COINING IT
I’m a coin collector – your penny could be worth up to $4,000, see the exact details to look for
A COIN collector has shown off a penny that could be worth thousands but you’ll need to look out for a couple of elements.
This applies to the Lincoln penny, which has been struck by the US Mint since 1909.
2
2
Like all other coins, the most valuable ones typically feature low mintage, errors, or are in high grades.
A collector, who goes by “coinhub” on TikTok or Blake Alma has broken down why a particular penny might be worth thousands.
Here is what you need to look for, according to Blake, who often shares his knowledge to his 816,000 followers about other valuable coins as well including ones with the Jefferson and Washington designs.
What to look for
The exact date on the penny is 1960, which can be found in the bottom right on the front of the penny.
READ MORE ON COINS
That means the coin will feature the Memorial cent design.
Also, this particular penny needs to bear a D mintmark, which stands for the mint location of Denver.
But there are a couple of major elements to look out for on the 1960 penny.
One is known as a double die error, which can be found on the date if it has it.
Most read in Money
“You might see something called doubling,” Blake said.
“It will have a 3D-like effect.”
Also, you’ll want to look closely at the D and see if the same letter is punched over it.
“You might see a smaller D [below it]," Blake said.
“It’s very vague but it’s there. That’s called a D/D error; it’s a double die.”
The record for one of these pieces is a total of $4,025 in an auction, according to Professional Coin Grading Services.
However, keep in mind that it was certified in a high grade of MS 66, which is uncirculated
Grading scales only run up to 70.
Other valuable pennies
Additionally, there are other double-die errors to look out for.
Arguably the most famous one of them all is known as the 1955 double die piece.
In average condition, the 1955 double die penny is worth $1,318, according to USA Coin Book.
The value could surpass $17,000 if in an MS 63 grade.
One buyer recently paid more than $2,000 for a circulated 1955 piece in a high grade.
Also, there’s the 1922 Lincoln penny without a mintmark, which can be worth thousands depending on the grade.
It is worth $970 in average condition and up to $30,724 if in an “Uncirculated (MS-63)” grade, according to USA Coin Book.
It is estimated that 25,000 no-mintmark pennies were produced with “perhaps” 10,000 pieces surviving, according to collector’s guide Lincoln Cents.
To see if your spare change is worth anything, you can check eBay by searching the full name, selecting the "sold" listing, and then toggling the search to "highest value”.
Read More on The US Sun
Read More on The US Sun
This will give you an idea of how much the coin might be worth, because your quarters half dollars, dimes, nickels, and could be valuable too.
For more related stories, check out the most valuable silver coins in circulation.