💰 Could Your Penny Be Worth a Fortune?
Most 1958 wheat pennies are worth just a few cents — but one rare doubled die error sold for a jaw-dropping $336,000 at auction. Imagine pulling that from an old coin jar! Let’s break down how to identify this ultra-rare variety and see if you might be sitting on a hidden treasure.
The Record-Setting 1958 Doubled Die Obverse
The famous six-figure penny had these key traits:
- Date: 1958, Philadelphia mint (no “D” mintmark)
- Error: Strong doubled die on the obverse (front)
- Doubling: Clear separation on LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST
- Condition: Mint State Red (MS65+), nearly flawless surfaces
This type of doubling is bold enough that even the naked eye can spot it.
3-Step Identification Guide
Step 1: Check the Date
- Must be 1958 (no mintmark → Philadelphia issue)
- Denver coins (1958-D) don’t have this variety
- Later cents (1959+) switched to the Memorial reverse, so don’t apply
Step 2: Inspect LIBERTY
- Use a 10x magnifier
- Look for clear split serifs and separation between letters
- Doubling should be strong, not just a shadow
Step 3: Study IN GOD WE TRUST
- Heavy doubling, especially on:
- The “G” in GOD
- The “T” in TRUST
- True doubled dies show uniform separation — machine doubling looks flat or shelf-like
Grading & Value of the 1958 Doubled Die Penny
| Grade | Description | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| MS-60 to MS-63 | Light doubling, minor wear | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| MS-64 | Moderate doubling, few marks | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| MS-65 | Strong doubling, excellent surfaces | $50,000 – $150,000 |
| MS-65+ | Bold doubling, nearly perfect | $200,000 – $336,000+ |
💡 Pro Tip: Even lower-grade examples are highly valuable due to extreme rarity.
Where to Find These Pennies
- Original Mint Rolls – Old bank rolls from 1958
- Inherited Collections – Boxes in attics and basements often hide overlooked rarities
- Estate Sales & Auctions – Bulk coin lots can contain treasures
- Coin Dealer Inventory – Some shops may miss the doubled die detail
How to Sell a 1958 Doubled Die Obverse
- Get It Certified
- Submit to PCGS or NGC for grading and authentication
- Certification costs $75–$150 but can multiply the coin’s value
- Professional Photography
- Use a macro lens with natural light
- Show doubling clearly, especially on LIBERTY and GOD
- Choose the Right Marketplace
| Platform | Best For | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Heritage Auctions | High-value coins | ~15% |
| GreatCollections | Certified rarities | ~10% |
| eBay | Raw/unverified coins | ~12.9% |
| Private Treaty | Sales over $100k | 5–8% |
Avoid These Mistakes ❌
- Don’t clean your coin — it destroys value
- Don’t sell raw (ungraded) if your coin looks high-end
- Avoid generic “cash for coins” shops — they’ll lowball you
- Watch out for fake slabs and uncertified sellers
Join the Wheat Penny Hunters Community
At PennyVerse.info, you’ll get:
🔎 Free weekly coin-hunting tips
📸 Expert help identifying rare varieties
📊 Access to our rare penny value database
📢 Auction alerts for record-setting sales
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