Are you considering collecting Lincoln pennies? If this is your first time, you might be wondering if pennies are worth collecting. Are 2006 pennies worth anything? You’ve come to the right place because our 2006 penny errors list will answer your questions and reveal high-value pennies worth collecting.

Like most pennies, the 2006 pennies are only worth their face value in circulated condition. Uncirculated examples are not worth much either; they are plentiful and accessible to just about any collector.

That said, you can still add high-value pennies to your collection and one way to do this is by collecting errors. Error coins can be worth hundreds and even thousands but you must know what to look for to spot errors worth money.

Our 2006 penny errors list will reveal some of the most valuable pennies to add to your collection. So, let’s jump in and discover penny errors worth money!

1. 2006-D MS66 Lincoln Cent Doubled Die Obverse Error Coin

2006-D MS66 Lincoln Cent Doubled Die Obverse Error Coin

A common error you might come across when collecting 2006 Lincoln pennies is the doubled die. This is an error in which there is visible doubling on the inscriptions and devices on the obverse/reverse.

A doubled die error occurs when the die strikes the planchet multiple times at slightly different angles, resulting in doubling on some of the coin’s elements.

The stronger the doubling the more valuable the error tends to be. Of course, the coin’s condition also contributes to its value.

In 2023, a collector at a Heritage Auctions sale paid $1050 for a 2006-D Lincoln penny with an obverse doubled die error, making this an excellent addition to your pennies collection.

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2. 2006-D MS63 Penny Wrong Planchet Error

2006-D MS63 Penny Wrong Planchet Error

A wrong planchet error is one which the dies strike a planchet intended for another denomination. For example, the dies used for a Lincoln cent may be wrongly used to strike a Jefferson nickel planchet.

In this case, since the nickel is larger than the penny, you will notice the coin will have more space between the rim and lettering. The coin will also be heavier than the normal penny.

Wrong planchet errors, also known as wrong denomination errors are popular and collectors are willing to pay a premium for such. For example, in a 2022 Great Collections auction, a collector paid $920 for a 2006-D penny graded MS63 with a wrong planchet error. So, if your penny feels a little heavier or larger, have a professional grader look at it—it might be a wrong planchet error worth a fortune!

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3. 2006-P MS60 Off Center Error Lincoln Cent

2006-P MS60 Off Center Error Lincoln Cent

The next error we’ll look at is the off-center, which occurs when the die and planchet are misaligned. This results in the die striking further away from the planchet’s center and more toward the edge.

Ordinarily, the die should strike the planchet’s center but a slight misalignment may lead the design to be impressed more toward the edge of the planchet. This can occur on the obverse or reverse of the coin.

The value of your off-center strike error largely depends on the off-set percentage. The larger the percentage, the more valuable the error tends to be. For example, a penny with a 20% off-set will generally be more valuable than one with a 5% off-center strike.

The off-center is also another valuable error that collectors are willing to pay good money for. For instance, a collector at a 2023 Heritage Auctions paid an impressive $710 for a 2006-P Lincoln penny graded MS60 with a 10% off-center error on the obverse.

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4. 2006-P MS65 Lincoln Cent Die Cap Mint Error Coin

Another error that comes up in the 2006 penny series is the die cap. This error occurs when the planchet sticks to the die instead of exiting the striking press, subsequently becoming the new die face.

The attached planchet will continue striking other incoming planchets, which will have the reverse design impressed on the heads side. These incoming planchets struck by the attached planchet are known as brokage error coins.

As the attached planchet continues working, it develops the die’s shape. Eventually, the planchet will have raised rims formed around the die and a hollowed-out center, just like a cap and hence the name die cap error.

You will agree that a die cap error is quite dramatic and as such can be worth a premium. Take for example this 2006-P Lincoln cent graded MS65 with a die cap error for which a collector on eBay paid a whopping $1250.

Also read: 11 Most Valuable Wheat Penny Errors

 

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5. 2006-P MS62 Double Struck Obverse and Reverse Error

Next on our 2006 penny errors list is the double struck, which occurs when the planchet fails to eject from the minting press and is therefore struck a second time.

Ideally, after the die has fully impressed the obverse and reverse designs on the planchet, the coin will leave the striking hub, giving space for the next planchet. Sometimes this doesn’t happen and the planchet doesn’t exit and is therefore struck twice or more times.

Usually most double struck errors appear on the obverse but occasionally, the planchet will be double struck on the obverse and reverse sides. In the case of a penny, the coin will have two images of Lincoln’s portrait and two of the Lincoln Memorial on the back.

A double struck error is eye-catching and can be quite valuable. For example, the Great Collection sold a 2006-P MS62 Lincoln penny with a double struck error on the obverse and reverse for an impressive $835.

Also read: 17 Most Valuable Indian Head Penny Worth Money

 

6. 2006-D MS62 Lincoln Penny With Retained Wire Strike-through Error

2006-D MS62 Lincoln Penny With Retained Wire Strike-through Error

Another error you might encounter when collecting 2006 Lincoln pennies is the strike through. This error occurs when a stray object comes between the die and planchet, leaving its impression on the coin.

Examples of stray items that may be struck through include grease, pieces of wire or metal, hair strands, strings, wooden specks just to mention a few.  Usually once the object is struck, it eventually falls off the planchet. Sometimes though, the object may stick to the coin’s surface, resulting in a retained strike through error.

The stray object often leaves a dramatic impression on the coin’s obverse or reverse, making this error quite valuable. For example, in 2021 a collector at a Great Collections auction paid $630 for a 2006-D Lincoln penny graded MS62 with a retained wire strike-through error.

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7. 2006-P MS65 Lincoln Memorial Cent Clamshell Lamination Error Obverse

2006-P MS65 Lincoln Memorial Cent Clamshell Lamination Error Obverse

There are various types of lamination errors but all occurs due to the weakening of the bonds between the clad layers. Impurities can weaken the layers, resulting in peeling, lifting, bubbling, cracking or discoloration.

In the case of a clamshell lamination error, the upper layer splits and lifts, separating from the copper core and forming what looks like a clam shell. This error is rare but it can also be worth a premium.

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In 2022, Heritage Auctions sold a 2006-P Lincoln cent graded MS65 with a clamshell lamination error for $1150, making this one of the most valuable 2006 penny errors you can add to your collection.

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8. 2006-P MS60 Lincoln Penny Obverse Interior Die Break Error

2006-P MS60 Lincoln Penny Obverse Interior Die Break Error

Another error that’s worth collecting is the die break. This common error is easy to add to your collection but it can also be worth a premium depending on its shape, size and form.

As the name implies, a die break occurs when a piece breaks off from the die’s surface and leaves a gap that’s eventually filled with metal pieces.

As the die continues striking, the metal-filled break will leave its impression on one or more planchets, resulting in a die break error. Die errors vary in shape, form and size but they appear like raised bumps on the coin’s surface.

Large, peculiar-looking die breaks are generally worth more. In 2021, the Great Collections sold a 2006-P Lincoln penny graded MS60 with an obverse die break for an impressive $675, making this a nice addition to your penny collection.

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9. 2006-P MS64 Lincoln Penny Missing Clad Layer Obverse Error

The next error we will reveal is the missing clad layer. As the name suggests, this is an error in which the upper clad layer is missing on one or both sides of the coin.

A missing clad layer can occur when the bond between the upper clad layer and copper core is weak, resulting in the upper clad layer peeling on the obverse and/or reverse side of the coin.

In 2023, Heritage Auctions sold a 2006-P Lincoln penny graded MS64 with a missing clad layer on the obverse for a whopping $1045.

Also read13 Most Valuable Wheat Penny Worth Money

 

Summary

Lincoln pennies are some of the most collected coins although they are only worth their face value. If you want to build a more valuable set, collecting error coins is the way to go. As our 2006 penny errors list reveals, errors can be worth a premium if you know how to spot the right ones. So, whether you are an experienced collector or just getting started, now is a great time to start collecting high-value penny errors to build your Lincoln penny collection.

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