You know that loose change jar sitting on your kitchen counter? The one you swear you’ll roll up and take to the bank one day? Well, imagine pulling out a dusty old penny from there—only to discover it’s worth over $1 million.
Sounds like a stretch, right? Not if you’re talking about the 1958 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent—one of the rarest coins in U.S. history. In fact, only three are known to exist. And in January 2023, one of them sold for a jaw-dropping $1,136,250 at auction.
If that’s not enough to make you want to dig through your piggy bank, keep reading. We’re diving into what makes this coin so special, plus 5 other rare U.S. coins that could be hiding in your pocket change right now.
What’s So Special About the 1958 Doubled Die Penny?
Here’s the deal: Most pennies are just… pennies. But the 1958 Doubled Die Obverse is a collector’s dream.
Unlike tiny minting errors you need a microscope to find, this one is bold and obvious—even to the naked eye. Look closely, and you’ll see clear doubling in the words “LIBERTY”, “IN GOD WE TRUST”, and the date “1958”.
And it’s not just rare—it’s ultra rare. Only three verified examples exist. That’s why when a pristine version graded MS65 Red by PCGS hit the auction block in 2023, it went for over a million dollars.
So yeah—your average penny? Not exciting. But this one? Life-changing.
The 5 Other Rare Coins That Could Be in Your Change Jar
Now, you might not find a million-dollar coin today, but there are still several valuable coins that show up in regular circulation from time to time. Here are five you’ll definitely want to watch for:
1. 1943 Copper Wheat Penny
- Estimated Value: Up to $250,000
- Why It’s Special: In 1943, pennies were supposed to be made of steel to save copper for WWII. A few copper blanks slipped through the cracks.
- How to Spot It: Hold a magnet to your 1943 penny. If it sticks, it’s steel. If it doesn’t—you may be holding a very lucky mistake.
2. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
- Estimated Value: $1,000 to $50,000+
- Why It’s Special: It’s the very first Lincoln penny, with the designer’s initials “VDB” on the back and only 484,000 minted in San Francisco.
- How to Spot It: Look for the small “S” below the date on the front, and “VDB” at the bottom rim on the back.
3. 1955 Doubled Die Penny
- Estimated Value: $1,000 to $125,000
- Why It’s Special: A printing error caused the entire front text—especially “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”—to double.
- How to Spot It: The doubling is very obvious. If your 1955 penny looks blurry or shadowed, you might just have a winner.
4. 1916/16 Buffalo Nickel
- Estimated Value: Up to $138,000
- Why It’s Special: A rare overdate where 1916 was stamped over itself, creating visible doubling in the date.
- How to Spot It: You’ll need a magnifying glass to clearly see the overlapping numbers on the date.
5. 1949-D Jefferson Nickel (Full Steps)
- Estimated Value: Up to $4,800
- Why It’s Special: If the steps on Monticello (on the back of the nickel) are fully visible and undamaged, collectors go wild for it.
- How to Spot It: Look closely at the base of the building—if you can clearly count 5 or 6 full steps, your coin could be worth way more than five cents.
How to Spot a Doubled Die Penny Like a Pro
Think you’ve found something special? Here’s how to be sure:
Step 1: Visual Inspection
- Check for letters or numbers that look slightly “doubled”
- Look at mint marks like “D” (Denver) or “S” (San Francisco)
- Watch for odd spacing or misalignment
Step 2: Magnet Test
- Especially useful for the 1943 penny: copper won’t stick to a magnet—steel will.
Step 3: Get It Certified
- If you think you’ve found a winner, send it to a trusted grading company like PCGS or NGC
- Certified coins not only confirm authenticity—they can drastically boost a coin’s value at resale
Why Condition (and Grade) Matter So Much
Not all coins are created equal—even rare ones.
Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70, with 70 being a perfect, mint-condition beauty. The better the condition, the higher the value.
| Grade | Meaning |
|---|---|
| MS-70 | Perfect, flawless condition |
| MS-65 | Gem quality with minimal flaws |
| MS-60 | Uncirculated with visible marks |
Even a common coin in MS-65 could be worth significantly more than the same coin that’s scratched or worn.
Your Junk Drawer Might Be Holding Treasure
It’s easy to overlook spare change. We toss pennies in jars, forget about them in glove compartments, or drop them behind couch cushions.
But the truth is, some of the most valuable coins ever discovered were found by everyday people—just like you—who took a second look.
So the next time you’re counting change, don’t rush. Check those dates. Look for odd details. And who knows—you might just spot the next million-dollar penny.
After all, the best treasure hunts don’t start in a cave… they start in your own pocket.
