1988 Double Ear Penny

The doubling in the earlobe on the 1988 double eared penny resembles the 1984 version. Although the 1984 and 1997 doubled ear cents are listed in A Guide Book of United States Coins, this new variety is stronger than the original. Despite the similarities, these two varieties are different in appearance. To get a better understanding of these two doublings, please review the descriptions below. Then, you can decide whether the 1988 double ear penny is worth pursuing.

Among the die varieties that show the double ear is the 1988 Lincoln cent. The 1988 Lincoln double ear cent shares some similarities with the major 1984 doubled die, including the very strong doubled lower ear. Beck reported his finding to die variety specialist Billy G. Crawford, who categorized it as 1988 1C/ CDDO-008 in his doubled die files. Crawford then obtained Beck’s permission to forward his finding to other major die variety attributers.

The obverse of the 1988 penny features the bust of Abraham Lincoln. Victor David Brenner designed the bust, and his initials appear under the bust. On the reverse, the coin displays the Lincoln Memorial. Frank Gasparro created the reverse design of this coin in 1959. The Philadelphia Mint struck this coin without mintmarking it. It is therefore worth a lot of money if it has an error.

In addition to being worth a few cents more than their face value, the 1988 pennies can be quite valuable if they are in the finest condition. Although they are commonly found in your change, the most valuable 1988 pennies graded by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) are worth between 10 and 30 cents apiece. An MS-65 gem-uncirculated coin, in comparison, has a strong luster and eye appeal. Despite their relatively low face value, a good PR-65 penny can sell for up to $881 in a 2014 auction.