If you’re into coin collecting or just love observing rare treasures, the 1958 Doubled Die Lincoln cent is one coin that stands out. Thanks to a striking minting error, this tiny copper coin has become one of the most valuable and sought-after error coins in U.S. history—worth more than $224,000 at auction.
Let’s break down what makes this penny so rare and why collectors around the world are on the hunt for it.
Table of Contents
Overview
The 1958 Doubled Die Lincoln cent is part of the long-running Lincoln penny series, first introduced in 1909. But unlike most coins from the series, this version is unique due to a noticeable production mistake known as a doubled die. It’s this error that turns a simple one-cent coin into a collector’s jackpot.
Error
So, what exactly is a doubled die coin? It happens when the die—the metal stamp that imprints the coin’s design—gets misaligned during the manufacturing process. This creates a duplicate image that looks like the letters and numbers have been stamped twice.
On the 1958 penny, the doubling is obvious in:
- In God We Trust
- Liberty
- The date “1958”
This isn’t a subtle flaw. It’s bold enough that even casual collectors can spot it without magnification.
Mint
This rare coin was minted at the Philadelphia Mint, which traditionally does not include a mint mark on its coins. So if you see a 1958 penny with no mint mark, that’s normal for this version.
What makes this particular error so special is how few were ever made. Only a handful of authentic 1958 Doubled Die cents are known to exist today, with just three confirmed in uncirculated condition.
Value
Here’s where things get interesting. In 2018, one of these rare coins sold for 224,831 dollars at auction. That’s right—over two hundred grand for a penny.
So why is it worth so much? A few reasons:
- Extremely limited number available
- Clearly visible doubling
- Historical importance
- Strong demand from collectors
Coins with both rarity and a recognizable error tend to skyrocket in value, especially when they’re in excellent condition.
Identification
Think you might have one of these rare finds? Here’s what to check for:
- Strong, clear doubling in “In God We Trust”
- Doubling on the word “Liberty”
- A slightly doubled 1958 date
- No mint mark under the date
If your coin has these features, don’t spend it. Send it to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC to have it authenticated and appraised.
Rarity
Only three uncirculated examples of the 1958 Doubled Die penny have been officially verified, which makes it one of the rarest coins in American numismatic history. It’s likely there are a few more out there, hidden in old collections, boxes of change, or coin jars waiting to be observed.
Here’s a quick summary:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mint Location | Philadelphia |
| Mint Mark | None |
| Verified Examples | 3 (in uncirculated condition) |
| Top Sale Price | $224,831 (Heritage Auctions) |
| Error Type | Doubled Die |
So if you ever come across an old Lincoln penny from 1958, take a close look. That small piece of copper might just be worth a small fortune.
FAQs
What is the 1958 Doubled Die penny?
It’s a rare Lincoln cent with a noticeable doubled design due to a mint error.
How many of these rare pennies exist?
Only three verified uncirculated examples are known to exist.
Where was the coin minted?
It was minted in Philadelphia, which uses no mint mark.
How much is it worth?
One sold for over $224,000 at a public auction.
How can I tell if I have this penny?
Look for strong doubling on the date and text, with no mint mark.
