Doubled Die, and certain Close AM/Wide AM Lincoln cents.
What Should You Look For?
Before spending an old penny, take a few seconds to inspect it.
1. Check the year.
Certain dates are much more collectible than ordinary modern pennies.
2. Look for the mint mark.
Depending on the coin and year, a small D or S, or the absence of a mint mark, can be significant.
3. Examine the lettering.
Look closely at words such as “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “AMERICA.” Doubling or unusual spacing can sometimes indicate a valuable variety.
4. Pay attention to unusual errors.
Off-center strikes, doubled designs, wrong-planchet errors, and other genuine mint mistakes can attract collectors.
5. Don’t clean the coin.
If you think you’ve found something unusual, leave it as it is. Cleaning can damage the surface and potentially reduce collector value.
Don’t Assume Every Old Penny Is Valuable
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