Error pennies from the 1950s can be worth a surprising amount of money, as even minor mistakes in their minting have made these coins highly sought after by collectors. From double-die errors to misstruck designs, these unique flaws have turned everyday pennies into valuable collectibles. If you have a few old pennies lying around, here are nine rare error pennies from the 1950s that could be worth a fortune!
1. 1955 Double Die Obverse (DDO) Penny
The 1955 Double Die Obverse (DDO) penny is perhaps one of the most famous error coins in U.S. history. In this coin, the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” appear doubled on the front, making the letters look almost as if they are stacked on top of each other. This error happened when the die was struck twice slightly out of alignment.
Why It’s Valuable
- Distinctive Doubling: The doubling is so clear that it can be seen without magnification.
- High Demand: The 1955 DDO penny is one of the most desirable error coins.
- Value: In excellent condition, these coins can fetch over $1,000.
2. 1958 Double Die Obverse Penny
The 1958 Double Die Obverse penny is even rarer than the 1955 version, with only a handful known to exist. This error is similar, with noticeable doubling in the text on the obverse, but it was not as widely circulated, making it extremely scarce.
Why It’s Valuable
- Rarity: Only a few examples are known, which significantly increases its value.
- Collector Appeal: With so few in existence, this coin is highly prized.
- Value: The 1958 DDO penny can sell for upwards of $100,000.
3. 1956-D D Over D Mintmark Penny
The 1956-D penny has a unique error where the “D” mintmark was struck twice, causing a “D over D” effect. This error was specific to pennies minted in Denver and can be identified with a magnifying glass.
Why It’s Valuable
- Unique Over-Mintmark: The “D over D” is a rare and interesting minting mistake.
- Collector Interest: Mintmark errors are popular among collectors.
- Value: These coins can reach values of $50 to $200, depending on condition.
4. 1959-D Wheat Reverse Penny
The 1959-D Wheat Reverse penny is a major error that collectors are always on the lookout for. Although the U.S. Mint switched to the Lincoln Memorial design in 1959, a few coins with the old wheat reverse were mistakenly minted.
Why It’s Valuable
- Transition Error: This coin was accidentally minted with the outdated wheat design.
- Extreme Rarity: Very few of these coins exist.
- Value: These can sell for $50,000 or more if authentic.
5. 1953-S RPM (Repunched Mintmark) Penny
In 1953, some pennies minted in San Francisco had a repunched mintmark, where the “S” was struck more than once, creating a shadowed effect. This type of error is called an RPM (Repunched Mintmark) and is highly collectible.
Why It’s Valuable
- Minting Mistake: The doubled “S” is a clear and interesting error.
- Collector Demand: RPM errors from the 1950s are quite popular.
- Value: In good condition, these coins can bring in $20 to $100.
6. 1950-S Small S Over Large S Penny
This unique error occurred when a smaller “S” was stamped over a larger “S” mintmark, creating a noticeable layered effect on the mintmark. It’s a rare find from the San Francisco Mint and is highly prized by collectors.
Why It’s Valuable
- Rare Over-Mintmark: This small over large “S” error is unique to the 1950-S penny.
- Collector Appeal: Over-mintmark errors are highly sought after.
- Value: This error coin can fetch between $50 and $150, depending on condition.
7. 1951 Double Die Reverse Penny
The 1951 Double Die Reverse penny has doubling on the back side, particularly on the words “ONE CENT” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” This type of error is less noticeable than some others but still highly valued by collectors.
Why It’s Valuable
- Subtle Doubling: The reverse doubling is rare for 1950s pennies.
- Collector Interest: DDO and DDR errors are always in demand.
- Value: This coin can sell for $20 to $200, based on its condition.
8. 1954-S RPM Penny
Another rare coin from the San Francisco Mint, the 1954-S RPM penny has a repunched “S” mintmark. This variety features a slightly shadowed “S” mark, showing the effect of the mintmark being struck twice.
Why It’s Valuable
- RPM Error: The “S” mintmark doubling is a unique feature.
- Rarity: Not as common as other RPM errors, making it valuable to collectors.
- Value: These pennies can be worth $10 to $100, depending on condition.
9. 1952-D D Over D Mintmark Penny
Similar to the 1956-D, the 1952-D penny also features a “D over D” mintmark error. This error occurred when the Denver mintmark was struck off-center and then corrected, resulting in a doubled appearance.
Why It’s Valuable
- Distinct Over-Mintmark: The double “D” effect is an eye-catching error.
- Desirability: This type of mintmark error is popular with collectors.
- Value: Well-preserved examples can range from $10 to $75 in value.
Table of Rare 1950s Error Pennies
| Coin | Type of Error | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1955 Double Die Obverse | Doubling on Front | $1,000+ |
| 1958 Double Die Obverse | Doubling on Front | $100,000+ |
| 1956-D D Over D Mintmark | Over-Mintmark | $50 – $200 |
| 1959-D Wheat Reverse | Wheat Reverse | $50,000+ |
| 1953-S RPM | Repunched Mintmark | $20 – $100 |
| 1950-S Small S Over Large S | Over-Mintmark | $50 – $150 |
| 1951 Double Die Reverse | Doubling on Reverse | $20 – $200 |
| 1954-S RPM | Repunched Mintmark | $10 – $100 |
| 1952-D D Over D Mintmark | Over-Mintmark | $10 – $75 |
Conclusion
Error pennies from the 1950s are more than just old coins—they’re valuable collector’s items that can be worth thousands, depending on the error and condition. These unique coins tell the story of minting mistakes that have turned everyday pennies into prized collectibles. So, if you have a jar of old coins at home, it might be worth taking a closer look. Who knows? You might find a fortune hiding in your change jar!
FAQs
1. What makes error pennies valuable?
Error pennies are valuable because they are rare, with unique features from minting mistakes that collectors love.
2. How can I tell if my penny is an error coin?
Look for unusual doubling, off-center strikes, or odd mintmarks. A magnifying glass and online resources can help with identification.
3. Where can I sell my error pennies?
Auction sites, coin dealers, and coin-collecting forums are great places to sell valuable error coins.
4. Are all 1950s error pennies valuable?
Not all are valuable, but those with clear, rare errors are often worth much more than face value.
5. How can I find the value of my error penny?
Consult a coin grading service or a reputable coin dealer to get an accurate value based on its error and condition.