3. Examine the lettering.
Look closely at words such as “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “AMERICA.” Doubling or unusual spacing can sometimes indicate a valuable variety.
4. Pay attention to unusual errors.
Off-center strikes, doubled designs, wrong-planchet errors, and other genuine mint mistakes can attract collectors.
5. Don’t clean the coin.
If you think you’ve found something unusual, leave it as it is. Cleaning can damage the surface and potentially reduce collector value.
Don’t Assume Every Old Penny Is Valuable
This is where many viral coin stories can be misleading. An old-looking penny isn’t automatically rare, and most coins found in jars or everyday change are common issues. Reliable references, auction records, and professional authentication are important before assigning a large value to a coin.
Still, checking your change costs nothing—and it can be surprisingly fun.
