The 1986 penny error market offers exciting opportunities for collectors who know what to look for. With over 8.9 billion pennies struck that year between Philadelphia and Denver mints, minting mistakes were inevitable.
Accurate identification is crucial for coin collectors because the difference between a common coin and a valuable error can mean hundreds of dollars. Many beginners overlook these errors, leaving money in their pocket change.
Coin value apps like CoinKnow can help you identify these errors instantly, provide professional grading, and determine accurate market values. Let's explore the most valuable 1986 penny errors you should hunt for.
Â
Rare 1986 Penny Error List & Value
1. 1986 Penny Off-Center Strike Error
An off-center strike occurs when the blank planchet shifts before the dies come together. This results in part of the design being missing, with a crescent-shaped blank area visible on the coin.
The value depends on how dramatic the shift is. Minor off-center strikes (5-10%) typically sell for $10-$25, while dramatic examples showing 30% or more missing design can fetch $50-$100 or higher.
To identify this error, look for coins where Lincoln's portrait or the Memorial appears shifted toward one edge. The more of the date and mint mark that remains visible, the more valuable the coin becomes.
Struggling to identify off-center strikes in your collection?
You're not alone. Many collectors miss valuable errors simply because they lack the right identification tools. That's where modern coin value apps come in. Check out the review of the 10 Best Free Coin Value Apps that can help you instantly identify errors like off-center strikes, get professional-grade assessments, and determine accurate market values—all from your smartphone. These apps have helped thousands of collectors discover hidden treasures in their penny jars.
Â
2. 1986 Penny Missing Plating Error
The 1986-D Lincoln cent with partially missing plating is a well-documented variety among error collectors. After 1982, pennies were made from zinc cores with thin copper plating, creating opportunities for plating errors.
These errors occur when the copper coating fails to properly bond or gets stripped away during production. The exposed zinc core appears silvery-gray against the normal copper color, creating a distinctive patchy appearance.
Values range from $5-$30 depending on how much plating is missing and overall eye appeal. Coins with large, dramatic missing plating areas command premium prices from collectors.
Look for silver-colored patches or streaks that reveal the underlying zinc. A reliable coin value app can help distinguish genuine plating errors from post-mint damage caused by environmental exposure.
Â
3. 1986 Penny Die Break and Cud Error
Die breaks represent one of the most well-documented error categories for 1986 pennies. Approximately 20 different cud varieties have been cataloged from the Philadelphia mint alone.
Cuds form when a piece of the die breaks away near the rim, leaving a raised, blob-like area on struck coins. These range from small rim cuds to catastrophic die damage affecting large portions of the design.
Values typically range from $15-$75, with larger and more dramatic cuds commanding higher prices. The CU-1c-1986-01 variety featuring catastrophic die damage is particularly sought after.
Examine the rim carefully for raised, unstruck areas that interrupt the normal design flow. Using a coin value app helps collectors quickly assess whether their discovery matches known varieties.
Â
4. 1986 Penny Struck Through Error
Struck through errors happen when foreign material gets between the die and planchet during striking. This creates an impression or depression where design details should appear.
Common culprits include grease, cloth fibers, metal fragments, or debris from the production line. The resulting coins show areas with missing or weakened design elements.
Values depend on what caused the strike-through and how visible the effect is. Minor examples sell for $5-$15, while dramatic struck-through errors with retained material can exceed $50.
Look for smooth, recessed areas that lack normal design detail or show unusual textures. Need help identifying this error and checking its value? CoinKnow offers instant AI-powered identification, professional grading, and real-time market valuations through their free coin identifier app.
Â
5. 1986 Penny Die Crack Error
Die cracks appear as raised lines on coins, formed when the steel dies develop fractures from repeated use. These lines transfer to every coin struck until the die is replaced.
The 1986 penny features several documented die crack varieties, including the notable "Spike Head" variety where a crack extends through Lincoln's head. These visual anomalies attract collectors seeking unusual pieces.
Common die cracks typically sell for $5-$15, while dramatic examples crossing major design elements can reach $25 or more. BIE errors, where a crack between B and E in LIBERTY resembles the letter I, are especially popular.
Examine your coins under magnification for thin raised lines crossing the fields or design. A quality coin value app makes identification straightforward for beginners.
Â
6. 1986 Penny Broadstrike Error
A broadstrike occurs when a coin is struck outside the retaining collar that normally forms the rim. The result is a coin with a larger-than-normal diameter and a flat, spread-out appearance.
These coins retain complete designs on both sides but lack the raised rim found on normal strikes. The metal flows outward freely during striking, creating the characteristic expanded look.
Broadstrike 1986 pennies typically sell between $15-$40 depending on condition and how pronounced the spreading appears. Collectors appreciate these errors for their dramatic visual impact.
Measure your coin's diameter—normal cents measure 19mm, while broadstrikes are noticeably larger. Need help identifying this error and checking its value? CoinKnow offers instant AI-powered identification, professional grading, and real-time market valuations through their coin value app.
Â
How Much is a 1986 Penny Worth? Coin Value Apps I Recommended
Finding error coins is exciting, but determining accurate values requires the right tools. Here are two apps that make identification simple.
CoinKnow delivers the tightest grading accuracy available, within a 2-point range on the Sheldon Scale. This coin value app features automatic error detection, copper color designation, and proof finish identification. Daily free scans make it perfect for beginners building their collection.
CoinValueChecker combines identification with comprehensive market intelligence. Beyond error detection, it offers trend analysis, auction monitoring, and price tracking. The robust collection management tools help serious numismatists catalog holdings and track values over time.
Both apps transform your smartphone into a powerful coin identification tool, helping you never miss valuable errors hiding in plain sight.
