Several errors on a 1942 Wheat Penny can increase its value significantly beyond its typical worth of a few cents.
Here are some of the known error types and their potential values:
- Double Die Error (DDO): Occurs when the die strikes the coin twice with a slight shift, resulting in a doubled or shadowed appearance of design elements like the date, lettering (LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST), or even Lincoln’s eye or lip.
– Value: $500 to over $1,000, depending on condition and the specific variety.
– Four DDO types were identified for the 1942 Philadelphia (P) Wheat Penny (FS-101 to FS-104).
- Repunched Mint Mark (RPM): Happens when the mint mark (D for Denver, S for San Francisco) is punched more than once, creating a faint overlap.
– Value: $10 to $50, depending on the grade and how noticeable the defect is.
– RPM errors like FS-502 to FS-504 (for Denver) and FS-512 (for San Francisco) are known.
- Struck on Thick Planchet: A coin struck on a planchet thicker than normal, leading to a slightly larger diameter and weight.
– Value: $100 to $1,600 or more.
- Mirror Brockage Obverse 40% Off-Center: Caused by a coin getting stuck on the die, resulting in a mirror image impression on a subsequent coin, which is also off-center.
– Value: $2,500 or more.
- Obverse Struck Through Error: Occurs when a foreign object gets lodged in the die during striking, leaving an impression on the coin.
– Value: Up to $485.
- Struck on Brass Planchet: A rare and valuable error resulting from a brass planchet (intended for ammunition during WWII) being accidentally used for a penny.
– Value: $10,000 to over $100,000.
- Struck on Dime Planchet: A more drastic version of the “struck on thick planchet” error where a penny design is struck onto a silver dime blank.
– Value: Could reach around $14,000.
- Die Cracks and Cuds: Cracks on the coin die produce raised lines or blobs on the coin’s surface.
– Value: Up to $75 for erroneous coins.
- Off-Center Strikes: The coin is struck with a portion of the design missing due to an irregular alignment.
– Value: $25 to $100 for 5% to 15% off-center strikes; $200 or more if the date is visible and 50% or more of the design is off-center.
Important Notes:
- Authentication: If you believe you have a valuable error coin, it’s recommended to have it professionally appraised by a reputable coin dealer or grading service to verify its authenticity and condition.
- Grading: The coin’s condition significantly affects its value. A higher grade (like MS-67 or higher) means higher value.
- Rarity and Demand: The fewer the error coins in existence and the higher the demand from collectors, the higher the potential value.
What are the errors on the 1942 penny?
Rare 1942 Penny Errors and Their Value
Double Die Error : Worth $500 to over $1,000. Struck on a Thick Planchet: Worth $100 to $1,600 or more. Mirror Brockage Obverse 40% Off-Centre: Valued at $2,500 or more. Obverse Struck Thru Error: Worth up to $485.
How do I tell if my 1942 penny is worth anything?
Thanks for asking. Ever wondered how much a penny in your pocket change is worth? The value of a 1942 penny depends on its condition, mintmark, and rarity. A circulated wheat penny can be worth 10 to 25 cents, while an uncirculated coin can be around $3 to $3,000 USD.
Is there anything special about a 1942 wheat penny?
These pennies are collectible not only because of their age and historical significance, but because they are rare and growing rarer by the day. The coin’s obverse features in the center the profile of former President Abraham Lincoln.