this coin was struck on a leftover steel planchet. A Denver mint (1944-D) version has a recorded value of $1.7 Million.
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The 1958 Double Die Obverse: One of the rarest errors in history, with only three known to exist. It features massive doubling on the letters and has an auction record of $336,000.
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The 1969-S Double Die Obverse: A modern treasure you can still find in circulation! High-grade versions have sold for over $126,000.
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The Legend of the 1943 Copper Penny
During World War II, copper was a critical material for the war effort, used for shell casings and wiring. To save metal, the U.S. Mint switched to zinc-coated steel pennies in 1943. However, a few copper planchets from 1942 remained stuck in the feeder bins. When the 1943 dies began striking, these copper blanks were accidentally minted.
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The Test: If you find a 1943 penny that looks copper, use a magnet. If it sticks, it’s a fake (plated steel). If it does NOT stick, you might be holding a million-dollar coin!
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Value: Circulated examples sell for $200,000+, while the unique 1943-D (Denver) version is valued at over $1.5 to $1.7 Million.
The 1944 Steel Penny Error
In 1944, the Mint returned to copper (specifically “shell-case” bronze). Just as before, a few leftover steel blanks from 1943 were accidentally used.
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How to Identify: These coins have a silvery-grey appearance. Unlike the 1943 copper error, this one SHOULD be magnetic.
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Value: The San Francisco (1944-S) steel penny has reached auction records of $408,000, and the Denver (1944-D) version is the king of this error, worth up to $1.7 Million.
The “Big Three” Double Die Varieties
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1958 Double Die Obverse: This is the “King” of Lincoln varieties. The doubling on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” is so thick it can be seen with the naked eye. Only 3 are known.
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1969-S Double Die Obverse: Beware of “Machine Doubling” (which is common and worthless). The real 1969-S DDO shows clear, separated doubling on the date and lettering. A high-grade MS64 version sold for $126,500.
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1955 Double Die Obverse: The most famous error in the world! These are much easier to find than the 1958 version but still sell for $15,000 to $35,000+ in top condition.
Steps to Take if You Find a Rare Coin
If you suspect you have found one of these treasures:
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Handle with Care: Do NOT clean the coin! Cleaning a rare coin can destroy 90% of its value.
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Get it Authenticated: Send it to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. Their certification is the only way to prove your coin is genuine and not a counterfeit.
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Auction Houses: For coins worth millions, use reputable auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers to ensure you get the true market value.
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