If you’ve ever sorted through old coins or have a dusty jar of pennies stashed somewhere, you might unknowingly be holding one of the most valuable error coins in the world—the 1958 Doubled Die Lincoln cent. It’s not just a neat collector’s item.
This penny, thanks to a minting mistake and extreme rarity, has sold for over $224,000 at auction. Let’s break down what makes this coin so special—and why it could be worth more than a luxury car.
Error
So, what is a “doubled die”? It’s basically a minting error caused when the coin die (the metal piece that strikes the coin design) is misaligned during production. As a result, the image gets stamped twice, creating a shadow or “double vision” effect.
On the 1958 Lincoln cent, this doubling is easy to spot—especially in the motto “In God We Trust,” the word “Liberty,” and even the numbers in the year “1958.” This isn’t the kind of thing that wears into a coin over time. It’s an error made during the minting process, and collectors go crazy for it.
Origin
This coin was produced at the Philadelphia Mint, which, unlike some others, doesn’t include a mint mark on its coins. That’s why you won’t see a “P” next to the year.
Now, here’s the wild part: as of now, only three verified 1958 Doubled Die Lincoln cents are known to exist. That puts this coin in the ultra-rare category, right up there with some of the most famous coins ever discovered.
Value
Why does a one-cent coin sell for six figures? Because of three things: rarity, demand, and clear visual errors. The 1958 Doubled Die is one of the few error coins from the 1950s, and its doubling is crisp and easy to identify. That makes it a prize for collectors, especially those focused on Lincoln cents or U.S. mint errors.
In one famous auction, a well-preserved, uncirculated example of this coin sold for $224,831. Yes, that’s a single penny that sold for nearly a quarter of a million dollars. Its value continues to climb as demand rises and fewer uncirculated examples are found.
Take a look at the quick facts:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 1958 |
| Mint | Philadelphia (no mint mark) |
| Doubling Visible In | “In God We Trust”, “Liberty”, date |
| Auction Record | $224,831 |
| Known Genuine Coins | Fewer than 3 confirmed |
Spotting
Think you might have one of these rare pennies? Here’s what to look for:
- The motto “In God We Trust” will have clear doubling
- The word “Liberty” should also appear doubled
- The date “1958” shows slight but visible doubling
- No mint mark is present (it came from Philadelphia)
If your coin checks all these boxes, don’t spend it—or even clean it. Send it to a professional coin grading service like PCGS or NGC for authentication. A certified coin will sell for much more than an unverified one.
Worth
It’s hard to imagine a single penny being life-changing, but that’s exactly what this coin could be. The 1958 Doubled Die Lincoln cent has proven itself as one of the most legendary U.S. error coins.
If you have a collection of old coins lying around, especially from the 1950s, it might be worth going through them. You never know—your next vacation, car, or home down payment might be hiding in a coin jar.
FAQs
What is a doubled die coin?
A coin with a double image from a misaligned die during minting.
How many 1958 doubled die pennies exist?
Only three confirmed examples are known to exist.
Where was this penny made?
At the Philadelphia Mint, with no mint mark.
How much is it worth today?
It sold at auction for more than $224,000.
How do I check if I have one?
Look for doubling in the motto, Liberty, and date.
