If you’ve ever held on to old coins thinking they might be worth something someday, you could be sitting on a small fortune without even knowing it. In fact, some coins hiding in your change jar could fetch tens of thousands of dollars. One of the most sought-after examples? A 1972 Lincoln penny that recently sold for $35,000 due to a rare error.
In this article, we’ll explore why the 1972 penny is so valuable, what other rare coins you should look out for, and how you can identify, value, and possibly sell them. Whether you’re a casual collector or someone just curious about coins, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—clearly, simply, and professionally.
1972 Penny & 7 Other Rare Coins
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Valuable Coin Example | 1972 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent worth up to $35,000 |
| Other Rare Coins to Watch | 1943 Copper Penny, 2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter, 1969-S Doubled Die Penny, more |
| How to Spot Rare Coins | Look for mint errors, doubled dies, unusual metals, or limited minting years |
| Professional Advice | Get coins authenticated by PCGS or NGC |
| Official Valuation Sources | PCGS Price Guide, NGC Coin Explorer |
| Target Audience | General collectors, investors, families, and students |
| Where to Sell Coins | Auctions (Heritage Auctions, eBay), coin dealers, certified marketplaces |
That jar of pennies or forgotten box of coins in your attic could be a hidden goldmine. From the $35,000 1972 penny to modern dimes and quarters worth thousands, coin collecting isn’t just a hobby—it’s a potential investment. By learning how to identify, evaluate, and sell rare coins, you can turn everyday change into real cash.
Always remember: rare doesn’t always mean old—sometimes, it’s just a small mistake that makes a big difference.
What Makes the 1972 Penny Worth $35,000?
The 1972 Lincoln penny that fetched $35,000 wasn’t your ordinary 1-cent coin. What made it valuable was a minting error known as a “doubled die.” This means that during production, the coin’s design was stamped twice with slight misalignment—causing parts of the image or text to look blurry or doubled.
Specifically, on this penny, the word “LIBERTY” and the date “1972” show clear doubling when viewed under magnification. Only a small number of these error coins escaped the U.S. Mint, making them extremely rare and highly valuable to collectors.
According to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), a high-grade 1972 doubled die penny in pristine, uncirculated condition (MS-65 or higher) can sell between $300 and $35,000 depending on its quality.
7 Other Rare U.S. Coins That Could Be Worth Thousands
1. 1943 Copper Penny – Up to $1 Million
During World War II, the U.S. Mint produced most 1943 pennies in steel coated with zinc due to copper shortages. However, a few were mistakenly struck in copper—a minting error that’s now worth a fortune.
- How to spot it: If a 1943 penny sticks to a magnet, it’s steel. If it doesn’t, it might be copper—get it checked immediately!
- Estimated value: $100,000–$1,000,000
- Official reference: NGC 1943 Copper Cent
2. 1969-S Doubled Die Penny – Worth $25,000+
Like the 1972 penny, this San Francisco-minted coin features dramatic doubling, especially on the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
- Why it’s rare: Only a few examples have been authenticated.
- Estimated value: $10,000–$50,000 depending on condition
- Source: PCGS 1969-S Doubled Die Listing
3. 1992 Close AM Penny – Worth $15,000
This modern-looking coin has a small but critical error: the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” are very close together, unlike the usual wide spacing.
- How to spot it: Flip over your 1992 penny. If the letters touch or nearly touch, get it appraised!
- Estimated value: Up to $15,000
- Source: CoinWeek 1992 Close AM Info
4. 2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter – Worth $2,000–$6,000
This error coin features an extra leaf on the corn stalk on the reverse side.
- Two versions exist: Extra Leaf Low and Extra Leaf High.
- Estimated value: $2,000–$6,000 depending on variety
- Official source: NGC Wisconsin Quarter Guide
5. 1955 Doubled Die Penny – Worth $1,800–$15,000
This is one of the most famous doubled die pennies, and collectors love it for its dramatic doubling, especially on the date and inscriptions.
- Easily visible without magnification—a real showpiece.
- Estimated value: $1,800–$15,000
- Source: PCGS CoinFacts – 1955 Doubled Die
6. 2005 “Speared Bison” Nickel – Worth $1,000+
Part of the Westward Journey Nickel Series, this minting error appears as a line piercing the bison’s side, resembling a spear.
- Estimated value: $500–$1,500
- Source: NGC Coin News
7. 1982 No Mint Mark Dime – Worth $300–$1,500
Normally, dimes minted in Philadelphia carry a “P” mint mark. In 1982, a few dimes slipped through without any mint mark—an error now valuable to collectors.
- Estimated value: $300–$1,500 depending on condition
- Source: PCGS 1982 No-P Dime
How to Identify Rare and Valuable Coins
Step 1: Examine Your Coins Closely
Use a magnifying glass or smartphone zoom to look for:
- Doubled letters or numbers
- Odd symbols or lines
- Unusual colors or metals
- Misaligned designs
Step 2: Look at the Date and Mint Mark
- Rare years include 1943, 1955, 1969, 1972, 1982, 1992, 2004, and 2005
- Mint marks like “S” (San Francisco) and “D” (Denver) can signal rarities
Step 3: Check Reputable Sources
Use PCGS Price Guide or NGC Coin Explorer to compare your coin with verified examples.
- PCGS Price Guide
- NGC Explorer
Step 4: Get Professional Grading
Contact PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) to authenticate and grade your coin for sale or insurance.
Where Can You Sell Rare Coins?
If you think you’ve found a valuable coin, don’t rush to sell it at your local pawn shop. Instead:
- Use Online Auctions: Heritage Auctions, eBay’s coin section
- Find Local Coin Dealers: Make sure they’re certified by the American Numismatic Association (ANA)
- Attend Coin Shows: Great for meeting experts and getting real-time valuations
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I know if my penny is a rare one?
Check for odd features—like doubling, missing mint marks, or off-center designs. Use PCGS or NGC online tools for comparisons.
What does “doubled die” mean?
A doubled die is a minting error where the coin’s design is stamped more than once, creating a “shadowed” or “doubled” effect on the surface.
Are old coins always valuable?
Not necessarily. Age alone doesn’t make a coin valuable. What matters is rarity, demand, condition, and errors.
Where should I get my coin evaluated?
Use official services like PCGS or NGC. Avoid unverified local buyers unless they are certified.
Is coin collecting profitable?
It can be! Some coins sell for tens of thousands if you find the right buyer and the coin is rare, authenticated, and in excellent condition.
