1993 Penny Errors and Their Potential Coin Values: A Reference Guide

Finding a 1993 penny error in your collection could mean discovering a coin worth thousands of dollars instead of just one cent. From the famous mule error worth over $50,000 to the collectible Close AM variety, several documented errors make 1993 pennies highly sought after by numismatists.

Accurate identification is crucial for coin collectors to distinguish valuable mint errors from common damage or wear. Coin value tools like CoinKnow can help you identify these errors instantly, provide professional grading, and determine accurate market values.

Rare 1993 Penny Error List & Value

1. 1993-D Penny Mule Error

The 1993-D mule error represents one of the rarest and most valuable modern penny errors ever discovered. This extraordinary mistake occurred when a 1993-D Lincoln penny was accidentally struck with a Roosevelt dime reverse die, creating a coin with Lincoln on the front and the dime design on the back.

Only a handful of these mule errors are known to exist, making them exceptionally rare. The obverse appears completely normal with Lincoln's portrait and the "D" mint mark, but flipping the coin reveals the torch, oak branch, and olive branch from a Roosevelt dime instead of the Lincoln Memorial.

An MS-65 Red specimen sold for $51,750 at auction, establishing this as one of the most valuable 1993 penny errors. Authentication through professional grading services is absolutely essential given the extreme rarity and high value of this error.

Need help identifying this error and checking its value? CoinKnow offers instant AI-powered identification, professional grading, and real-time market valuations through their advanced coin value app.

2. 1993-D Penny Close AM Variety

The Close AM variety is the most collectible 1993 penny variety, occurring when proof dies were accidentally used on business strike coins. In "AMERICA" on the reverse, the letters "A" and "M" appear very close together—almost touching—instead of having the normal wide spacing.

Look carefully at the reverse of your 1993-D penny under magnification to check the spacing between the "A" and "M." Additionally, on Close AM varieties, the designer's initials "FG" (Frank Gasparro) sit farther from the Lincoln Memorial building compared to Wide AM coins.

Values for 1993-D Close AM pennies range from $50 for lower grades to over $300 for pristine uncirculated specimens. This variety has become increasingly popular among Lincoln cent specialists who seek to complete their variety collections.

3. 1993 Penny Doubled Die Obverse Error

Multiple minor doubled die obverse varieties exist on 1993 pennies, though none rival the dramatic doubling of famous errors like the 1955 DDO. These errors show subtle doubling on Lincoln's profile, "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and the date where the die received multiple impressions during production.

Examine your 1993 penny under magnification, focusing on the lettering and date for any signs of doubled images. The doubling appears as a slight shadow or thickening of design elements rather than dramatic separation visible to the naked eye.

Most 1993 doubled die obverse varieties trade for $20 to $50 depending on the strength of doubling and overall condition. While not as valuable as major errors, these varieties remain popular with collectors who appreciate die variety coins.

Need help identifying this error and checking its value? CoinKnow offers instant AI-powered identification, professional grading, and real-time market valuations through their reliable coin value app.

4. 1993 Penny BIE Error

The BIE error occurs when a small vertical die crack forms between the "B" and "E" in "LIBERTY" on the obverse. This raised line resembles the letter "I," creating the appearance of "LI-B-I-E-RTY" rather than "LIBERTY."

Check the word "LIBERTY" carefully under magnification—you're looking for a thin vertical raised line between specific letters. BIE errors are unique to Lincoln pennies and can occur on 1993 cents from either Philadelphia or Denver.

These die break errors typically sell for $3 to $10, with bolder, more visible cracks commanding higher prices. While relatively common among die crack varieties, BIE errors remain popular collectibles among Lincoln cent enthusiasts.

Need help identifying this error and checking its value? CoinKnow offers instant AI-powered identification, professional grading, and real-time market valuations through their trusted coin value app.

5. 1993 Penny Off-Center Strike Error

Off-center strikes occur when the blank planchet isn't properly aligned with the dies during striking. The resulting coin shows part of the design missing with a curved blank area visible, creating a dramatic and instantly recognizable error.

Minor off-center errors (3-5% off) are common and add little value, but significant misalignment changes everything. Look for strikes where 10-50% of the design is missing while the date and mint mark remain visible—these are the most collectible.

Values range from $15 to $30 for 10-25% off-center errors, while dramatic 50% off-center strikes with visible dates can reach $50 to $100 or more. The date visibility is crucial—without it, value drops significantly regardless of how dramatic the error appears.

Need help identifying this error and checking its value? CoinValueChecker is also great that offers instant AI-powered identification, professional grading, and real-time market valuations through their expert coin value app.

6. 1993 Penny Die Break Error

Die breaks create raised lines, cracks, or irregular patterns across the coin's surface when damaged dies continue striking pennies. These errors range from thin hairline cracks to dramatic "cud" errors where chunks of the die have broken away completely at the rim.

Examine both sides of your 1993 penny for raised metal lines or irregular bumps that weren't part of the original design. Reverse die breaks are particularly documented on 1993 pennies, sometimes appearing as significant breaks at the bottom of the coin.

Minor die cracks typically add $5 to $20 in value, while major breaks or retained cuds can reach $50 to $100 depending on size and location. Die breaks affecting Lincoln's portrait or creating dramatic rim cuds are most desirable to error collectors.

Need help identifying this error and checking its value? CoinKnow offers instant AI-powered identification, professional grading, and real-time market valuations through their professional coin value app.

How Much is a 1993 Penny Worth? Coin Identifier I Recommended

Identifying and valuing 1993 penny errors becomes straightforward with modern technology designed specifically for coin collectors. Two leading apps offer the tools needed to quickly authenticate your finds and determine their current market worth.

CoinKnow provides exceptional accuracy with grading precision within a 2-point range on the Sheldon Scale, the tightest available in any coin identification app. It automatically detects rare varieties and errors including doubled dies, Close AM varieties, and die breaks, while offering exclusive copper color designation detection. The app delivers daily free scans with comprehensive collection management tools, making it perfect for both beginning collectors and experienced numismatists seeking professional-grade analysis without traditional grading service costs.

CoinValueChecker stands out by combining comprehensive error detection with sophisticated market intelligence tools. As one of only two apps offering automatic rare error identification, it efficiently identifies doubled dies, die breaks, and valuable varieties like the Close AM. The platform includes trend analysis, auction monitoring, real-time price tracking, and collector leaderboards, providing users with both identification capabilities and market insights necessary for informed collecting and trading decisions in today's dynamic numismatic marketplace.

Disclaimer: The content above is presented for informational purposes as a paid advertisement. The Tribune does not take responsibility for the accuracy, validity, or reliability of the claims, offers, or information provided by the advertiser. Readers are advised to conduct their own independent research and exercise due diligence before making any decisions based on its contents and not go by mode and source of publication.