1998 Penny Value Checker: Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth)

That humble 1998 penny rattling around in your pocket might just be your ticket to unexpected treasure. While most people dismiss these copper-plated coins as ordinary change, savvy collectors know that certain 1998 pennies can command impressive premiums far beyond their one-cent face value.

The key to unlocking your 1998 penny’s worth lies in understanding what makes certain varieties special. Regular Philadelphia pennies (no mint mark) typically trade for just $0.23 in good condition. However, hunt for the rare Wide AM variety and you could be holding a coin worth significantly more in circulated condition, with pristine examples commanding $155.00 in mint state.

What makes these finds even more exciting? These valuable varieties are still being discovered in circulation more than 25 years after they were minted, meaning your next handful of change could contain a genuine numismatic gem waiting to be discovered.

 

1998 Penny Value By Variety

While most 1998 pennies trade for face value, the chart below shows the specific varieties collectors look for. If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Modern Pennies Worth Money (1959 – Present)

 

1998 Penny Top 10 Most Valuable Examples Worth Money

The 1998 penny market demonstrates how modern varieties can achieve remarkable values when combined with exceptional grades. Leading the chart is the 1998-S Close AM DCAM in perfect PR70 condition at $4,406, showcasing the premium collectors place on flawless proof specimens with this scarce variety.

Business strike Close AM pennies also command substantial prices, with an MS69 Red example reaching $2,220, while Wide AM varieties in MS67 grades have sold for $725–$940. Even lower-graded proof examples maintain strong values, with PR60–PR68 Close AM specimens ranging from $423 to $1,265. These impressive prices for relatively recent coins prove that valuable pennies aren’t limited to early dates or major errors.

 

History of the 1998 Penny

The US Mint first issued Lincoln pennies in 1909 to commemorate Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday, with the original design created by sculptor Victor David Brenner. These original “Wheat cents” featured two stalks of wheat on the reverse, which were replaced on February 12, 1959 with the Lincoln Memorial design — a date chosen to honor Lincoln’s 150th sesquicentennial.

The Memorial reverse was designed by Frank Gasparro, who won an internal engraver competition held by the Mint. His design cleverly places a tiny Lincoln statue inside the Memorial’s columns, meaning Abraham Lincoln actually appears on both sides of the coin simultaneously.

Cents minted in 1998 still belonged to this Memorial design series, which lasted until 2008 before the 2009 Bicentennial pennies introduced four new reverse designs celebrating different stages of Lincoln’s life. This makes the 1998 penny part of a proud 50-year numismatic tradition.

Numismatically, the 1998 penny is most notable for the “Wide AM” reverse variety — an accident where business-strike coins were struck with proof-style dies, widening the space between the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA.” Over 100,000 examples are believed to exist from multiple dies, making it an accessible yet historically significant variety.

The Wide AM type is part of a small trilogy that includes 1999 and 2000. According to PCGS CoinFacts expert Jaime Hernandez, the 1998 is the second scarcest of the three years — rarer than 2000 but more available than 1999. The pattern was first highlighted after researcher John Wexler identified the 2000 Wide AM variety in 2001, linking the 1998 coin to a broader sequence of die mix-ups across consecutive years.

Also Read: Top 100 Rarest Pennies Worth Money (1787 – Present)

 

Is Your 1998 Penny Rare?

To quickly assess the rarity and potential value of any penny in your collection, try our Coin Value Checker App for instant professional grading insights.

 

Key Features of the 1998 Penny

The 1998 cents are part of the Lincoln Memorial group, combining Frank Gasparro’s reverse with the original obverse created by Victor D. Brenner. These pennies represent the final decade of the Lincoln Memorial design that ran from 1959 to 2008, making them part of a 50-year numismatic tradition.

One important grading factor unique to copper-plated coins is the color designation. Grading services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) assign one of three color grades: RD (Red), meaning the coin retains 95% or more of its original copper-red luster; RB (Red-Brown), meaning 5–95% luster remains; and BN (Brown), meaning less than 5% original color survives.

For 1998 pennies, the Red (RD) designation is the only one that commands significant collector premiums — an MS67 RD is worth dozens of times more than an MS67 BN of the same coin.

The Obverse Of The 1998 Penny

The penny obverse has remained unchanged since 1909, so pieces minted in 1998 still carry Lincoln’s portrait at center with four recognizable inscriptions. You can see IN GOD WE TRUST positioned above Lincoln’s head, the date “1998” to the right of his chest, LIBERTY on the left side, and the designer’s initials “VDB” for Victor David Brenner on Lincoln’s shoulder.

The mint mark, when present, appears below the date — “D” for Denver-minted coins, “S” for San Francisco proof coins, while Philadelphia-minted pennies carry no mint mark at all.

The Reverse Of The 1998 Penny

The 1998 Lincoln cent reverse shows the Lincoln Memorial centered between its famous columns, with a tiny Lincoln statue visible in the middle archway. Standard inscriptions include UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, the “FG” initials for Frank Gasparro, ONE CENT, and E • PLURIBUS • UNUM •.

The position of the “FG” initials is actually one of the key identification points for the Wide AM variety. On standard coins, the “FG” sits farther from the Memorial building, while on Wide AM specimens it appears closer to the structure — a detail worth knowing when you’re searching your change.

Other Features Of The 1998 Penny

Like all Lincoln pennies minted after 1982, those from 1998 consist of 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper. Their weight is 2.5 g (0.08818 ounces), with a thickness of 1.52 mm (0.05984 inches) and a diameter of 19.05 mm (0.75 inches).

The copper plating gives these zinc-core coins their familiar reddish appearance, though this thin layer can wear away with heavy circulation, revealing the silver-colored zinc beneath. This composition change from solid copper (used before 1982) also affects how high-grade coins are valued — the zinc core is prone to “zinc rot” and surface blemishes, making truly pristine RD specimens increasingly rare with each passing year.

Also Read: 100 Most Valuable Wheat Pennies Worth Money (1909 to 1958)

 

1998 Penny Mintage & Survival Data

The 1998 penny mintage data reveals significant production across all three facilities. Philadelphia struck 5,032,155,000 coins without mint marks, while Denver added 5,225,353,500 with the “D” marking. San Francisco contributed 2,086,507 proof specimens exclusively for collectors.

Current survival estimates show approximately 2.1 billion examples each from Philadelphia and Denver still exist, representing survival rates of roughly 41.7% and 40.2% respectively. The San Francisco proofs maintain a 93.1% survival rate with about 1.9 million pieces remaining — typical for collector coins that see minimal circulation.

The Wide AM and Close AM varieties lack definitive survival data, as these die varieties were not tracked separately during initial mintage. Their population is largely estimated from the number of certified examples appearing at major grading services over the years.

These survival percentages reflect typical attrition for modern pennies after 25+ years of circulation, with billions lost to damage, melting, or simply sitting forgotten in jars and drawers.

Also Read: 100 Most Valuable Indian Head Penny Coins Worth Money (1859 – 1909)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1998 Penny Value

Determining your 1998 penny’s value starts with checking the mint mark and examining its overall condition. Most circulated 1998 pennies are worth face value, while uncirculated examples typically range from $0.10 to $0.30.

The critical next step is identifying the rare Wide AM variety, where the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” are spaced noticeably apart — these can be worth $20 to $500 or more in mint condition. For instant professional assessment, try the Coin Value Checker App to identify valuable varieties through photo analysis.

 

1998 Penny Value Guides

The 1998 penny series includes three regular mint issues and two significant die varieties that emerged from production mishaps. Philadelphia and Denver facilities struck billions for circulation, while San Francisco produced proof coins exclusively for collectors.

The Wide AM and Close AM varieties resulted from accidental die mixing between business-strike and proof dies, creating collectible varieties that weren’t discovered until years after release. These five distinct types offer collectors different price points and rarity levels, from common circulation coins worth face value to scarce varieties commanding hundreds of dollars.

1998 Penny Types:

• 1998 No Mint Mark (Philadelphia)
• 1998-D (Denver)
• 1998-S DCAM (San Francisco)
• 1998 Wide AM (Philadelphia)
• 1998-S Close AM (San Francisco)

Also Read: Value Of Old Pennies By Year (1959-Present)

 

1998 No Mint Mark Penny Value

The Philadelphia Mint struck 5,032,155,000 pennies in 1998 — over five billion coins — without a mint mark, following the long-standing tradition for that facility. Because of this enormous mintage, the 1998 Philadelphia cent is one of the most common modern coins in existence, and only MS68 RD and higher grades are considered genuinely scarce.

At the MS68 RD level, PCGS has graded approximately 50 examples and NGC has certified about 40 — a combined population of roughly 90 coins at this grade out of the billions minted. That makes a certified MS68 RD the true “condition rarity” for this date, and examples have sold for $170, with the all-time auction record standing at $5,800 for an MS69 RD sold via eBay on November 20, 2020.

Color designation dramatically impacts value on this coin. Red (RD) specimens — those retaining 95% or more of their original copper-red luster — command the highest prices. An MS68 RD sells for around $170, while the same coin in Red-Brown (RB) drops to just $14, and a Brown (BN) coin commands even less.

To explore the complete price history and recent sales of 1998 No Mint Mark pennies, view our detailed auction records chart below.

For collectors tracking this coin’s popularity, check our market activity section.

Also Read: Lincoln Wheat Penny Value (1909-1958)

 

1998-D Penny Value

Denver struck 5,225,353,500 pennies in 1998, identified by the small “D” mint mark below the date. While the Wide AM variety does not exist for Denver issues, collectors seek high-grade certified specimens and the documented Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) variety that occasionally surfaces.

The 1998-D DDR features subtle doubling on the reverse inscriptions — particularly on “ONE CENT,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and the Memorial’s columns — and typically sells for $20 to $75 depending on the strength of the doubling. A strong certified example can command even more from variety specialists.

For regular-issue coins, the MS66 RD specimen that sold for $529 in 2011 remains the benchmark for this date. Red (RD) examples retain their original copper-plated luster, while Red-Brown (RB) and Brown (BN) specimens show varying degrees of natural oxidation that directly impacts their market value.

Auction prices spanning multiple grades can be found in this chart.

The market activity of the 1998-D penny is illustrated in the chart below.

1998-D PL Penny Value

The 1998-D Prooflike (PL) penny is a striking quality rarity among regular business strikes. Prooflike coins display mirror-like fields reflecting two to four inches of depth, created from the very first strikes off freshly polished dies — they look similar to proof coins but were produced for general circulation.

An MS68 PL specimen sold for $450 on eBay in May 2021, establishing the benchmark for this variety. These coins typically originate from only the first few hundred impressions off a newly polished die, making them considerably scarcer than ordinary examples within the massive 5.2 billion total mintage.

MS67 PL specimens typically trade between $150 and $200, while MS66 PL examples sell for $75 to $100. The PL designation nearly doubles the value of a standard MS68 Red Denver penny, making it worth watching for when inspecting bright, reflective uncirculated coins.

Our market activity reveals how collector demand fluctuates for these mirror-finish specimens.

 

1998-S DCAM Penny Value

The 1998-S proof penny features the Deep Cameo (DCAM) designation — a term that describes the dramatic contrast between frosted, white-looking design devices and mirror-like background fields. DCAM is the most desirable surface quality for proof coins and commands a premium over standard cameo examples.

San Francisco struck only 2,086,507 proof pennies in 1998, making them the scarcest regular issue of the year by a wide margin. Unlike the billions produced for circulation, these proof coins were carefully struck multiple times using specially prepared dies and polished planchets to achieve their sharp, glassy appearance.

Standard 1998-S DCAM pennies in PR69 grade typically sell for $5 to $15, while perfect PR70 examples command $40 to $50. However, a PR70 DCAM specimen achieved $1,265 at Heritage Auctions in June 2005, demonstrating how collector timing and demand can push exceptional examples far above typical price levels.

Detailed auction pricing across all proof grades appears in our auction record chart below.

Market activity for 1998-S DCAM pennies is shown in the chart below.

 

1998 Wide AM Penny Value

The 1998 Wide AM penny is one of the most exciting finds in modern Lincoln cent collecting. It was created when proof reverse dies — which intentionally space the letters “A” and “M” in AMERICA farther apart — were accidentally used to strike regular business-strike coins at the Philadelphia Mint.

According to PCGS CoinFacts expert Jaime Hernandez, the 1998 is the second scarcest of the three Wide AM years (1998, 1999, 2000). Over 100,000 examples are believed to exist because multiple dies were involved, each striking tens of thousands of coins — yet finding high-grade Red specimens remains a real challenge.

To identify this variety, flip your coin over and examine the word AMERICA closely with a 5x or 10x loupe (magnifying glass). On a Wide AM, you can see a clear visible gap between the “A” and “M” at their bases. On a standard 1998 penny, those letters nearly touch. You should also check the “FG” designer initials near the Memorial — on Wide AM coins, the “FG” sits closer to the building than on standard coins.

In circulated condition, Wide AM pennies are worth $10 to $30. Uncirculated MS63 examples sell for $15 to $25, while MS65 specimens bring $30 to $50. At MS67, Red (RD) examples typically sell for $400 to $725, with the record auction price of $940 achieved at Heritage Auctions on June 4, 2014.

Price distinctions among grades are made apparent in the accompanying chart.

Recent monthly collector interest for this transitional variety appears in our market activity chart.

To quickly verify if you have the valuable Wide AM variety and get current market values for your 1998 penny, try scanning it with the Coin Value Checker App, which uses image recognition to identify key variety markers and provide instant pricing data based on condition.

1998 Wide AM FS-901 Penny Value

The FS-901 designation comes from the Fivaz-Stanton attribution system, cataloged in the well-known numismatic reference Cherrypicker’s Guide to Rare Die Varieties. This system gives variety collectors a standardized code to reference and discuss specific die varieties, confirming the 1998 Wide AM’s status as a legitimate transitional variety worth pursuing.

The FS-901 type shares the same Wide AM spacing characteristics as the regular Wide AM, available in Red (RD), Red-Brown (RB), and Brown (BN) color designations. The specific FS-901 attribution is used by PCGS and NGC to catalog this die variety precisely, and certified examples in this designation can carry slight additional premiums over uncatalogued examples.

Individual sale prices for each grade level are cataloged in our auction records.

Market activity for the FS-901 variety is updated regularly in the chart below.

 

1998-S Close AM DCAM Penny Value

The 1998-S Close AM penny is the mirror image of the Wide AM error — but far rarer and more valuable. This variety was accidentally created when the San Francisco Mint struck proof coins using a business-strike reverse die, which places the “A” and “M” in AMERICA much closer together than intended for proof coinage.

Fewer than 100 examples are known to exist, making this one of the rarest modern Lincoln cent varieties in the entire series. PR68 specimens sell for $1,000 to $1,500, and a PR70 Deep Cameo example sold for $4,500 on eBay on July 1, 2015, with another PR70 DCAM achieving $4,000 on March 31, 2018.

The auction record chart reveals the dramatic premium these perfect specimens command when they appear at auction.

The market activity chart provides insight into ongoing collector interest for this coveted variety.

1998-S Close AM FS-901 DCAM Penny Value

The 1998-S Close AM FS-901 penny emerged from the same die mix-up at the San Francisco Mint, carrying the Fivaz-Stanton catalog number for precise variety attribution. This specific designation is used by PCGS and NGC to certify and track the most verified examples of this rare proof variety.

To identify this variety, examine the “A” and “M” in AMERICA — on Close AM coins, these letters virtually touch at their bases rather than showing the wider gap intended for proof dies. The “FG” initials also sit farther from the Memorial base on Close AM specimens, and the “G” lacks the horizontal serif found on Wide AM coins.

A PR70 DCAM specimen of this FS-901 variety achieved $5,160 in February 2024, while PR69 DCAM examples typically command hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on cameo contrast and surface preservation. This recent 2024 sale confirms that collector demand for top-grade examples continues to grow.

The auction record chart illustrates the substantial premiums collectors pay for this scarce variety across different grades.

The chart below will help you understand the coin’s market activity performance over the past year.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Modern Pennies Worth Money (1959 – Present)

 

Rare 1998 Penny Error List

While most 1998 pennies are worth face value, certain die defects and striking mishaps have created collectible errors that command real premiums in the numismatic market. These manufacturing anomalies occurred when dies developed cracks, planchets weren’t properly seated, or when foreign materials interfered with the striking process.

Understanding these specific production errors can help you identify potentially valuable specimens hiding in pocket change or coin rolls. Always use a 5x to 10x magnifying glass when searching — many valuable errors are simply invisible to the naked eye.

1. Doubled Die (DDO / DDR)

A Doubled Die error is created during the die-making process when the design is hubbed onto the die more than once at a slightly different angle. The result is a coin where letters, numbers, or design elements appear doubled — as if you’re seeing a ghost image alongside the real one.

On 1998 Philadelphia pennies, doubling most often appears in Lincoln’s eye, his bowtie, the lettering in LIBERTY or IN GOD WE TRUST, or the Memorial’s columns on the reverse. Denver-minted 1998 cents also produced a documented Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) variety, featuring doubling on “ONE CENT” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”

Most doubling on 1998 cents is minor and requires magnification. Minor examples typically sell for $20 to $50, while the 1998-D DDR variety brings $20 to $75 depending on the strength of the doubling. Only dramatic, clearly visible doubling commands top premiums.

2. Off-Center Strike

An off-center strike happens when the blank coin disc (called a planchet) shifts out of position before being stamped by the dies. This leaves part of the design missing and part of the coin blank.

Minor off-center strikes of 3% to 5% rarely add significant value and may sell for just $5 to $10. Errors in the 5% to 10% range are worth approximately $5 to $15. The most collectible pieces are those with 45% to 60% off-center strikes where the full date is still visible, commanding $50 to $100.

3. Wrong Planchet Error

One of the most dramatic and valuable 1998 penny errors is the wrong planchet variety — created when a cent die accidentally strikes a blank meant for a different coin entirely. The most documented version is a cent struck on a dime planchet.

You can detect this error by weight and size. A normal 1998 cent weighs 2.5 grams and measures 19.05mm in diameter. A cent struck on a dime planchet weighs just 2.27 grams and measures only 17.91mm — noticeably smaller. The coin also appears silver-colored because dime planchets are copper-nickel clad, not copper-coated zinc.

Values for this rare error are significant: circulated examples sell for $300 to $500, while uncirculated specimens can bring $750 to $1,500 or more at auction. Authentication by PCGS or NGC is strongly recommended before buying or selling.

4. Broadstrike

A broadstrike occurs when a coin is struck without the metal collar that normally holds the planchet in place during minting. Without the collar to contain it, the metal spreads outward, creating a coin that is wider than normal with a weak or missing rim.

You can identify a broadstruck 1998 cent by measuring its diameter — normal pennies are exactly 19.05mm, while broadstrikes can exceed 20mm. The design will be complete but appear stretched near the edges. Minor broadstrikes with slight spreading sell for $10 to $20, while dramatic examples with significant expansion bring $30 to $75.

5. BIE Die Crack

This error is specific to Lincoln Memorial cents and results from a die crack forming between the “B” and “E” in LIBERTY. The crack creates a raised vertical line that resembles the letter “I,” making the word appear to read “LIBIERTY.”

The BIE crack is a known recurring error across many Lincoln cent years, including 1998. Modern examples do not command large premiums — typical BIE 1998 cents sell for $10 to $15, with bold, well-defined examples occasionally reaching $20 to $25.

6. Struck-Through Error

A struck-through error happens when debris — grease, cloth fibers, or metal shavings — gets trapped between the die and the planchet at the moment of striking. The foreign material blocks part of the design, leaving a flat, smooth, or textured area where details should appear.

Grease-filled die errors on 1998 cents most commonly show missing or incomplete letters in the inscriptions. Values depend heavily on how dramatic and visually appealing the struck-through area is. Small struck-through examples sell for $10 to $30, while larger or more complete designs missing significant portions can bring $50 to $150.

Also Read: 42 Rare Penny Errors List with Pictures (By Year)

 

Where To Sell Your 1998 Penny?

Whether you’re holding a common circulation piece or a rare Wide AM variety, knowing the right place to sell can maximize your penny’s value.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

1998 Penny Market Trend

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

 

FAQ About The 1998 Penny

1. What makes a 1998 penny rare or valuable?

Most 1998 pennies are common because over 10 billion were struck between Philadelphia and Denver. However, the Wide AM and Close AM varieties — created by accidental die mixing between proof and business-strike dies — are worth significantly more than face value.

The 1998-S Close AM is the rarest, with fewer than 100 examples known. The 1998 Wide AM has over 100,000 estimated to exist, but high-grade Red specimens are still hard to find. Both varieties were discovered years after the coins were released, meaning many may still be sitting unchecked in collections.

2. How do I identify the Wide AM on a 1998 penny?

Flip the coin over and look at the word AMERICA on the reverse under a 5x to 10x magnifying glass. On a Wide AM, the “A” and “M” have a clear, visible gap between them at their bases. On a standard 1998 cent, those letters nearly touch.

Also check the “FG” designer initials to the right of the Memorial. On Wide AM coins, the “FG” sits slightly closer to the building than on standard Close AM coins. If both details match, you likely have the Wide AM variety — worth $10 to $725 or more depending on grade.

3. What 1998 pennies are worth the most money?

The most valuable 1998 pennies include: the MS69 RD No Mint Mark that sold for $5,800 on eBay in November 2020; the PR70 DCAM 1998-S Close AM FS-901 that achieved $5,160 in February 2024; and the PR70 DCAM 1998-S Close AM that sold for $4,500 in July 2015.

Wide AM examples in MS67 RD have fetched up to $940 at Heritage Auctions (June 2014), and the 1998-D PL in MS68 sold for $450 in 2021. These prices show that top condition is the most reliable driver of value for this date.

4. What is the difference between the Close AM and Wide AM on a 1998 penny?

The difference lies in the spacing between the letters “A” and “M” in AMERICA on the reverse. The Close AM — the standard design for 1998 business strikes — places these letters very close together, almost touching at their bases.

The Wide AM shows a clear, visible gap between the “A” and “M,” a feature normally reserved for proof dies. The mix-up happened when proof dies accidentally made their way into the business-strike press at Philadelphia, or business-strike dies ended up at the San Francisco proof press (for the Close AM proof variety). Telling them apart requires a magnifying glass and a steady eye.

5. Is a 1998 penny with no mint mark worth anything?

Most circulated 1998 pennies with no mint mark are worth only face value — one cent. In uncirculated condition, they typically sell for $0.10 to $0.30. Only exceptional specimens graded MS68 RD or higher by PCGS or NGC command real premiums.

At MS68 RD, only about 90 total examples have been certified between PCGS (50 coins) and NGC (40 coins), driving values to around $170. The all-time record for a regular Philadelphia 1998 cent is $5,800, paid for an MS69 RD in November 2020. If your coin is uncirculated and brilliantly red, it may be worth getting professionally graded.

6. What is a 1998 penny struck on a dime planchet, and how do I check for it?

A wrong planchet error occurs when a blank disc intended for a dime accidentally enters the cent press. The resulting coin carries Lincoln’s cent design but on a dime-sized silver-colored disc — completely different from a normal penny.

To check your coin, weigh it on a digital scale. A normal 1998 cent weighs 2.5 grams; a cent on a dime planchet weighs approximately 2.27 grams. Also measure the diameter: normal cents are 19.05mm, while dime planchets are only 17.91mm. If both measurements are off and the coin appears silver instead of copper-colored, it is worth sending to PCGS or NGC for authentication. Confirmed examples sell for $300 to $500 in circulated condition and $750 to $1,500 or more uncirculated.

7. How does the RD, RB, or BN color designation affect my 1998 penny’s value?

Color designation is one of the most important grading factors for copper-plated coins like the 1998 penny, and it is applied by grading services PCGS and NGC based on the percentage of original red-orange luster remaining. Red (RD) means 95% or more of the original luster is intact — this is the only designation that commands strong collector premiums.

Red-Brown (RB) means 5% to 95% of the original red color remains, with the rest toned to brown. Brown (BN) means less than 5% original luster survives. At the MS68 grade, an RD example is worth around $170, while an RB drops to about $14. The coin’s color is irreversibly affected by handling, improper storage, and exposure to air — so keep uncirculated pennies you want to preserve in airtight, inert holders.

8. Are there valuable doubled die errors on 1998 pennies?

Yes — both Philadelphia and Denver mints produced documented doubled die varieties in 1998. The Philadelphia Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) shows doubling in Lincoln’s portrait features, LIBERTY, or the date, typically fetching $20 to $50 for minor varieties.

The 1998-D Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) is a separate variety specific to Denver pennies, showing doubling in “ONE CENT,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” or the Memorial columns. This variety usually sells for $20 to $75 depending on the strength of the doubling. Always use a loupe — true doubled dies show a raised, three-dimensional separation, while machine doubling shows a flat, shelf-like smear.

9. What is the most expensive coin in the entire Lincoln Memorial penny series?

According to verified auction records, the most expensive coin in the Memorial cent series is the 1999 Philadelphia issue graded MS66, which sold for $138,000 in 2006 due to its extremely rare mule pairing — an obverse cent design struck with the reverse of a dime. The second most valuable is the 1969-S penny graded MS64 with a doubled-die obverse (DDO), which realized $126,500 at Heritage Auctions in 2008.

The 1998 cent’s all-time record of $5,800 is modest by comparison, but it shows that even common-date modern cents can achieve surprising values when graded at the very top of the population.

10. Should I clean my 1998 penny to make it look more valuable?

Never clean any coin you believe may be valuable. Cleaning destroys the original luster and surface quality that grading services evaluate. Even gentle rinsing with water can leave hairline scratches on the thin copper plating.

A cleaned coin will be returned by PCGS or NGC in a “Details” holder marked “Cleaned,” which dramatically reduces its resale value and makes it virtually unsellable to serious collectors. If your 1998 penny looks bright and attractive, that is a sign of natural preservation — protect it by storing it in an inert, airtight holder and handling it only by the edges while wearing cotton gloves.