While hundreds of Lincoln cent varieties are out there, the more popular and valuable ones are listed below. If you find a new variety, you may want to hold onto it and have it evaluated by a professional numismatist. A general rule of thumb regarding the value is the more dramatic or noticeable the variety is, the more it will be worth. In other words, if you can spot this rarity without a magnifying glass, it will be worth more. So, read the descriptions carefully and study the photos to see if your Lincoln Memorial penny is worth more than a mere penny. This coin is a classic example of a doubled die variety. Remember, a doubled die coin is not the same as a double-struck coin. Although both types of coins carry a numismatic premium, the doubled die coins are usually more valuable. Look for a double image of “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY” on the coin’s obverse. Both images should be raised or in relief. The easiest way to tell the difference is to look at the date and the word “LIBERTY.” If “LIBERTY” is soft and mushy, it is definitely a 1970-S small date variety. On the other hand, if “LIBERTY” is bold and well defined, it is the less desirable 1970-S large date variety. There were several doubled die varieties produced in 1972. The most valuable variety has extreme doubling on the words described above. Other doubled die varieties are not as pronounced as the example shown here and are not worth as much. If you need a high-powered magnifying glass to see the doubling, it is one of the less valuable doubled die varieties. When looking at the coin, make sure you use proper lighting. For example, use a single incandescent lightbulb in a desk lamp. Position the coin about 18 inches away from the desk lamp and ensure all other lights in the room are turned off.. Without proper lighting, a reflection from the coin’s surface near the ear lobe could give the illusion that there is a second earlobe.
