When you think of valuable coins, shiny, uncirculated pieces likely come to mind. But what if we told you that seven ordinary-looking Lincoln pennies—coins that have likely been handed over at gas stations, dropped in change jars, or forgotten in wallets—have sold for a combined total of over $253,000 at auctions?
These aren’t mint-condition pieces. They’ve been spent, passed around, and even damaged—but each one holds a story and, more importantly, a high value due to rare errors or unique characteristics.
Let’s take a look at what we call The Lucky Seven—seven circulated Lincoln cents that made history.
1. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse – $19,800
Widely known as the “King of Modern Doubled Die Coins”, the 1969-S Lincoln Cent features dramatic doubling on the obverse. This particular coin, graded PCGS AU55 Brown, was pulled from circulation and sold for $19,800 on November 2, 2014, through GreatCollections.
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Think about it—$20,000 sitting in your pocket, possibly thrown into a change jar or lost in a cash register. It’s life-changing money for something that looks completely average to the untrained eye.
2. 1992 Close AM – $8,638.88
Another well-known error, the 1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent, was intended for proof coinage but somehow entered circulation. The gap between the “A” and “M” in “America” on the reverse is almost closed, differentiating it from standard versions.
Graded PCGS MS62 Red Brown, this coin was discovered in circulation and sold on December 3, 2017, for $8,638.88 through GreatCollections. That’s months of rent or mortgage in many parts of the country—all from a penny that once changed hands without notice.
3. 1966 Doubled Die Reverse – $3,300+
This 1966 Lincoln Cent might look dull and worn, but it’s hiding something subtle—a doubled die reverse (FS-801). While the doubling isn’t dramatic, and the coin looks like it’s seen countless transactions, it was identified and graded PCGS MS62 Brown.
Sold on April 30, 2017, through GreatCollections, it fetched over $3,300. It may not be flashy, but it’s one of the rarer varieties listed in the Cherry Pickers’ Guide.
4. 2007-D Struck on a Steel Washer – $6,325
At first glance, this 2007-D Lincoln Cent looks like it’s been drilled or burned—perhaps an experiment gone wrong. But surprisingly, it sticks to a magnet. That alone tells us it wasn’t struck on the usual zinc planchet.
Instead, it was struck on a steel washer, a striking mint error. Graded PCGS MS64, this coin sold for $6,325 on August 26, 2012, through GreatCollections.
Pro tip: if you come across an odd-looking coin, test it with a magnet. If it sticks, you might be holding thousands of dollars.
5. 1943-S Bronze Planchet Error – $207,000
The Holy Grail of Lincoln Cents, the 1943-S bronze planchet error is legendary. In 1943, pennies were supposed to be struck on steel planchets, not bronze. A few slipped through the cracks, and this is one of them.
This specific coin, graded PCGS VF35, was heavily circulated. Yet, it sold for an astonishing $207,000 on February 4, 2010, through Heritage Auctions. One such coin was even discovered by a school student and sold decades later after his passing.
This coin proves that even the most iconic treasures may start as everyday pocket change.
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6. 1983 Struck on a Bronze Planchet – $4,050
By 1983, the U.S. Mint had shifted to copper-coated zinc planchets. However, some leftover bronze blanks from 1982 were still around, and one was used for this penny.
Graded ANACS AU58 Details with roller damage (indicating it was a bankroll end coin), this 1983 penny was worth a stunning $4,050 when it sold on September 9, 2018, through GreatCollections.
Look for coins that weigh more than 3 grams, and you might have a rare transitional error on your hands.
7. 1961-D Overstruck on 1960-D Small Date – $4,600+
The final coin in this legendary lineup is a 1961-D Lincoln Cent overstruck on a 1960-D Small Date. Yes, this coin features two different dates, one subtly showing through Lincoln’s jacket.
Graded PCGS AU58, this unique error coin sold for $4,600 on May 11, 2007, through Heritage Auctions. Given market trends, it would likely sell for around $10,000 today.
Final Thoughts: Ordinary Coins, Extraordinary Value
The beauty of these coins lies in their ordinariness. They’re not locked away in collections or sealed from circulation—they’ve lived everyday lives in wallets, jars, and registers.
But thanks to errors, transitional issues, or unique strikes, they’ve turned into highly valuable artifacts.
So before tossing your pennies aside, take a closer look. Education and awareness could be your gateway to discovering coins worth thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of dollars.
If you found this article interesting, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with friends and family** who might have hidden treasures in their pocket change too!**
FAQs
Q1: How can I tell if a penny is a doubled die?
Look closely at the lettering and date; doubled dies show clear doubling, often visible on letters like “LIBERTY” or “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
Q2: What does “Close AM” mean on a Lincoln cent?
It refers to the gap—or lack thereof—between the “A” and “M” in “America” on the coin’s reverse. A tight spacing signals a rare variety.
Q3: Can circulated coins still be valuable?
Absolutely! As seen with these examples, many rare error coins were found in everyday change after years of use.
Q4: What tools should I use to inspect coins?
Use a magnifying glass, scale (to check weight), magnet (to test metal), and coin guides like the Cherry Picker’s Guide for reference.
