Introduction to Million-Dollar Penny Errors
From accidental bronze compositions to dramatic doubled dies, these penny errors represent the most coveted finds in numismatics. This expanded guide reveals exactly how to identify each rarity and what makes them worth up to $500,000.
1. 1943 Bronze Penny – $500,000+ Holy Grail
Key Features:
- Appearance: Looks like normal copper penny (not silver-colored)
- Weight: 3.11g (steel cents weigh 2.7g)
- Mint Mark: Can be P, D, or S
- Why Valuable: Only 20-30 exist (all were supposed to be steel)
Authentication Steps:
- Magnet Test: Bronze won’t stick (steel does)
- Weigh: Must be 3.11g
- Certification: PCGS/NGC only (counterfeits common)
![1943 Bronze vs Steel comparison]
2. 1958 Double Die Wheat Penny – $336,000
Identification:
- Obverse: Dramatic doubling on date/LIBERTY
- Reverse: Normal wheat ears
- Grade Value:
- MS64: $150,000
- AU55: $25,000
- G4: $5,000
Recent Sale: $336,000 (PCGS MS64RB, 2021)
3. 1944 Steel Penny – $150,000 Transitional Error
Spotting Tips:
- Color: Silver (should be bronze)
- Weight: 2.7g
- Mint Marks: Only P and D known
- Rarity: Fewer than 30 confirmed
4. 2001-D Mule Error – $114,000
What Makes It Unique:
- Obverse: Lincoln cent
- Reverse: Roosevelt dime design
- Mint Mark: D (Denver)
- Population: 3 known specimens
5. 1999 Mule Error – 75,000−75,000−100,000
Key Details:
- Obverse: Lincoln Memorial cent
- Reverse: State quarter design
- Recent Auction: $100,000 (PCGS MS66, 2023)
6. 1969-S Double Die – $50,000
Identification Guide:
- Doubling: Most visible on LIBERTY and date
- Mint Mark: Must be S
- Grade Values:
- MS63: $50,000
- AU55: $10,000
7. 1955 Double Die – $4,000+
Collector Facts:
- Most famous doubled die coin
- 24,000+ minted but most circulated
- MS64RD: $25,000
- G4: $1,500
![1955 DDO close-up]
8. 1922 No D Penny – $2,000+
How to Spot:
- Date: 1922 only
- Missing: D mint mark (should be present)
- Die Marks: Heavy polishing near TRUST
9. 1992 Close AM – $1,000+
Key Feature:
- AM in “AMERICA” touches
- Values:
- MS65: $1,500
- AU55: $300
10. 1999 Wide AM – $500+
Identification:
- AM in “AMERICA” has clear gap
- Only On: 1999, 1998, 2000 pennies
- MS65: $750
Expert Hunting Tips
Where to Search:
- Bank Rolls (Especially wheat cent rolls)
- Estate Sales (Look for old coin collections)
- Coin Shops (Ask about “junk bins”)
Tools You Need:
- 10x Loupe ($10)
- Precision Scale (0.01g accuracy)
- Coin Magnets (For 1943/44 tests)
Selling Your Error Pennies
Best Markets:
| Value Range | Best Platform |
|---|---|
| <$1,000 | eBay / Facebook Groups |
| 1k−1k−25k | GreatCollections |
| $25k+ | Heritage Auctions |
Grading Advice:
- Worth Grading If: Potential value >10x grading cost
- Top Services: PCGS (premium for errors), NGC
FAQ
Q: Can I still find these in circulation?
A: Possible for 1999 Wide AM/Close AM – others nearly impossible.
Q: How to store error pennies?
A: Archival flips (not PVC) – handle by edges only.
Q: Most counterfeited error?
A: 1943 Bronze – always get certified.
“I Found a Potential Error – Now What?”
- Don’t Clean!
- Photograph (Obverse, reverse, edge)
- Compare to PCGS CoinFacts
- Get Professional Opinion
Grading Timeline: 4-6 weeks (faster tiers available)
Want More? Download our FREE Error Coin Bible at [TrueCoinErrors.com]
Like & Share to help fellow collectors! #PennyErrors #RareCoins #CoinHunting
PS: Your penny jar might contain a life-changing find – check carefully!
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