How This 1997 Double Ear Lincoln Cent Became a $500 Find

At first glance, a 1997 penny might seem like just another coin in your pocket. But for one lucky collector, this ordinary-looking cent turned out to be a rare and valuable find. What made it special? A doubling error on Abraham Lincoln’s ear—now known among coin lovers as the 1997 Double Ear Lincoln Cent. This unique variety has caught the attention of collectors across the country, with some examples selling for up to $500 or more, depending on condition and demand. Let’s explore what makes this coin stand out and why it’s worth far more than face value.

Coin Name: 1997 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent (Double Ear Variety)

The coin in question is the 1997 Lincoln Cent, part of the long-running Lincoln Memorial penny series. But what makes this specific variety different is a doubled die error—a mistake during the coin’s production process at the U.S. Mint.

In a normal coin, the design is pressed clearly onto the metal blank. But sometimes, during the hubbing process (when the design is transferred to the die), a slight shift occurs. This results in the design being imprinted twice—creating a “doubled” appearance on parts of the coin.

In this case, the doubling appears on Lincoln’s earlobe, making it look like he has two ears. It’s not just a minor detail—under magnification, it’s clearly visible and distinct. This makes it an exciting find for anyone who spots it in pocket change or a coin roll.

The error is not very common, but enough of these pennies were released into circulation that it has become a known variety among collectors. It’s officially recognized by coin grading services and is listed in error coin catalogs.

Why It’s Worth Up to $500

So why would anyone pay hundreds of dollars for a one-cent coin?

There are a few reasons:

• It’s a recognized mint error: Doubled dies are highly collectible, especially when the doubling is easy to see.
• It’s rare but findable: Unlike some million-dollar coins, you could still find this one in circulation, which adds to the excitement.
• High-grade examples are valuable: Uncirculated versions (with little to no wear) graded by PCGS or NGC can sell for $300 to $500, depending on condition and demand.
• Collectors love varieties: Lincoln cents have many popular errors, and the 1997 Double Ear is one of the more affordable ones—making it attractive to new collectors.

It’s also a great example of how knowledge in coin collecting can turn spare change into serious cash.

How to Spot the 1997 Double Ear Penny

Want to check your 1997 pennies? Here’s what to look for:

• Focus on Lincoln’s ear: Use a magnifying glass or coin loupe. If you see a second earlobe slightly below the first, you might have a double ear penny.
• Check both sides: The rest of the coin looks normal. The doubling is specific to the ear area on the obverse (heads) side.
• Look for sharp, clear doubling: Weak or blurry lines might just be damage or wear—not a true doubled die.

If you think you’ve found one, don’t clean the coin. Submit it to a grading service like PCGS or NGC to have it authenticated and graded.

Table: Quick Facts – 1997 Double Ear Lincoln Cent

Feature	Details
Year	1997
Coin Type	Lincoln Memorial Cent
Error Type	Doubled Die – Obverse
Key Feature	Doubling on Lincoln’s ear
Value Range	$20 to $500+
Best Grade Value	MS65 or higher (certified)
Metal Composition	Copper-Plated Zinc

The 1997 Double Ear Lincoln Cent proves that even modern coins can hold hidden treasures. What may seem like a normal penny could actually be a rare error worth hundreds of dollars. With just a little knowledge and a magnifying glass, you might be able to spot one in your own coin jar or pocket change. While it’s not as rare as a million-dollar copper penny, it’s still an exciting find that’s achievable for everyday collectors. So before you spend your next penny, take a closer look—it might be worth a lot more than just one cent.

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