More Than a Penny: Double Die Lincoln Cents to Know

It is no secret that minting errors on coins long ago became a subject of interest and are highly valued by both professionals and beginners. Among all U.S. coins, one of the most famous and popular errors is the so-called double die errors.

What are double die coins? Why are we talking today especially about doubled die penny and how to tell if penny is double die? The point is that sometimes even a small deviation from the norm on even the smallest and unnoticeable coin like a penny can become not just a defect, but a real value. 

Double die Lincoln cents attracted a lot of attention and became a popular and coveted piece of hunting for collectors from all over the country. Let's understand how and why the double struck penny turned from an unremarkable coin into a symbol of “wealth” and examine the list of double die pennies that can unexpectedly end up in the hands of any lucky collector.

The World of Minting Mistakes

Did you know that no one even thought about the question “what is a doubled die coin” until the middle of the XX century, although this type of error was noticed at the beginning of the century? Coins, and especially double die penny examples gained real popularity only after the iconic 1955 doubled die Lincoln penny was discovered. Since then, it was realized that unique error coins could be found even in a pocket, and their price would far exceed the face value.

Now, it's time to clarify “what double die is in a penny?” Double die is an error in the stamping process of a coin that occurs when the die strikes the blank twice, resulting in duplicate design elements. Most often such duplicates appear on inscriptions or dates, making coins with this error special and rare. Have you already guessed why doubled die Lincoln pennies caused such a stir?

• First of all, the coin is easily recognizable. Lincoln pennies, issued since 1909, represent the history and culture of the United States. The image of the 16th president on the coin is a symbol of strength and fortitude.

• High mintage of coins increases the probability of errors, including double die.

• Mysteriousness and difficulty in finding them play no small part. Some double die cents are difficult to spot with the naked eye, making the search for coins an exciting adventure.

• In addition, some cents with this error can be worth tens or even hundreds of times their face value, attracting the attention of both beginners and professionals. But you need to have your coins graded by official agencies.

Difficulty of finding, luck and potential value are the three key factors that turn double die pennies into desirable collectibles. When the 1955 d penny double die was found, it literally turned the collectors' perception that a rare and expensive coin did not have to be gold or silver. This was a turning point: many people started looking for coins similar to the 1955 double die penny (which only increased the interest and popularity of these coins). Now you know the answer to "what is double die on a coin", we suggest you move on to the double die pennies list worth your attention.

Double Luck: List of Doubled Die Coins to Look for

1955 Doubled Die Penny: King of All Error Cents

When it comes to double die errors, the first thing that comes to mind is the 1955 double die Lincoln cent and for good reason the penny is widely regarded as the “King of Errors”.

During the minting process, one of the stamps was misaligned, resulting in about 40,000 1955 double die penny exemplars being issued with duplicated design elements on the obverse. The double strike is particularly noticeable on the numerals for the year “1955”, and the inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”. Surprisingly the faulty stamp did not affect Lincoln's image at all due to the high relief of the portrait.

Amazingly, this error was not immediately noticed and the coins were put into circulation (the quality of the coins was selectively controlled and it is believed that these 1955 doubled die cents were minted at night and there was no inspection). As a result, the coins circulated around the country, but their value was not immediately recognized.  Many people considered them fakes and refused to accept them as a means of payment! However, collectors soon appreciated their true value and now the 1955 double die cent is one of the rarest and most coveted coins at auctions.

1972 Double Die Lincoln Cent: The Rising Hero

Another notable double die Lincoln penny is the 1972 coin, known for its duplication of elements on the obverse (similar to the previous coin on the words “LIBERTY”, “IN GOD WE TRUST”, and the date “1972”). The duplication is not so distinct, but it can be easily seen under a magnifying glass, which also affects the value of the coin.

Despite the huge mintage of the 1972 Lincoln penny, only a small fraction of the coins possess this error. This makes them rare and desirable finds for collectors.

Coins with an error of 1972 continue to be found even today among ordinary change. And those who know about the existence of the error regularly check the change in stores in the hope of finding this valuable specimen.

1983 and 1995 Double Die Lincoln Cent

Unjustly Forgotten One

The 1983 Lincoln penny with double die error is a lesser known specimen, but it also has significant value. Unlike its predecessors (which we described above), this cent is known for the doubling on the reverse of the coin: on the elements “ONE CENT”, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (the displacement of the letters is easily noticeable upon close inspection).

The value of this coin is lower compared to other double die pennies, but it remains a valuable find.

A Rookie Among Legends

The 1995 double die error coin is one of the most modern coins on our list. Its popularity grew quickly after the error was discovered, and today it is in high demand.

The doubling on the 1995 coin is more subtle than other versions, most notably in the word “Liberty” and the date. The doubling on this coin is less distinct, making it more difficult to detect.

Interestingly, both of these coins were produced in large numbers, but quickly became highly sought after by collectors and consequently gradually disappeared from circulation.  Stumbling across these valuable specimens is not easy, but still possible (especially in small change where old coins are found).

No Less Than a Fortune: Value of These Small Double Die Pennies

Is it a valuable coin though? As you can understand, the value of the above pennies is much higher than their face value due to their rarity and unusual origin. Accordingly, the pennies are very attractive to both collectors and investors. In the table below you can see the price range for the most famous double die Lincoln pennies.

After looking at this table, you must have wondered where to find these amazing coins, if it is still possible to find some of them in circulation.

Where can you find coins?

• Money changers and ATMs: Ask for change to increase your chances.

• Stores and supermarkets: Salespeople often give change without even realizing they have rare coins.

• Flea markets and garage sales: Old collections and coins can be found for the price of regular change.

• Online platforms and auctions: Sometimes people sell coins without even knowing their real value.

If you manage to find a double die penny, use the Coin ID Scanner app (https://coin-identifier.com/). Due to the app, you will be able to scan a coin and instantly determine information about it, including its rarity and market value. The app will greatly simplify your search and make the process of checking coins more convenient and faster.

Ready, Steady, Go

When searching for unique coins, it's always worth remembering that a coin with a mismatch or manufacturing defect is a potential opportunity to get your hands on a true rarity and value. Despite the fact you're an experienced numismatist or just interested in coin history, checking the change can bring unexpected finds. So, grab your magnifying glass, download a Coin ID Scanner app and start your quest for double die mistakes - perhaps the next treasure is already right in your pocket.

Sources:

1.      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1955_doubled_die_cent

2.      https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/1955-double-die-lincoln-penny-4022936