Finding a valuable 2012 penny error in your pocket change might seem unlikely, but thousands of error coins escaped the mint that year. The 2012 Lincoln Shield penny was produced in massive quantities across Philadelphia and Denver facilities, creating numerous opportunities for minting mistakes.
Accurate identification is crucial for coin collectors because many circulated pennies show damage that mimics genuine errors. Understanding the difference between post-mint damage and authentic mint errors can mean the difference between spending a penny and discovering a $500 collectible. Professional coin value apps like CoinKnow can instantly determine what your 2012 pennies are worth, providing real-time market pricing and professional valuations for accurate assessments.
2012 Penny Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) Error Value
The 2012 penny doubled die obverse error occurs when the die strikes the planchet at slightly different angles, creating visible doubling on Lincoln’s portrait and inscriptions. You’ll most commonly spot this doubling on “LIBERTY,” the date “2012,” and Lincoln’s eye or tie area.
A strong 2012-P DDO example graded MS65 sold for approximately $415 at Heritage Auctions, demonstrating significant value potential. The doubling appears as a distinct shadow or outline, not the blurry effect seen in machine doubling damage. Use a 10x magnifying loupe to examine the letters—true doubled dies show crisp, rounded separation between the original and doubled images.
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2012 Penny Off-Center Strike Error Value
Off-center strikes happen when the planchet isn’t properly positioned between the dies during striking, resulting in dramatically shifted designs. These errors range from subtle 5-10% misalignments to dramatic 50% off-center strikes where significant portions of the design are missing.
Minor 10-20% off-center 2012 pennies typically sell for $5-$10, while more dramatic examples command higher premiums. The most valuable off-center strikes show 40-50% displacement while still retaining a complete, readable date and mint mark—these can fetch $100-$125 or more. Check the rim opposite the missing design; it should appear blank and raised, indicating a genuine striking error rather than a damaged coin.
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2012 Penny Struck Through Error Value
Struck through errors occur when foreign material gets trapped between the die and planchet during striking, leaving distinctive impressions on the finished coin. Common materials include grease, wire fragments, cloth threads, or even organic debris that accidentally entered the striking chamber.
A 2012-D penny graded MS64 with a dramatic struck-through error sold for an impressive $915 at Great Collections in 2021. The most valuable versions are “retained struck-through” errors where the foreign object remains embedded in the coin’s surface. Look for raised or incused impressions with irregular shapes that don’t match any part of the normal design—these indicate genuine struck-through errors rather than post-mint contamination.
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2012 Penny Broad Strike Error Value
Broad strike errors result when the planchet escapes the restraining collar during striking, allowing the metal to expand beyond its normal diameter. These 2012 pennies appear noticeably larger and thinner than regular cents, with incomplete or weak edge reeding.
This dramatic error creates coins that won’t fit properly in standard penny holders due to their expanded diameter. Values vary significantly based on how far the planchet expanded and the coin’s overall condition, but broad strikes consistently attract collector interest. The key diagnostic feature is an unusually wide, flat edge combined with a diameter measurably larger than the standard 19.05mm specification.
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2012 Penny Partial Collar Error Value
The partial collar error creates a distinctive “railroad rim” effect when the planchet partially escapes the restraining collar during striking. One portion of the edge receives normal reeding while the opposite side appears thicker and improperly formed.
A 2012-D Lincoln cent graded MS64 with a prominent partial collar error sold for $512 on eBay in 2021, demonstrating strong collector demand. These errors show dramatic thickness variation around the rim—one side appears normal while the other looks squeezed or expanded. Rotate the coin slowly while viewing the edge profile to spot the characteristic uneven thickness that defines this error type.
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2012 Penny BIE Die Crack Error Value
The BIE error features a small, vertical die crack between the “B” and “E” in “LIBERTY” on the obverse, creating what appears to be an extra “I” in the inscription. This die crack error occurs when the striking die develops a small break during its production lifespan.
Values for BIE errors vary depending on the crack’s prominence and the coin’s overall grade, with stronger examples commanding higher premiums. The crack should appear as a raised vertical line—not a scratch or gouge—that connects the tops of the “B” and “E” letters. Multiple die cracks can appear on a single coin, but the BIE variety remains the most recognized and collected.
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2012 Penny Rim Cud Error Value
Rim cuds represent major die breaks along the coin’s edge, appearing as raised, blob-like bumps that extend from the rim into the coin’s field. These dramatic errors occur when a chunk of the die face breaks away completely, creating a metal-filled void that transfers to each struck coin.
A 2012-P Lincoln penny graded MS60 with a large rim cud error sold for $350 at Heritage Auctions in 2020. Larger, more dramatic cuds command higher values, especially when they obliterate significant portions of the design. Genuine cuds appear as raised, unstruck areas with rough, irregular surfaces—they’re die breaks, not post-mint damage or rim dings from circulation.
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How Much is a 2012 Penny Worth? Coin Identifier I Recommended
CoinKnow stands out as the premier choice for determining 2012 Penny values with professional accuracy. This coin value app delivers the tightest grading accuracy available—within a 2-point range on the Sheldon Scale—comparable to professional services like PCGS and NGC.
What makes CoinKnow unique is its real eBay sold price data integration. Instead of arbitrary valuations, the app shows you what similar 2012 Penny errors actually sold for on eBay, complete with historical trends and individual transaction links. This transparency ensures you know the true market value of your coins, not inflated estimates.
The AI-powered technology provides instant market valuations based on your coin’s grade, error type, and current market conditions. For 2012 Penny collectors, CoinKnow accurately assesses whether your doubled die is worth $50 or $415, your struck-through error is worth $100 or $915, and your partial collar is worth $100 or $512—all based on real market data.
Additional features include automatic rare error detection (doubled dies, off-center strikes, die cracks, struck-through errors), copper designation detection (RD/RB/BN), proof finish identification, and comprehensive collection management tools. With daily free scans available and an annual subscription at just $38.99—less than the cost of a single PCGS submission—CoinKnow provides professional-grade coin valuation tools at an accessible price point.
Whether you’re a beginner learning coin values or an experienced collector screening coins before professional certification, CoinKnow is the essential tool for maximizing the value of your 2012 Penny collection.
Sandra Larson is a writer with the personal blog at ElizabethanAuthor and an academic coach for students. Her main sphere of professional interest is the connection between AI and modern study techniques. Sandra believes that digital tools are a way to a better future in the education system.
