From 1959 to 2008, the reverse of the one-cent coin featured the iconic Lincoln Memorial design. While countless billions of these pennies are worth exactly one cent, the U.S. Mint’s own errors during this era created a handful of spectacular, rare varieties that are highly sought after by collectors. These special error coins often sell for hundreds, thousands, and even tens of thousands of dollars in high grades.
If you are checking your pocket change in 2025, here are the top 5 Lincoln Memorial pennies you must look for:
1. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
This is considered the “Holy Grail” of modern Lincoln cents, with auction prices that reach six figures.
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The Error: A severe doubling on the obverse (front) of the coin, caused by the die being struck twice with a slight rotation. The doubling is strong and visible on the date (“1969”), “LIBERTY,” and the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST”.
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Rarity and Value: It is believed that fewer than 50 examples are known to exist. A circulated example alone can be worth $10,000 or more. The record auction price for a high-grade example (MS64 RD) reached up to $126,500.
2. 1972 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
The 1972 Doubled Die is another major variety and one of the most recognizable errors in the Lincoln Cent series.
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The Error: The doubling is clear and dramatic on the obverse. Collectors should look for strong doubling on the date (“1972”) and the word “LIBERTY”.
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Rarity and Value: There are over 10 different doubled dies for this year, but the Type 1 variety is the most valuable and most desired. Only about 20,000 of the error coins are thought to exist. The most expensive example (MS67 RD) sold for $14,400 at auction in 2019.
3. 1984 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) – The “Doubled Ear”
This error is famous for its distinctive visual flaw on Lincoln’s profile.
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The Error: The doubling is most visible on Lincoln’s ear, appearing as a clear, elongated double lobe or secondary outline (often called the “Double Ear”). Doubling may also be present on the date and the word “LIBERTY”.
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Value: This coin is highly sought after by collectors. A high-grade example (MS68 RD) has sold for as much as $3,650 at auction. Uncirculated examples can be worth up to $2,500.
4. 1992-D Close AM
This subtle but critical variety requires close inspection of the reverse side of the coin.
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The Error: A small number of 1992-D cents were mistakenly struck using a reverse die intended for the 1993 issue. This mistake results in the letters ‘A’ and ‘M’ in AMERICA being positioned very closely together, almost touching, at the base.
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Value: This variety is quite rare. Examples have sold for as much as $14,100. Even an average quality uncirculated coin is typically worth around $750 to $1,000.
5. 1995 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
While not as rare as the 1969-S, the 1995 DDO is dramatically visible and easily found by diligent pocket change searchers.
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The Error: The doubling is strong enough to be seen with the naked eye. Look for clear doubling on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”.
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Value: Because many were found, the value dropped after the initial discovery, but it remains a very desirable coin. It is considered the most dramatic Doubled Die error on any circulating coin made from 1995 to the present. High-grade examples (MS69 RD) have reached $5,053 at auction.
💡 Collector’s Tip: The ‘AM’ Varieties
In addition to the 1992-D, collectors also look for ‘Wide AM’ varieties on later Lincoln Memorial Cents. This occurs when the reverse die intended for the Proof coins (Wide AM) was accidentally used for the circulation strikes (Close AM).
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1998-P Wide AM: Up to $1,000 (MS67 RD).
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1999-P Wide AM: Up to $1,000 (MS67 RD).
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2000 Wide AM: Up to $200 (MS67 RD).
Always remember: The final price of any error coin depends almost entirely on its condition (grade). A coin graded MS-67 or higher can be worth thousands more than a circulated or lower-graded example of the same error. If you suspect you have found one of these treasures, protect it immediately and consider professional authentication.
Would you like me to find images of these specific Doubled Die errors (like the 1972 or 1984) to help you visualize what to look for?
