“A regular-looking 1972 penny just sold for 695raw−andover695raw−andover1,300 certified. Here’s how to spot these goldmine errors in your pocket change.”
The $1,300 Penny Hidden in Plain Sight
While most 1972 Lincoln cents are worth one cent, a specific doubled die variety (FS-101) routinely sells for 500−500−1,500+. This isn’t just any doubling – it’s one of the most dramatic and valuable modern coin errors you can find.
How to Identify the 1972 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
🔍 Step 1: Mint Mark Check
- Must be Philadelphia (no mint mark)
- Denver (“D”) and San Francisco (“S”) coins don’t have this error
🕵️ Step 2: The 3 Key Doubling Areas
- “LIBERTY” – Letters show clear “shadow” doubling
- “IN GOD WE TRUST” – Visible split serifs on all words
- Date – Look for overlapping numbers (especially “7” and “2”)
💡 Pro Tip:
Compare to a normal 1972 penny. The difference should be immediately obvious – this isn’t subtle mechanical doubling.
Side-by-Side Comparison
$1,300 Penny (FS-101 DDO):
![Close-up of dramatic doubling on letters and date]
- “LIBERTY” appears bold with duplicate edges
- “IN GOD” shows clear secondary images
Common 1972 Penny (Worth 1¢):
![Normal sharp strike with no doubling]
- Clean, singular lettering
- No overlapping elements
Why This Specific Error is Valuable
- Rarity: Only 3,000-5,000 estimated survivors
- Visibility: One of the most dramatic DDOs of the modern era
- Registry Demand: Needed for top-tier Lincoln cent collections
Grading & Value Breakdown
| Condition | Raw (Uncertified) | PCGS/NGC Certified |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated | 300−300−600 | 700−700−1,000 |
| AU-55 | 500−500−800 | 1,000−1,000−1,300 |
| MS-63+ | $1,000+ | 1,500−1,500−3,000 |
Certification Tip:
PCGS charges 50−50−100 to grade, but can double your money on high-grade examples.
Where to Search
- Old Coin Rolls (Especially 1970s bank-wrapped)
- Inherited Collections (Check penny jars/albums)
- Estate Sales (Look for “unsearched” lots)
Real Seller Results
- 🤑 eBay 5/2024: AU55 raw sold for $695
- 💰 Heritage 3/2024: MS64RB certified sold for $1,410
- 🏦 Coin Dealer Report: BU specimen traded privately for $2,250
Expert Authentication Tips
- Rule Out Mechanical Doubling:
- True DDO shows split serifs
- Mechanical doubling appears “smeared”
- Check for:
- Die markers near Lincoln’s cheek
- Consistent doubling pattern
- Submit to:
- PCGS (preferred for modern errors)
- NGC (strong secondary market)
“I Found One! Now What?”
- Don’t Clean It! (Even fingerprints can reduce value)
- Handle by Edges Only
- Get Free Verification:
- CONECA.org forums
- PCGS Photograde online
“This is the #1 most valuable non-error modern penny. I’ve found two in 20 years of searching!” – Mark W. (CoinWeek contributor)
FAQ
Q: Are all 1972 doubled pennies valuable?
A: Only FS-101. Minor doubling (like FS-102) sells for 20−20−50.
Q: Could this be a fake?
A: Counterfeits exist. Always verify:
✓ Matches FS-101 photos exactly
✓ Weighs 3.11g (copper composition)
Q: Where’s the best place to sell?
A: Certified coins → Heritage Auctions
Raw coins → eBay (with clear macro photos)
Want a FREE doubled die checklist? Download our [Modern Error Coin Bible] at CoinHunterTools.com
Like & Share if you check your pennies! #CoinHunting #ErrorCoins #HiddenTreasure
PS: Bookmark this guide – you’ll want it when you find yours!
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