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Coins can be valuable for a number of reasons, ranging from their historical value to their metal content. However, in almost all cases, the most valuable are the rarest. Some rare coins have reached a certain level of fame because of their back stories.

An example is the 1943 copper Lincoln penny, which was minted by mistake during the World War II copper shortage and is worth the equivalent of $1 million today. But there are also lesser-known coins that can fetch a lot of money in the collector market.

There are many Lincoln pennies that you won’t think twice about if you find one in your change. Keep in mind that only coins in the best condition will have the highest prices. Here’s a look at four lesser-known coins worth thousands of dollars.

1. 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Penny Doubled Die Obverse

Double die mistakes occur when the metal on a coin is struck multiple times by a die or design stamp on the front (front), reverse, or both sides. Double die mistakes in mint or near-mint condition usually sell for very high prices.

According to the Spruce Crafts website, on the Small Date version of the 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Penny, the word “Liberty” is not as sharp or pronounced as other versions. It has an estimated value of $3,500.

2. 1999 Wide ‘AM’ Reverse Lincoln Penny

This variety of Lincoln cent was produced during 1998–2000, with 1999 being the rarest. As Spruce Crafts noted, the US Mint accidentally used a proof die to produce coins for circulation.

In the extended version, the “AM” in the US is clearly separated, while in the normal samples the letters “AM” are very close together. According to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) website, a version of the coin sold for $3,960 at auction in November 2020.

3. 1972 Lincoln Penny Double Die Obverse

Here’s another double-die obverse Lincoln cent from the early 1970s that has won the favor of collectors. According to a blog by Liberation of Sound, the phrases “Liberty” and “In God We Trust” on the coin’s obverse are “remarkable examples” of the double effect.

The high value of this money is mainly because there are not very many specimens with this particular doubling. According to PCGS, the coin hit a record auction in 2019 and brought a total of $14,400.

4. 1969-S Lincoln Penny with Doubled Die Obverse

Spruce Crafts calls this particular coin “extremely rare.” The US Secret Service confiscated early samples until the Mint “admitted that they were genuine.”

One sold for $66,000 at auction in January 2024, according to PCGS. However, be careful: there are a lot of fakes out there.