If you love collecting coins or just enjoy digging through your pocket change every now and then, there’s one small coin you definitely shouldn’t overlook—the RPM Lincoln Wheat Penny, especially the version with the S over S (S/S) mint mark. At first glance, this penny might look just like any other copper coin, but a tiny minting mistake has made some of these worth thousands of dollars. In fact, one of them has sold for an astonishing $32,900!
Let’s dive into the fascinating story behind this penny and learn how you can identify one, what makes it so valuable, and why it’s considered a gem in the world of coin collecting.
What Does RPM Mean?
RPM stands for “Repunched Mint Mark.” Back in the day, mint marks (like “S” for the San Francisco Mint) were punched into the coin dies by hand. Sometimes, this process didn’t go perfectly. If a mint worker accidentally misaligned the punch, they would strike the mark again to correct it. This resulted in a double impression of the mint mark, often slightly off-center.
This double stamping created a shadow-like or overlapping effect, which collectors today refer to as a “Repunched Mint Mark.” It might be subtle to the naked eye, but under a magnifying glass or coin microscope, the error becomes obvious.
The S Over S (S/S) Mint Mark Explained
The S/S designation refers to a coin where the San Francisco mint mark “S” has been punched over another “S,” but slightly off-target. This kind of minting error was never supposed to leave the mint, making it a rare find. It adds a layer of uniqueness that excites collectors, especially when the doubling is strong and easy to see.
Which RPM Penny is Worth $32,900?
The most famous and valuable of these RPM errors is found on the 1955-S Lincoln Wheat Penny. One of these coins, in near-perfect condition and with a very clear S/S mint mark, was auctioned for $32,900.
That price wasn’t just for the error. The coin’s condition, rarity, and demand in the collector’s market all played a role in its high value. Grading services like PCGS or NGC often give these coins high marks for quality, which boosts their price. Even if you find one in less-than-perfect shape, you could still earn hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Other Dates to Watch: 1946-S and 1949-S
While the 1955-S is the star, it’s not the only Lincoln Wheat Penny with an RPM worth noting. Keep an eye out for:
- 1946-S: Several RPM varieties exist for this year. Some show strong doubling on the “S” mint mark.
- 1949-S: Another year with known S/S errors. Look closely for shadow effects around the mint mark.
All of these coins are collectible, and the stronger the repunching, the more they’re worth.
How to Spot an S/S RPM Lincoln Wheat Penny
If you’re interested in finding one of these rare coins, here’s what to do:
- Start with the Year: Look for Lincoln Wheat Pennies from 1946, 1949, and 1955 with an “S” mint mark (under the date).
- Inspect the Mint Mark: Use a magnifying glass or, better yet, a digital coin microscope. You’re looking for signs of doubling—a shadow, a misaligned second “S,” or a blurring around the edges of the letter.
- Compare Online Images: Look at photos of confirmed RPM errors online (reputable coin sites like PCGS, NGC, or numismatic forums). Comparing your coin side-by-side with a known RPM can help.
- Seek a Professional Opinion: If you think you’ve found something promising, consider having your coin evaluated by a professional grading service. Not only will they confirm the error, but they’ll also assign a grade that can determine how much your coin is worth.
Why Are RPM Coins So Valuable?
Coins with minting errors are always interesting to collectors. But RPMs are special for a few reasons:
- They’re Unintended Rarities: These weren’t supposed to happen, so only a small number exist.
- They’re Historically Significant: They tell a story about the minting process and how quality control worked back then.
- They Vary in Visibility: Some RPMs are barely visible; others are dramatically doubled, and collectors especially prize the latter.
- Condition Matters: A well-preserved RPM can sell for dramatically more than a worn one.
Think of it this way: a regular 1955-S penny might only be worth a few cents, but with a clear repunched mint mark and excellent condition, it turns into a collectible worth thousands.
Real-Life Example
Imagine you’re going through your grandfather’s old coin jar and come across a shiny 1955-S penny. You pull out a magnifying glass and notice something odd about the mint mark—it looks like there’s a shadow or double image behind the “S.” You take a photo and post it in a coin collecting forum. Within hours, experts confirm it’s an S/S RPM. You get it professionally graded, and it comes back as MS-64 (a high grade). At auction, you receive offers north of $10,000. Not a bad day!
Final Thoughts
Coins are tiny pieces of history. What makes them even more exciting is that hidden treasures can be found in the most ordinary places—your wallet, your change jar, or a forgotten drawer. The RPM S/S Lincoln Wheat Penny is one such treasure. It’s proof that even the smallest errors can turn a common coin into a collector’s dream.
If you’re serious about coin collecting, or just starting out, take a closer look at those old wheat pennies. You never know what you might find. And remember, sometimes, the difference between one cent and thirty thousand dollars is just a small shadow around an “S.”
FAQs
1. What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $33,000?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny valued at up to $33,000 is typically a rare mint error coin, such as the 1955 Doubled Die, 1943 Bronze Cent, or a coin with a strong RPM (Repunched Mint Mark). These coins are extremely rare and often in top condition, which adds to their value.
2. Why is this penny so valuable?
Certain Lincoln Wheat Pennies are valuable due to minting errors, low mintage, or unique historical significance. Collectors pay high amounts for coins that are rare, well-preserved, and feature visible minting mistakes.
3. Are these valuable pennies still in circulation today?
While rare, it is still technically possible to find valuable Wheat Pennies in circulation, especially if you check old coin jars, rolls of pennies from banks, or inherited coin collections. Most valuable ones, however, are found by collectors.
4. What is a mint error, and why does it matter?
A mint error happens when something goes wrong during the coin’s production at the mint—like doubling, wrong metal used, or incorrect punching. These mistakes are rare and increase the coin’s value because they are not supposed to exist.
5. How do I know if I have a valuable Wheat Penny?
Start by checking the date, mint mark, and condition of the coin. Use a magnifying glass to spot errors like doubling or repatched mint marks. Then compare your coin to images online or take it to a professional coin appraiser for evaluation.
