Could Your Penny Be Worth $2,000?

A rare 1955 penny featuring President Abraham Lincoln was listed for sale online this month for $2,000, all due to a minting error.

While a penny today is worth only a few cents, this particular penny contains a rare error known as "double die," which occurs when coins are not minted correctly. The error happens when two identical impressions are superimposed during the manufacturing process, creating a doubled effect.

The penny's sale on eBay started with a bid of just one dollar and eventually closed at $2,050. This coin is part of a series first produced in 1909. On one side, it features the face of the president, and on the other side, wheat stalks.

Pennies with the double die effect gained fame in the U.S. because the error is visible without magnification. So if you happen to have a penny from the last century lying around, it might be worthwhile to check its value.

The penny as displayed for sale on eBay