Have you ever thought that your Lincoln penny might be worth more than just one cent? Well, it might! Some pennies have special features that make them valuable to collectors. In this article, we’ll explore how a simple penny can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars if you know what to look for.
Check Your Change
You might want to dig through your change right now! Some Lincoln pennies have errors that can increase their value dramatically. If you have a penny with a special mark in the top left corner, it could be worth hundreds of dollars! Coin expert Eric Miller, who has over 4.7 million followers on TikTok, shares valuable tips on what to look for in your coins.
The Importance of Coin Errors
Coins with mistakes, called errors, are often much more valuable than regular coins. These errors make the coins rare, and collectors love them. Eric Miller recently highlighted a 2024 penny with a unique error that is becoming popular. According to him, a penny with the right error could sell for more than $200!
He explained that being one of the first to discover a new error can lead to a higher selling price because those coins are rare and highly sought after by collectors. For example, one penny with the error sold for $203 after receiving 16 bids in an online auction.
What to Look For
Here are some details to check on your 2024 pennies that could make them more valuable:
| Error Type | Description | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| Retained Cut Die Break | A crack in the die that creates a raised area on the coin. | Over $200 |
| Missing VDB | The absence of “VDB” (Victor David Brenner) below Lincoln’s shoulder. | Over $50 |
Eric advises checking your 2024 pennies for a specific error called a “retained cut die break.” This error happens when a piece of the die used to create the coin cracks or breaks but stays in place for a short time. Coins struck during this period will have a raised area where the break is located.
If you see this raised area on your penny, it could be a valuable find! Miller showed an example of a penny with this error, highlighting how much it sold for.
Another Detail to Check
In addition to the top left corner, Eric also pointed out another detail to look for. He says to check the bottom of your 2024 penny where it says “VDB,” which stands for Victor David Brenner, the designer of the Lincoln penny. If those three tiny letters are missing from the coin, it could be worth over $50.
He showcased examples of such pennies, including one that sold for $51 and another for $58 just this past May.
Conclusion
Checking your coins can turn up surprising treasures, especially with Lincoln pennies from 2024. If you find a penny with the right errors, you could have a coin worth much more than its face value. Whether it’s the retained cut die break in the top left corner or the missing VDB at the bottom, knowing what to look for can help you cash in on your old coins. So, take a moment to check your change! You never know when you might find a penny worth hundreds of dollars, helping you save for your future or treat yourself to something special.
FAQ’s
What makes a Lincoln penny valuable?
A Lincoln penny can be valuable if it has certain errors or features. For example, if the penny has a “retained cut die break” in the top left corner or is missing the “VDB” initials on the bottom, it can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
How can I tell if my penny is worth something?
To check if your penny is valuable, look for specific details like a raised area on the coin or missing letters. The 2024 Lincoln penny with a “retained cut die break” can sell for over $200, while one missing the “VDB” can be worth more than $50.
Where can I sell my valuable coins?
You can sell valuable coins at local coin shops, online auction sites, or through coin dealers. It’s a good idea to get your coins appraised by an expert to understand their worth before selling them.