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A few years may not be enough for a coin to become a legend, but every legendary coin starts with a moment just like this, when only a few people realize what they have found. Errors may turn an ordinary unit into a valuable asset, but these should be recognized, analyzed, and properly stored. This is exactly what can be said about the case of the penny 2023.
Flaws, grades, and designations affect the way any coin is perceived by collectors. So, let us explore these very attributes that identify the coin as a potentially viable investment and review the 2023 penny error list with pictures from a professional perspective. Enjoy!
Overview of the 2023 Lincoln Penny
Before we turn to the 2023 Lincoln penny errors, it is important to define the framework of the series and its specific iterations. As such, the Lincoln Shield cent program was introduced in 2010 and has been continuously struck in three main versions, which include:
2023 Penny No Mint Mark (Philadelphia): Struck at the Philadelphia Mint; the most commonly found units in circulation across the eastern US.
2023 D Penny (Denver): Produced at the Denver Mint; widely circulated in the western US.
2023 S Penny Proof (San Francisco): Struck at the San Francisco Mint; issued only in special proof sets for collectors and are never released for circulation.
Note: Mintage figures for 2023 pennies have not been officially released yet.
Obverse (Front): Features a right-facing profile of President Abraham Lincoln, originally designed by Victor David Brenner with the introduction of the 1909 VDB penny, along with the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” above Lincoln's head, “LIBERTY” positioned to the left of Lincoln’s portrait, "2023" to the right, and a mint mark (“D” or “S”) below the date.
Reverse (Back): Displays a Union shield with 13 vertical stripes representing the original 13 states, with a horizontal bar and a ribbon, supported by the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” across the upper rim, “E PLURIBUS UNUM” on the horizontal bar of the shield, and the denomination “ONE CENT” on the ribbon.
The Main Features | |
Coin Series | Lincoln Cent – Shield Reverse |
Obverse Designer | Victor David Brenner (1909) |
Reverse Designer | Lyndall Bass (design), Joseph Menna (sculpt) |
Minting Period | 2023 |
Mints | Philadelphia Denver San Francisco Proof (S) |
Weight | 2.5 grams |
Composition | 97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper plating |
Diameter | 19.05 mm (0.75 inches) |
Thickness | 1.52 mm |
Edge | Plain |
Finish Types | Circulation strike (P, D), Proof (S) |
Valuable 2023 Penny Errors with Pictures to Look For
The sophisticated concept of worth is always composed of several interconnected aspects, with errors carrying the burden of being primary. The 2023 penny value may not be as impressive as one of its previous counterparts, but its errors more than make up for it.
2023 VDB V Penny (Extra)
Auction Record: $780 for MS68RD
Initials "VDB" have always been surrounded by controversies, but this variety brought something exceptional to their history – an extra "V" next to "VDB". According to Jaime Hernandez (from PCGS), it is a unique occasion, since no other Lincoln cent has borne the same error before. In particular, there appears a mysterious raised "V"-shaped gouge near the VDB inscription, likely caused by a die gouge during production.
Broad Struck
Estimated Value: $500
Sometimes, units of currency may look as if they were never intended to exist. The broad struck flaw also refers to a popular 2023 error penny and means that this numismatic creation is struck outside the retaining collar, expanding it outward and losing its defined rim. As a result, it often appears “puffed” or warped (just like the 2023 D penny error example in the photo above).
Lamination Error
Estimated Value: $500
It is reported by reputable coin auction platforms that there are a few samples that belong to the 2023 D penny error list with pictures and features peeling or flaking on the coin’s surface, usually on one side. Consequently, this exposes raw metal or creates lifted patches, as the metal peels off. The severity, on its part, defines how valuable this coin can be.
Defective Copper Plating Planchet
Estimated Value: $300
The anatomy of a coin presupposes that there should be a few layers of metal with a thin copper shell covering the piece. When this shell fails to adhere to the zinc core properly, this results in rough textures, bubbles, or a simple exposure of zinc areas, especially after prolonged circulation.
Capped Die Error
Estimated Value: $175
The appearance is the only constituent that may either reveal a coin’s hidden value or pronounce its ordinariness. What happens with the capped die error? In fact, a previously struck issue sticks to the die and “caps” it, leading to smooth-faced coins with missing or ghosted design elements.
DDO/DDR (Doubled Die Obverse/Reverse)
Estimated Value: $18
Among the most popular deviations from the standard design is a 2023 double die penny in both DDO and DDR varieties. This means that the surface, be it the obverse or reverse side, features visible doubling of letters or numbers, especially in the date, LIBERTY, or UNITED STATES. Besides, this occurs during the die creation process, not from double striking – it is important to know!
2023 Value Chart: General Overview
Indeed, most 2023 pennies should be present in circulation and, hence, worth face value only. Nevertheless, certain samples can be superior and do command premiums on the secondary market. Let us take a look at the general value chart outlining the price ranges for standard 2023 pennies and error coins, based on typical coin grading tiers.
Produced by… | Circulated (G–XF) | Uncirculated (MS60–MS65) | High Grade (MS66–MS68+) | With Errors (Any Grade) |
Philadelphia | $0.01 | $0.10 – $0.50 | $1 – $5 | $15 – $150+ |
Denver | $0.01 | $0.10 – $0.50 | $1 – $5 | $15 – $100+ |
San Francisco | Not in circulation | $2 – $5 | $7 – $20+ | $50 – $200+ |
Note: Error coin values vary depending on the type (e.g., Extra V, double die, capped die), visibility, and coin grade. To learn more about current market trends and the real values, please rely on reputable resources like Coin ID Scanner. This tool may help one identify numismatic creations, manage their collections, detect errors, and review how much a coin may potentially cost (appraisal by the renowned coin grading services like NGC is still vital).
Treasures are not necessarily buried. Sometimes, they are hidden right in front of your eyes, and even a cent can be worth a fortune.
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