Yes, it really happened. A 2023 Lincoln penny—the kind you might casually toss into a tip jar—was recently discovered with a rare minting error so significant, it could be worth as much as $710,000. And here’s the kicker: this valuable coin was found in circulation, not a museum or locked away in a collector’s vault.
If you’re the kind of person who ignores pennies or leaves them sitting at the bottom of your car cupholder, it might be time to start looking closer. Because that shiny copper coin in your pocket could be one of the rarest modern error coins ever released.
The 2023 Lincoln Penny Error: What Makes It Worth $710,000?
The penny in question features a major off-metal error, meaning it was mistakenly struck on a planchet (coin blank) intended for a completely different denomination—most likely a dime or even a foreign coin.
This type of error results in a penny that’s:
- Lighter or heavier than normal
- Smaller or larger in diameter
- A different color or finish
- Struck off-center or with misaligned designs
In the case of the 2023 penny that made headlines, experts believe it was struck on a silver-colored dime planchet, causing a wild clash of design, weight, and appearance. That combination of rarity, condition, and misprint has led to the coin being valued at over $700,000 in top-graded condition.
Types of Penny Errors That Could Make You Rich
Even if you don’t stumble across the $710K coin, other Lincoln penny errors—especially from recent years—can also be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars. Here are some to watch for:
Off-Metal Strikes
Like the $710K coin, these happen when a penny is struck on the wrong metal blank.
Double Dies
A doubled image—especially in words like “LIBERTY” or the date—is highly collectible. These are common in 1955 and 1969-S pennies, but modern examples do exist.
Off-Center Strikes
If part of the design is missing or visibly off to one side, your coin may be misaligned—a popular error type.
Die Cracks & Cuds
These are small raised lines or blobs caused by damaged dies. The more dramatic the flaw, the more valuable the coin.
Floating Roof (Modern Lincoln Memorial pennies)
A visible gap between the roof and the pillars of the Lincoln Memorial can result in minor but collectable value.
How to Check Your 2023 Lincoln Pennies
If you’re holding onto a handful of 2023 pennies, here’s what to do:
- Weigh it – A standard penny weighs about 2.5 grams (zinc-copper). An error coin may weigh significantly more or less.
- Inspect the Color and Finish – A silver, gray, or off-tone penny might indicate an off-metal strike.
- Examine for Doubling – Look closely at the date, “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “LIBERTY,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
- Look at the Edges – Pennies should have smooth edges. A reeded (ridged) edge likely means a planchet mix-up.
- Use a Magnifying Glass or Loop – Details matter. Use tools to spot errors invisible to the naked eye.
What to Do If You Think You Found an Error Coin
If you spot something unusual on your 2023 penny—or any penny, for that matter—follow these steps:
- Handle it carefully: Use gloves or store it in a coin flip to preserve condition.
- Get it authenticated: Submit it to professional grading services like PCGS or NGC.
- Join coin collector forums: Upload photos and get feedback from seasoned collectors.
- Consider auction: If confirmed valuable, rare error coins can fetch massive bids through sites like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers.
Final Thoughts: Pennies Worth Picking Up
The 2023 Lincoln penny error coin isn’t just a collector’s fantasy—it’s a real-world example of how everyday change can contain unexpected fortune. With a valuation topping $710,000, this copper coin has joined the ranks of the most expensive modern U.S. coins ever discovered.
So next time you get change at the gas station or crack open a coin roll, don’t brush aside those pennies. One of them could be your jackpot in disguise.
Pro Tip: Ask your local bank for penny rolls and search them at home. This technique, called “coin roll hunting,” has led everyday people to uncover thousands of dollars’ worth of rare coins hiding in plain sight. You never know what might turn up.
