1958 Double Die Penny – In the world of rare coins and numismatics, few discoveries create as much excitement as a double die error. Among the most coveted of these is the 1958 Double Die Lincoln Penny, a rare and striking error that could turn an ordinary pocket find into a $125,000 windfall. Collectors across the globe are scrambling to get their hands on this elusive coin, and if you’re lucky, one might be sitting in your coin jar right now. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about the 1958 Double Die Penny – including what it is, how to identify it, why it’s so valuable, and how to sell it if you find one. Whether you’re a passionate collector or someone just curious about valuable pennies, read on to learn how this single copper coin became worth more than most cars!
What Is a 1958 Double Die Penny?
A double die penny is not simply a coin that was struck twice – it’s the result of a misalignment during the die creation process at the U.S. Mint. This causes the design elements – like the date, motto, or lettering – to appear doubled.
Here’s why the 1958 version is special:
- Only 3 confirmed examples of the 1958 double die penny are known to exist.
- It is considered one of the rarest Lincoln cent errors in the world.
- The doubling on this coin is extremely bold and obvious, especially on the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
Key Features to Identify a 1958 Double Die Penny
If you suspect you might have a valuable coin, here’s what to look for:
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| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Date | Clear doubling on the number “1958” |
| LIBERTY | Bold and noticeable doubling on all letters |
| IN GOD WE TRUST | Doubling visible across the entire phrase |
| Obverse Only | The error appears only on the front (heads) side of the coin |
| Mint Mark | No mint mark (all were struck in Philadelphia) |
| Condition | MS65 or higher will fetch the highest price, but even circulated ones matter |
| Weight | Should weigh around 3.11 grams (standard for copper Lincoln cents) |
How Rare Is the 1958 Double Die?
This is not your average penny error. It’s ultra-rare, and the known number of examples is incredibly low.
Comparison of Rare Lincoln Double Die Pennies
| Year | Estimated Number Known | Estimated Value (Mint State) |
|---|---|---|
| 1955 DDO | 20,000+ | $1,500 – $10,000 |
| 1969-S DDO | ~100 | $25,000 – $75,000 |
| 1958 DDO | 3 | Up to $125,000 |
The rarity of the 1958 version makes it a holy grail for collectors.
Why Is It Worth Up to $125,000?
There are a few major reasons:
- Scarcity: Only three known specimens in decades of searching.
- Historical error: The mistake was caught early, and most coins were destroyed.
- High demand: Collectors are always looking to complete their rare coin sets.
- Certified examples have sold at auctions for six-figure amounts, setting high benchmarks.
If you find a 1958 double die penny and it’s in good condition, you could be holding a life-changing coin.
Where to Get It Verified and Graded
Before you list your coin for sale, it’s critical to get it authenticated and graded by a professional agency. This not only increases value but ensures it isn’t a counterfeit.
Trusted Grading Services:
| Grading Company | Website | Services Offered |
|---|---|---|
| PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) | www.pcgs.com | Authentication, grading, auction referrals |
| NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) | www.ngccoin.com | Grading, certification, encapsulation |
| ANACS (American Numismatic Association Certification Service) | www.anacs.com | Quick, affordable grading options |
These services will assign your coin a grade (like MS65 or VF20) and certify authenticity.
Tips to Sell or Auction Your Rare Penny
Once your coin is verified as a true 1958 double die, these are your best options to sell:
Sell at Public Auctions
- Heritage Auctions and Stack’s Bowers are known for high-value coin sales.
- May fetch $100,000 or more, especially if the coin is graded MS65 or better.
Online Platforms (Use With Caution)
- eBay or Etsy can be used, but beware of scams and lowball offers.
- Ensure coin is certified before listing.
Direct to Collectors
- Join coin collecting forums like CoinTalk or PCGS Forums.
- Attend local or national coin shows to meet buyers in person.
How to Avoid Scams
Because of the high value, scammers may try to pass off fakes or deceive sellers. Protect yourself:
- Never sell without grading and authentication.
- Avoid anyone offering cash deals without written proof.
- Consult with professional coin dealers for fair market estimates.
Millions of pennies have been minted, but just three 1958 double die pennies are known. Imagine if one was hiding in your kitchen drawer or your grandfather’s collection. This coin proves that treasure can be hiding in plain sight. So take out those old jars, inspect every 1958 penny you find, and look closely at the lettering. The reward could be a six-figure payday — from a single one-cent coin.
FAQs of 1958 Double Die Penny
1. How many 1958 double die pennies exist?
Only three are officially known to exist.
2. What is the value of a 1958 double die penny?
Up to $125,000, depending on condition and certification.
3. Where can I sell a rare penny like this?
Certified coin auctions (like Heritage), eBay (if graded), or directly to collectors.
4. How do I know if my penny is real?
Use a magnifying glass to spot doubling and get it graded by PCGS or NGC.
5. Do all 1958 pennies have value?
No, only the rare double die error ones have extreme value — regular ones are worth 1–10 cents unless in mint condition.
