How to Spot 5 Rare Coins in the Lincoln Memorial Penny Series?

The Lincoln Memorial penny series, minted from 1959 to 2008, features numerous coins of historical and numismatic significance. Some pennies in this series have become highly sought after by collectors due to their rarity or unique features. While many Lincoln Memorial pennies are readily available in circulation, certain ones are rare and have become valuable over time. Below, we explore five rare Lincoln Memorial pennies that are worth seeking out.

1. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Penny

How to Spot 5 Rare Coins in the Lincoln Memorial Penny Series?

The 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse is one of the most famous and valuable errors in the Lincoln Memorial penny series. This coin features a doubling effect on the obverse (front) of the coin, particularly noticeable in the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY.” This error occurred due to a misalignment of the dies used to strike the coin.

Fewer than 100 authentic examples of this penny are known to exist, which makes it an extremely rare find. Because of its rarity, the 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse can command high prices at auction. For example, a mint state 64 red (MS64RD) example sold for $126,000 in April 2018. Given the scarcity and high demand among collectors, it’s a coin worth checking for in your collection.

For further details about the 1969-S doubled die, you can refer to The Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC).

2. 1970-S Small Date Penny

How to Spot 5 Rare Coins in the Lincoln Memorial Penny Series?

In 1970, the U.S. Mint produced two varieties of the Lincoln Memorial penny: the large date and the small date. While both types were minted at the San Francisco Mint, the small date variety is significantly rarer and more valuable. The key distinguishing feature between the two varieties is the “7” in the year “1970.” On the small date coin, the “7” is positioned at the same height as the “9” and “0,” creating a more compact appearance.

Collectors highly prize the small date variety, and it’s considered one of the rarer coins of the 1970s. If you happen to come across a 1970-S penny with this small date variation, it may be worth more than its face value.

For more information on this rare variety, visit The Spruce Crafts’ coin section.

3. 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny

How to Spot 5 Rare Coins in the Lincoln Memorial Penny Series?

1982 was a year of change for the U.S. Mint. The Mint transitioned from copper to zinc for the production of pennies in that year. However, due to an error, some 1982-D pennies were struck on copper planchets instead of the intended zinc planchets. These 1982-D Small Date Copper pennies are extremely rare and have become highly valuable to collectors.

The small date variety, which features a compact “1982,” combined with the copper material, makes this coin a sought-after error among collectors. Only a few known examples of this off-metal error have been found, and they can command high prices at auction. In fact, some examples have sold for thousands of dollars.

If you find a 1982-D penny that appears to have the copper composition, it’s worth investigating further. You can learn more about this coin at The Fun Times Guide to Coins.

4. 1992 Close AM Penny

How to Spot 5 Rare Coins in the Lincoln Memorial Penny Series?

The 1992 Close AM penny is a rare minting error that occurred when the U.S. Mint mistakenly used a proof die to strike regular circulation coins. This resulted in the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” being much closer together than usual. This error is especially noticeable on the reverse side of the penny, where the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM” are also struck.

The Close AM penny is valuable because of its rarity, and it is among the most popular error coins from the Lincoln Memorial series. Only a small number of these coins were produced, making it a highly sought-after find for collectors. If you come across a 1992 penny with these close letters, it could be worth a substantial amount.

Learn more about this and other coin varieties at The Spruce Crafts‘ coin page.

5. 1983-D Copper Penny

How to Spot 5 Rare Coins in the Lincoln Memorial Penny Series?

Similar to the 1982-D Small Date Copper penny, the 1983-D penny is another rare off-metal error. Some 1983-D pennies were mistakenly struck on copper planchets, even though the U.S. Mint intended for the coin to be made of zinc-plated steel. These off-metal errors are highly prized by collectors because they represent an anomaly in the minting process.

Though fewer examples of the 1983-D Copper penny have been found than the 1982-D variety, they are just as valuable. If you have a 1983-D penny and it has the copper composition rather than the typical zinc coating, it’s a potential treasure worth further inspection.

Conclusion

How to Spot 5 Rare Coins in the Lincoln Memorial Penny Series?

The Lincoln Memorial penny series, while commonly found in circulation, contains several rare and valuable coins that can make a significant impact on a collector’s portfolio. Coins such as the 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse, 1970-S Small Date, 1982-D Small Date Copper, 1992 Close AM, and 1983-D Copper are highly sought after due to their rarity and the historical context behind their minting errors. If you’re a collector, be sure to carefully examine your pennies to identify these rarities.

For additional guidance on identifying these and other rare coins, visit government resources like the U.S. Mint or trusted numismatic sites such as NGC.

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.

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