A 1978 Lincoln Memorial cent graded MS67+RD sold for $4,259.38 at Heritage Auctions—a stunning premium over its one-cent face value. Most circulated examples are worth their copper melt value (~$0.03), but condition and errors change everything. Use the free tools below to find out exactly what yours is worth.
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Use the Calculator →The doubled die obverse (DDO) is the most sought-after 1978 penny variety. Two catalogued die varieties exist: 1978P-1DO-001 (subtle) and 1978P-1DO-002 (more dramatic). Use this self-checker to see if yours might qualify.
Letters in IN GOD WE TRUST and LIBERTY are crisp and single — no shadow or extra outline visible even under 10× magnification. The date digits appear sharp and singular. The field (flat background) shows normal die flow lines.
Extra thickness or a distinct second image (shelf) appears on letters of IN GOD WE TRUST and LIBERTY. The doubling is mechanical (hub doubling), not the blurry kind from a tilted strike. Lincoln's eye area may also show a slight secondary image.
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The table below covers all major 1978 penny varieties across every condition tier. For a full illustrated step-by-step 1978 penny identification breakdown, including photo grading examples for every grade tier, check that dedicated reference. Values reflect recent PCGS and Heritage auction data.
| Variety | Worn (G–VF) | Fine / XF | Unc. MS63–MS65 | Gem MS66–MS67+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 (No Mint Mark) | $0.03 | $0.03–$0.10 | $1–$14 | $25–$360+ |
| 1978 DDO (Doubled Die Obverse) | $5–$15 | $20–$40 | $50–$100 | $150–$300+ |
| 1978-D (Denver) | $0.03 | $0.03–$0.10 | $1–$5 | $30–$546+ |
| 1978-D RPM (Repunched Mint Mark) | $3–$8 | $10–$20 | $20–$50 | $60–$150+ |
| 1978 Wrong Planchet (Dime) | $100–$200 | $200–$350 | $350–$550 | $550+ |
| 1978 Off-Center Strike (25%+) | $15–$30 | $30–$75 | $75–$175 | $175–$432+ |
| 1978 BIE Die Break | $3–$6 | $6–$12 | $12–$25 | $25–$60 |
| 1978-S Proof (PR65 DCAM) | — | — | $3–$7 | PR70 DCAM: $1,970–$4,313 |
★ Gold row = DDO Signature Variety. ★★ Red row = rarest error type.
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With nearly 9.8 billion pennies struck in 1978, even a tiny error rate produces thousands of misstruck coins. The six varieties below are the most documented and actively collected. Each affects value differently—some add a modest premium, while others transform a face-value coin into a triple-digit collectible. Learn what each error looks like and what it's worth before you sell or submit for grading.
The doubled die obverse occurs during die manufacturing, not at the moment of striking. The working die receives multiple impressions from the master hub. If the die shifts even slightly between impressions, every coin struck from that die will show the doubled image. Two CONECA-catalogued varieties exist for 1978 Philadelphia cents: 1978P-1DO-001 and 1978P-1DO-002.
Visually, look for extra thickness or a distinct secondary outline on the letters of IN GOD WE TRUST and LIBERTY. The 1978-D also has a catalogued DDO (1978D-1DO-001) showing extra thickness on LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date. The doubling is mechanical—a hard, shelf-like separation—rather than the soft blur produced by a rotated die or machine doubling.
Collectors pay a premium because doubled dies are permanent, repeatable die characteristics that appear on every coin struck from that die. The strongest, most visually dramatic examples command the highest prices. Circulated examples with clear doubling start around $5–$15, while gem-grade MS65+ examples with strong doubling can reach $100–$300 or more depending on the strength of the variety.
Off-center strikes happen when the coin planchet doesn't seat correctly between the two dies before the press fires. The moving hammer die lands partially off the planchet, imprinting only a portion of the Lincoln design while leaving a blank crescent-shaped area with no detail. Off-center strikes are among the most visually dramatic errors in U.S. coinage.
The key value driver is whether the date remains visible. A 10% off-center 1978 penny with a complete date and mint mark is worth far more than a 50% off-center example where the date is lost. Collectors grade these by the percentage of off-center displacement—the more dramatic the shift, the more collectible the coin, provided the date and any mint mark are still legible.
Heritage Auctions has sold several documented 1978 off-center examples. In January 2022, a 60% off-center example graded MS62 RB sold for $45. A spectacular clipped-planchet plus 10%-off-center combination graded MS64 BN sold for $432 at Heritage Auctions in May 2021, illustrating how compounded errors dramatically raise value.
Wrong-planchet errors occur when a blank intended for a different denomination accidentally enters the cent press. In the 1978 wrong-planchet variety, a Roosevelt dime planchet (copper-nickel clad, 17.9mm diameter, approximately 2.27g) was fed into the Lincoln cent press and struck with the 1978 one-cent die. The result is a coin with Lincoln's portrait on a much smaller, silvery-looking disk rather than a normal copper penny blank.
Recognition is straightforward even without magnification. The coin will be noticeably smaller than a regular 1978 penny—roughly the size of a Roosevelt dime. It will also appear silvery or nickel-colored rather than copper, because dime planchets are copper-nickel clad. The weight will measure around 2.27 grams versus the normal 3.11 grams of a copper cent. These characteristics make wrong-planchet errors among the easiest major errors to authenticate.
CoinTrackers documents this as one of the most widely noted 1978 penny errors, with values ranging $200–$550. The relative rarity and dramatic visual impact keep collector demand strong. Authentication by PCGS or NGC is highly recommended before sale, as the value difference between certified and raw examples can be significant in this price range.
Before 1990, the U.S. Mint applied mint marks by hand using a steel punch. Workers struck the D punch into each individual working die separately. If the first punch hit at a slightly wrong angle, depth, or position, the worker would punch again to correct it—leaving behind a ghost impression of the first punch. The result is a coin where two (or more) overlapping D impressions are visible under magnification.
The 1978-D shows several documented RPM varieties, catalogued in standard variety references. Look just below or beside the primary D mint mark for a secondary outline. The ghost D may appear slightly rotated, shifted north, south, east, or west relative to the final mark. Variety Vista lists 1978D-1MM as a documented mint mark variety for this date-mint combination.
RPM coins are popular among collectors because they're obtainable, clearly diagnostic, and represent the handmade human element of pre-modern minting. Circulated examples with a visible RPM trade for $10–$20, while gem MS65 examples can fetch $30–$60. Particularly dramatic or strongly shifted RPMs in high uncirculated grades can push into triple digits.
The BIE error is a die crack variety specific to Lincoln cents. As a working die ages and accumulates stress through thousands of strikes, small cracks develop in the die face. When a crack forms between the B and the E of LIBERTY on the obverse, it creates a small raised area of metal on every subsequent coin struck from that cracked die. This raised blob makes the word appear to read "BIERTY" rather than LIBERTY—hence the collector nickname "BIE."
The raised die crack appears as a small, smooth raised area or blob of metal sitting between the letters B and E in LIBERTY. It will not show the sharp edges of a letter—instead it looks like a small lump that doesn't belong. Because die cracks form progressively during a die's working life, earlier die state (EDS) coins will show a hairline crack, while later die state (LDS) coins show a more pronounced cud or blob.
BIE errors are entry-level collectibles popular with beginning variety collectors. They're common enough to be findable but uncommon enough to feel like a discovery. Errorcoins.org cites values of $6–$20 depending on the depth and visibility of the crack, while large, dramatic examples at high grades have sold for $50–$60 at specialty auctions. They're a fun find for anyone searching rolls of 1978 pennies.
The coining strip used by the Mint is shipped in long rolls that are fed through a blanking machine. The machine punches round blanks from the strip in sequence. Occasionally, the punch overlaps a hole already punched in the strip, cutting a curved section out of a new blank. The result is a planchet with a crescent-shaped piece missing from the edge—a "curved clip." When this clipped blank is then struck by the cent dies, the resulting coin is missing that section along its edge.
Clipped planchet errors are identifiable by the smooth, curved missing section on the coin's periphery. True clips will show the "Blakesley effect"—a corresponding weakness in the design directly opposite the clip location, caused by the missing metal reducing strike pressure on that side. Straight clips (from the end of the strip) and curved clips have different shapes; curved clips from mid-strip punching are the most common type found on 1978 cents.
Stand-alone clipped planchets are worth $25–$75 depending on the size of the clip and the coin's grade. However, 1978 cents are particularly documented for spectacular combined errors. In May 2021, a Heritage Auctions sale of a 15%-clipped planchet that was also struck 10%-off-center—graded MS64 BN—realized $432, demonstrating how combined errors generate exponentially higher collector interest and value.
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| Mint | Mint Mark | Mintage | Type | Est. Survivors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia (+ West Point supplement) | None | 5,558,605,000 | Business Strike | ~1.1 billion (est. 20%) |
| Denver | D | 4,280,233,400 | Business Strike | ~856 million (est. 20%) |
| San Francisco | S | 3,127,781 | Proof Only (DCAM) | ~2.5 million (est. 80%+) |
| Total | — | 9,841,966,181 | — | — |
Composition specs: 95% Copper, 5% Zinc · Weight: 3.11 g · Diameter: 19.05 mm · Thickness: 1.52 mm · Edge: Plain (no reeds) · Designer: Victor David Brenner (obverse portrait) / Frank Gasparro (Memorial reverse) · Face value: $0.01 · Melt value: ~$0.03.
Note: West Point struck an estimated 1.5 billion additional cents in 1978 under Philadelphia supervision; these carry no distinguishing mint mark and are indistinguishable from Philadelphia coins. Survival rate estimates courtesy of CoinValueChecker population analysis.
High relief details on Lincoln's hair and cheekbone are flattened from circulation. The coin is brown or dark from oxidation. Worth only its copper melt value of about $0.03. Do not submit for grading—cost far exceeds value.
Major design details remain but light wear is visible on Lincoln's high points and the Memorial columns. Color is brown or red-brown. Worth $0.03–$0.10. Still below grading cost thresholds for standard 1978 cents.
No wear; luster may be disrupted by bag marks or light contact. Red (RD) examples in MS63–MS65 range from $1–$14 (Philadelphia) and $1–$5 (Denver). Brown or red-brown examples are worth much less. Grading at MS65 RD may break even on grading costs.
Exceptional surfaces with virtually no contact marks, brilliant full-red luster, and a sharp strike. MS66 RD brings $25–$50; MS67 RD reaches $150–$360+. Only 87 PCGS-certified MS67 RD examples exist. The record MS67+RD sold for $4,259. Always submit potential gem coins.
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The right venue depends on what you have. Common circulated examples aren't worth selling individually—bank them or spend them. But error coins, DDO varieties, and high-grade MS66+ RD specimens deserve a proper market.
The top venue for high-grade or rare error 1978 pennies. Heritage has recorded the most significant 1978 cent sales, including the $4,259.38 MS67+RD record and multiple off-center and wrong-planchet sales. Best for certified PCGS/NGC coins in MS66+ or major errors. Buyer's premium applies; expect 2–4 weeks to listing.
Ideal for mid-grade uncirculated coins and lower-tier error coins. The active marketplace for 1978 pennies means competitive pricing and quick sales. Check recently sold 1978 penny prices and completed listings to price yours accurately before listing. Filter by "Sold" to see real market comps, not asking prices.
Fast and convenient for modest uncirculated examples and minor errors. Dealers typically offer 40–60% of retail value. Bring comparable sold prices from eBay or PCGS to support your asking price. Good for lots of multiple 1978 coins; less ideal for single high-value specimens where auction competition drives better results.
Coin Roll Hunting communities are active buyers for error 1978 pennies. Post clear photos with a scale reference and describe the error. Community members can help authenticate and suggest appropriate prices. Best for mid-range DDOs, BIE errors, and RPMs where peer pricing knowledge is strong.