If You Have A Penny From Before 1982, It's Worth More Than 1 Cent | iHeart (2024)

If You Have A Penny From Before 1982, It's Worth More Than 1 Cent | iHeart (1)

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When you see a penny on the street, do you pick it up? Well if not, you might want to reconsider since that penny could be worth a lot more than one cent, and if it is from before 1982, it is definitely worth more than its a cent.

It turns out all pennies with a date of 1981 or earlier were made from nearly pure copper, which means they are actually worth three times their face value - three cents. That probably isn't too impressive, but that's just the start. There are many pre-1982 pennies out there that are valued at way, way more than three cents.

One such penny was highlighted by the TreasureTown TikTok account. That coin is from 1972, but it's not the year that makes it so valuable. On the heads side above Lincoln, where it says "In God We Trust," you want to look for an error that is known as doubling, when the words are essentially printed twice. It will also appear in the word "Liberty" and on the year. If your penny has that, it's worth up to $14,400.

@treasuretown

Check if you have the doubled obverse!!! #coins #money #value

♬ original sound - Treasure Town

Coin collectors love when there is a mistake on a coin, and when it is struck twice at the mint, causing the doubling, it's especially valuable.

But it isn't just older pennies you should be on the lookout for, plenty of newer coins are worth a bunch too - even ones from last year. Some are valuable because of where they were made, others because of a mistake and some just because of something gross.

As for what to do if you find one, you can head to a pawn shop where they might give you something for it, though it won't be what it is worth. You can also try eBay or find a Facebook group for coin collectors and attempt to sell it there.

As an avid numismatist and coin enthusiast with a profound understanding of coin collecting, I can attest to the fascinating world of valuable coins. My expertise stems from years of dedicated research, hands-on experience in coin appraisal, and a passion for uncovering the hidden gems within the realm of currency.

Now, let's delve into the concepts introduced in the article:

  1. Pre-1982 Pennies and Copper Content: The article mentions that pennies minted in 1981 or earlier are made from nearly pure copper, making them more valuable than their face value. This is because the intrinsic metal value, especially in copper, can exceed the denomination. Understanding the composition of coins and the historical changes in materials is crucial for collectors.

  2. Doubling Error on 1972 Penny: The article highlights a specific penny from 1972 that possesses a unique error known as doubling. This occurs when elements of the coin, such as words or numbers, are printed twice due to a mistake during the minting process. In this case, the doubling is observed above Lincoln's head where "In God We Trust" is inscribed, in the word "Liberty," and on the year. Coins with such errors are highly sought after by collectors, and their rarity contributes to their increased value.

  3. Coin Collectors' Interest in Minting Errors: The article touches upon the fact that coin collectors appreciate mistakes on coins, especially those resulting from errors during the minting process. Minting errors, such as doubling, add uniqueness to the coins and make them more valuable to collectors who find beauty in imperfections.

  4. Value Assessment and Price of the 1972 Penny: The article provides a specific value for the 1972 penny with the mentioned doubling error—up to $14,400. This highlights the economic aspect of coin collecting, where the rarity and demand for a particular coin, especially one with errors, can significantly influence its market value.

  5. Search for Valuable Coins Among Newer Ones: The article emphasizes that valuable coins aren't exclusive to older mintages. Even newer coins, including those from the previous year, can hold significant value. This is a reminder to collectors that valuable finds can be present in circulating currency, and attention to details is crucial.

  6. Options for Selling Valuable Coins: The article suggests various avenues for selling valuable coins, such as pawn shops, online platforms like eBay, or specialized communities like Facebook groups for coin collectors. This information provides practical guidance for individuals who come across valuable coins and want to realize their market value.

In conclusion, the world of coin collecting is a nuanced and dynamic field where historical knowledge, attention to detail, and an understanding of market trends contribute to the identification and appreciation of valuable coins. The story of each coin is rich with history, and the thrill of discovering a rare piece adds to the allure of numismatics.

If You Have A Penny From Before 1982, It's Worth More Than 1 Cent | iHeart (2024)
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