Think pennies are just spare change? Think again. Some super rare Lincoln pennies with a special error could be worth over $138,000, and they might still be out there in circulation. All it takes is a sharp eye to spot the mistake that makes them so valuable.
A Quick Penny History
The penny has been around since 1792, right after the U.S. Mint was created. At first, they were made in Philadelphia, and eventually expanded to places like Denver, San Francisco, and West Point.
Since 1909, the penny has featured President Abraham Lincoln on the front to celebrate his 100th birthday. The back of the penny, however, has changed several times. In 2010, it switched to the Union Shield design, which stands for unity across the 50 states.
But around the late 1990s and early 2000s, something strange happened at the Mint…
The Big Mistake: Dime Design on a Penny
Some Lincoln pennies were accidentally stamped with the wrong reverse design—the back side of a Roosevelt dime instead of the usual Lincoln Memorial.
This kind of mistake is called a “mule” error, where two mismatched sides from different coins are combined. It’s one of the rarest kinds of coin errors and can be extremely valuable.
What’s on the Wrong Side?
Instead of seeing the Lincoln Memorial on the back, these mule pennies show:
- A torch in the center
- An olive branch on one side
- An oak branch on the other
- The phrase “E Pluribus Unum” (Latin for “Out of many, one”)
The 3 Pennies Worth Big Bucks
Here are the three rare Lincoln cents that sold for huge amounts:
| Year & Mint | Sale Price | Mint Mark | Grade (PCGS) | Error Detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 Lincoln Cent | $138,000 | No Mint Mark | MS66 | Dime reverse on penny |
| 2001-D Lincoln Cent | $114,000 | Denver Mint | MS66 | Dime reverse on penny |
| 2001-D Lincoln Cent (2nd) | $96,000 | Denver Mint | MS66 | Dime reverse on penny |
These coins were all in Mint State 66 (MS66) condition, which means they’re almost perfect.
Still in Circulation?
Yes! Some of these rare error coins could still be in people’s pockets, coin jars, or piggy banks today. They’re rare—but not impossible to find.
If you think you’ve found one, don’t spend it. Instead:
- Compare the reverse side to a regular penny and a dime
- Look for the torch and branches design instead of the Lincoln Memorial or Union Shield
- Send it to PCGS or NGC for grading and authentication
Conclusion
While most pennies are only worth a cent, a few rare ones with the dime design error can be worth over $100,000. With just a little attention to detail, you could find one of the rarest coins in U.S. history hiding in your loose change.
FAQ’s
Q1: What is a mule error on a coin?
A: It’s when two different coin designs are accidentally used on one coin, like a penny with a dime’s back.
Q2: Can I find a valuable Lincoln penny in change today?
A: Yes, rare error coins might still be in circulation, though they’re hard to find.
Q3: What should I do if I find one of these error pennies?
A: Don’t spend it! Get it graded by PCGS or NGC to see its true value.
