1993 Lincoln Cent Errors: Value Guide & Rare Varieties
Is your 1993 penny worth money? Expert guide to 1993 Lincoln Cent errors: Denver column doubling (WDDR-001 up to $125), wrong planchet errors ($300–$600+), off-center strikes, and the Close AM trap debunked.
Most 1993 pennies are worth face value, but Denver Mint die varieties and major striking errors can reach $75–$600+.
- 🏆 1993-D WDDR-001 Column Doubling — up to $125 in MS65 Red
- 💎 Struck on Dime Planchet — $300–$600+ (look for a silver-colored cent weighing ~2.27 g)
- 🎯 Off-Center Strikes (40–60%, date visible) — $35–$75
- 📋 1993-S Proof PR69 DCAM — $12–$20; PR70 reaches $40–$60
⚠️ Biggest trap: The Close AM reverse (A and M nearly touching in AMERICA) is the standard design for every 1993 cent — not a rare variety. Plating blisters and machine doubling are also worth face value only.
1993 Lincoln Cent Errors Error Checker
Check your coin for valuable errors and varieties
Values shown are typical retail estimates as of 2026-01 and may vary based on market conditions.
Die variety values (WDDR series) depend heavily on grade, color designation (RD/RB/BN), and eye appeal.
Professional authentication by PCGS, NGC, or ANACS is recommended for any coin suspected of being a valuable variety or error.
Close AM (A and M nearly touching in AMERICA) is the STANDARD reverse design for all 1993 cents — it is NOT a valuable variety.
No confirmed authentic 1993 Wide AM cent has been verified by any major attribution service.
Machine doubling (flat, shelf-like doubling) is NOT a valuable error and carries no numismatic premium.
Plating blisters on copper-plated zinc cents are common manufacturing defects, not collectible mint errors.
Zinc rot and post-mint corrosion are never mint errors — gray, black, or powdery eruptions indicate environmental damage.
More than 12 billion 1993 Lincoln Cents rolled off the presses — yet hidden inside Denver Mint rolls are column-doubling die varieties worth up to $125, and rare striking accidents can push values past $600. The key is knowing exactly what to look for — and what to ignore. For standard baseline pricing, visit our 1993 Lincoln Cent value guide. Then use the quick checks below to find out if your coin is worth more than a penny.
1993 Lincoln Cent Specifications & Mintage
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Series | Lincoln Memorial Cent (1959–2008) |
| Composition | Copper-plated Zinc — 97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper |
| Weight | 2.50 g (tolerance ±0.10 g) |
| Diameter | 19.00 mm |
| Edge | Plain (smooth) |
| Reverse Design | Lincoln Memorial — RDV-007 (Close AM is the standard design for all 1993 issues) |
Mintage by Facility
| Mint | Mint Mark | Type | Mintage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | None | Circulation | 5,684,705,000 |
| Denver | D | Circulation | 6,426,650,571 |
| San Francisco | S | Proof Only | 3,394,792 |
With over 12 billion struck, rarity is exclusively a function of condition (high-grade survival) or die variety / error. No mint mark means Philadelphia. A small D below the date means Denver. The San Francisco Mint struck only Proof coins for collector sets in 1993 — it did not produce circulating cents. See the full 1993 Lincoln Cent value guide for baseline pricing on standard examples.
1993 Lincoln Cent Quick Checks: Do You Have a Valuable Error?
Run through these checks before doing anything else. You need a 10x loupe (magnifying glass) for most, and a postal scale for the wrong-planchet check. The three checks at the bottom are traps — they look exciting but are worth face value only.
✅ Potentially Valuable — Check These First
1993-D WDDR-001 Column Doubling — "Best Of" Variety
Denver cents only. Flip to the reverse (Memorial side). Count the gaps between columns from the left — look into the 4th gap (bay) with a 10x loupe.
A distinct partial extra column — raised and rounded — centrally located in that 4th bay. Confirm with the obverse (front) die marker: a short die gouge running NW/SE below the first '9' in the date '1993'.
Plating blisters (smooth, rounded, soft edges — like a bubble under skin) or machine doubling (flat, shelf-like shadow). True column doubling is raised and matches the full relief of the surrounding columns.
Wrong Planchet — Struck on a Dime Planchet
Overall coin appearance and color. A cent struck on a dime planchet appears silver-colored, not copper. The design will also be cut off at the edges because the dime planchet (17.9 mm) is smaller than the cent die (19 mm).
Silver-colored Lincoln cent design with edges cut off, weighing approximately 2.27 grams on a postal scale. Weight is the decisive test.
A cent that was silver-plated or nickel-plated after leaving the Mint. If it looks silver but weighs 2.50 g, it is a post-mint alteration worth nothing extra.
1993-D WDDR-002 Column Doubling
Denver cents only. Reverse Memorial — inspect the lower left side of the 6th column from the left under 10x magnification.
A thick secondary edge on the 6th column. Confirm with obverse marker: a die gouge inside the lower loop of the '3' in '1993'. Reverse markers: die gouge at the right cornice (roof edge) and at the top of the last bay.
Die Deterioration Doubling (DDD) — fuzzy, poorly defined column edges from a worn-out die. True WDDR-002 doubling is sharp and distinct, and the specific die markers must be present.
1993-D WDDR-009 — "Extra Knees"
Denver cents only. Reverse — central bay of the Memorial, below the seated statue of Lincoln. Use a 20x loupe — this is finer detail than the column varieties.
A pair of extra feet or knees below the Lincoln statue — raised and rounded, not flat. Confirm with obverse markers: vertical die scratches under Lincoln's nose and left of his lips. Reverse markers: diagonal die scratches in Upper Bays 6 and 8, plus die cracks along Columns 1, 2, and 3.
Machine doubling or die deterioration near the statue. True WDDR-009 shows raised, rounded secondary images with all die markers present on both sides of the coin.
⚠️ Common Traps — These Are NOT Valuable
Close AM Reverse — Normal on ALL 1993 Cents
Reverse legend AMERICA — the gap between the A and M letters.
The A and M nearly touching is the standard design (RDV-007) for all 1993 cents. Every 1993 cent — Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco — uses this design. Not a variety.
The Close AM IS rare and worth thousands on 1992 cents (a transitional error). On 1993 cents it is the intended design. No confirmed 1993 Wide AM has been authenticated by PCGS, NGC, or ANACS in over 30 years of searching.
Plating Blisters — Manufacturing Defect, Not a Mint Error
Anywhere on the coin surface — raised bumps, worm-like ridges, or bubbling. Linear blisters running parallel to the rolling direction are especially common on 1993-D cents.
Contamination between the zinc core and copper plating causes the layers to de-bond during striking, creating a bubble effect. Smooth, rounded, soft edges — like a vein under skin.
True die cracks are sharp and jagged. True cuds (die breaks at the rim) are solid metal. Blisters are hollow or filled with dust, always have soft rounded edges, and always reduce value.
Machine Doubling — Flat, Shelf-Like, and Worthless
The date, lettering, and any raised design elements on either side of the coin.
Die chatter during striking smears design metal into a flat shadow beside letters or devices. Also called mechanical doubling or strike doubling. No numismatic premium, regardless of appearance.
Machine doubling is flat and shelf-like — the secondary image sits at the same level as the coin's surface. True Doubled Die varieties (WDDR-001) show raised, rounded secondary images with full relief matching the primary design, plus specific die markers.
1993 Lincoln Cent Error Values: Complete Reference Table
| Error / Variety Type | Designation | Mint | Rarity | Value Range | Auction Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (Circulated) | — | P / D | Extremely Common | Face Value | — |
| Standard MS65 RD | — | P / D | Common | $5–$8 | — |
| Standard MS67 RD | — | P / D | Scarce | $25–$40 | — |
| 1993-D WDDR-001 Column Doubling | WDDR-001 | D | Scarce | $5–$125 | — |
| 1993-D WDDR-002 Column Doubling | WDDR-002 | D | Scarce | $30–$60 | — |
| 1993-D WDDR-009 Extra Knees | WDDR-009 | D | Rare | Not established | — |
| Off-Center Strike (40–60%, dated) | — | P / D | Uncommon | $35–$75 | $4,600 ★ |
| Struck on Dime Planchet | — | P / D | Very Rare | $300–$600+ | — |
| Broadstrike | — | P / D | Uncommon | $15–$35 | — |
1993-S Proof Values (Deep Cameo)
San Francisco Mint proof cents were struck on polished planchets with polished dies, sold in annual Proof Sets. The standard for survival is Deep Cameo (DCAM) — frosted devices against mirror-like fields. With 3,394,792 produced and virtually all surviving in high grades, premiums are modest unless the coin achieves a perfect PR70.
| Grade | Designation | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Impaired Proof (Circulated) | DCAM | $3–$8 |
| PR69 DCAM | DCAM | $12–$20 |
| PR70 DCAM | DCAM | $40–$60 |
★ $4,600 off-center auction record is a 2010 registry-set outlier for a PCGS MS69 example — not typical. Typical raw dated off-centers sell for $35–$75. Values as of January 2026 and may fluctuate. Die variety values depend on grade and color designation (RD/RB/BN).
1993 Lincoln Cent Valuable Errors & Varieties: Detailed Guides
The 1993 Lincoln Cent offers several legitimate treasure-hunting opportunities. Denver Mint column-doubling varieties are the primary focus for variety collectors. Major striking errors — wrong planchet, off-center, broadstrike — can surface in any original roll. Use the diagnostics below to confirm what you have before spending money on authentication.
Denver Mint Column Doubling Varieties (WDDR Series)
The Denver Mint is the undisputed focal point for 1993 cent variety research. A specific batch of Denver dies appears to have undergone a systematic alignment error during hubbing — the industrial process of pressing the design image into the die steel. When the hub (master design stamp) is slightly tilted or misaligned during this step, a secondary impression of design elements is left offset on the die. Every coin struck from that die pair then carries the same doubled image.
Column doubling specifically means extra vertical bars or ghost columns appear within the bays (spaces between columns) of the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse. Unlike machine doubling — which is flat and shelf-like — true column doubling is raised and rounded, matching the full relief of the surrounding architecture. At least nine confirmed varieties (WDDR-001 through WDDR-009) have been documented for the 1993-D cent in the Wexler Die Variety Files and Coppercoins reference databases.
True column doubling (right) shows raised, rounded extra columns inside Memorial bays. Machine doubling (left) is flat and shelf-like with no value.
1993-D WDDR-001 Column Doubling — "Best Of" Variety
Normal 4th Memorial bay (left) vs. WDDR-001 showing a raised extra column centrally located in the bay (right).
Origin & Background
WDDR-001 is the premier variety for the 1993 date and the primary target for cherrypickers searching original bank rolls. It results from a tilted or misaligned hub during die production, leaving a secondary impression of a column offset within the 4th bay of the Memorial. Because it is a die variety — not a one-time press accident — every coin from that die pair carries the same doubled image, making it repeatable, attributable, and certifiable.
How to Identify
- On the reverse, use a 10x loupe to inspect the 4th bay (space between columns, counting from the left).
- Look for a distinct partial extra column — centrally located, raised and rounded — inside that bay.
- Confirm with the obverse die marker: a short die gouge running NW/SE direction, located below the first '9' in the date '1993'. This marker is essential on circulated coins where reverse doubling may be worn smooth.
Die gouge marker (circled) below the first '9' in '1993' — required confirmation for the WDDR-001 die pair.
False Positives to Avoid
Linear plating blisters are extremely common on 1993-D cents and frequently appear in the Memorial bays. A blister is smooth and rounded with soft edges — like a bubble under skin — and will have no corresponding die markers on the obverse. True column doubling has sharp, distinct edges that match the relief of the surrounding columns, plus the confirming die gouge below the first '9'.
Market Values
- Circulated: $5–$15
- AU58: $25–$40
- MS65 RD: $75–$125
Auction Record
No confirmed major auction record on file. Values established through dealer sales and variety specialist transactions. See the Wexler Die Variety Files for current diagnostics.
1993-D WDDR-002 Column Doubling
WDDR-002: Strong secondary edge on the lower left side of the 6th Memorial column (circled).
How to Identify
- On the reverse, inspect the lower left side of the 6th column from the left — the doubling appears as a thick secondary edge to that column.
- Obverse die marker: a die gouge inside the lower loop of the '3' in the date '1993'.
- Reverse die markers: a die gouge protruding from the right cornice (roof edge), and a die gouge at the top of the last Memorial bay.
False Positives to Avoid
Die deterioration creates fuzzy, poorly-defined column edges on worn dies — a condition called Die Deterioration Doubling (DDD). True WDDR-002 doubling is sharp and distinct. Always verify the specific die markers on both sides before claiming this variety.
Market Values
- Mint State: $30–$60
1993-D WDDR-009 — "Extra Knees"
WDDR-009: Extra feet or knees visible below the seated Lincoln statue in the central Memorial bay (circled).
Origin & Background
WDDR-009 is the most visually striking 1993-D variety. Rather than doubling on the architectural columns, the doubling appears on the central statue of Lincoln — a pair of extra feet or knees below the seated figure in the central bay of the Memorial. Doubling of a primary design device (rather than background architecture) is rare and commands strong interest among specialists.
How to Identify
- Use a 20x loupe. Inspect the central bay of the Memorial, below the seated Lincoln statue.
- Look for a pair of extra feet or knees — raised and rounded, not flat shadows.
- Obverse markers: vertical die scratches under Lincoln's nose and to the left of his lips.
- Reverse markers: diagonal die scratches in Upper Bays 6 and 8; die cracks along Columns 1, 2, and 3.
False Positives to Avoid
Machine doubling and die deterioration near the statue can create confusing flat shadows. True WDDR-009 shows raised, rounded secondary images with the full complement of die markers on both sides. Consult the Wexler Die Variety Files or a specialist dealer before claiming attribution.
Market Values
A publicly confirmed retail value for WDDR-009 has not been established. It is considered a sought-after specialist coin with strong visual appeal. Consult current dealer listings or the variety reference files for the latest pricing.
Other Confirmed 1993-D WDDR Varieties
Five additional column-doubling varieties have been documented in the Wexler and Coppercoins reference files. Retail values for these have not been confirmed publicly; specialist consultation is recommended.
- WDDR-003: Extra columns in bays 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7. Marker: Die scratch NE from 'Y' in LIBERTY.
- WDDR-004: Extra columns in bays 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10. Marker: Die scratch WNW from top of 1st column to 'N' in UNITED.
- WDDR-005: Extra columns in bays 1–5. Marker: Die gouge left of the 'I' in IN.
- WDDR-006: Doubling on left side of the 4th column.
- WDDR-007: Extra columns in bays 1, 2, 3, and 5. Marker: Die gouge connecting 'L' and 'I' in LIBERTY.
1993 Cent Struck on a Dime Planchet
A cent struck on a dime planchet: silver-colored, design cut off at the edges, weighs approximately 2.27 g.
Origin & Background
A wrong-planchet error occurs when a blank disc (planchet) meant for a different denomination is accidentally fed into the cent press. When a copper-nickel clad dime planchet enters the cent press, the result is a coin with the Lincoln design on a silver-looking, slightly undersized disc.
How to Identify
- Coin appears silver-colored (not copper) and carries the Lincoln cent design.
- The design is cut off at the outer edges because the dime planchet (17.9 mm) is smaller than the cent die (19 mm).
- Weigh it first. Must be approximately 2.27 grams. A standard 1993 cent weighs 2.50 g.
- Metallurgical analysis (XRF testing) may be required for foreign-planchet attribution.
False Positives to Avoid
Many silver-looking cents have been plated with nickel, silver, or chrome as novelties after leaving the Mint. Environmental damage can also alter color. Weight is the decisive test. If the coin weighs 2.50 g and looks silver, it is a post-mint alteration with no extra value. Professional authentication by PCGS, NGC, or ANACS is required before selling any suspected wrong-planchet error.
Market Values
- MS63 or better: $300–$600+ depending on eye appeal and grade
1993 Off-Center Strike
A 1993 off-center strike (~50% off-center) with the date clearly visible — the most sought-after configuration.
Origin & Background
An off-center strike happens when the planchet is not properly centered within the striking collar at the moment of impact. The dies strike only part of the planchet, leaving a blank, unstruck crescent-shaped area on the rest. Off-center cents are relatively available in the market and make affordable entry-level errors for new collectors.
How to Identify
- Design appears on only part of the coin, with a blank crescent on the remainder.
- The date '1993' must be visible for maximum value. Undated zinc off-centers are generic and worth only $5–$10.
- The sweet spot is a 40–60% off-center shift with the date clearly showing.
- The blank area should have the natural, matte texture of an unstruck planchet.
False Positives to Avoid
Coins cut, filed, or squeezed post-mint to simulate off-center appearance. Genuine off-center strikes have a smooth, uniform unstruck area with consistent planchet surface texture — not evidence of cutting or abrasion on the blank portion.
Market Values
- 10–20% off-center (dated): $10–$20
- 40–60% off-center (dated): $35–$75
- Undated (any percentage): $5–$10
Auction Record
$4,600 for a PCGS MS69 1993-D off-center cent in 2010. This is a registry-set outlier driven by competitive bidding among collectors pursuing top-pop grades — not a typical transaction. Raw (ungraded) dated examples in the 40–60% range sell for $35–$75.
1993 Broadstrike
A broadstrike: full design present but coin is wider than 19 mm with no raised rim.
Origin & Background
A broadstrike occurs when the retaining collar — the ring that controls the coin's diameter and forms the edge — fails to deploy during striking. With no collar to contain the flow of metal, the planchet spreads outward, creating a coin wider than 19 mm with a flat, rimless edge. Broadstrikes are popular entry-level major errors because they are affordable and easy to display.
How to Identify
- Coin is noticeably wider than 19 mm — measure with calipers.
- The rim is absent or minimal; the edge is flat or slightly beveled rather than raised.
- The full design must be present on both sides. If the design is cut off, it is an off-center strike, not a broadstrike.
- Metal spread is even and uniform in all directions.
False Positives to Avoid
Coins flattened by railroad tracks, vises, or post-mint mechanical pressure. Genuine broadstrikes show complete, undistorted design elements with uniform metal flow. A pressed coin typically shows design distortion and irregular surface texture.
Market Values
- Any grade with full design: $15–$35
1993 Lincoln Cent Traps: Common Misidentifications Worth Face Value
These three patterns generate more false excitement — and more overpriced listings — for the 1993 Lincoln Cent than any genuine error. Recognizing them quickly saves real money.
⚠️ The "Close AM" Trap — Standard Design on All 1993 Cents
On the reverse in the word AMERICA, the letters A and M are nearly touching with minimal space between them.
The Close AM is a rare and valuable transitional error on 1992 cents — worth thousands. Searchers apply the same logic to 1993 coins and find "the same feature."
- The Close AM reverse (RDV-007) is the standard design for all 1993 cents — every Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco issue uses it.
- No confirmed 1993 Wide AM has been authenticated by PCGS, NGC, or ANACS in over three decades of searching by thousands of collectors.
- Claims of a "1993 Wide AM" are almost always die polishing, wear-related optical effects, or altered dates.
- Listings selling a "Rare 1993 Close AM" are predatory and misleading.
Value: 1¢ — face value only.
The Close AM (A and M nearly touching) is the normal, intended design on every 1993 Lincoln cent.
⚠️ Plating Blisters & Zinc Rot — Damage, Not Errors
Raised bumps, worm-like ridges, linear blisters, or gray/black/powdery eruptions on the surface. Linear blisters are especially common on 1993-D cents, running parallel to the metal's rolling direction.
Zinc and copper have different electrochemical properties. When the copper plating is breached — even by a microscopic pinhole — the zinc core corrodes rapidly (zinc rot). Blisters also form during striking if contaminants between the layers cause de-bonding.
- Blisters: Smooth, rounded, soft edges — like a vein under skin. True die cracks are sharp and jagged because metal flowed into a fracture in the die steel.
- Zinc rot: Gray, black, or powdery eruptions are always post-mint environmental damage — never a mint error.
- True die-break cuds are solid metal connected to the rim; blisters are hollow or dust-filled.
- Blisters always reduce value — they are never a premium feature.
Value: Face value or below (damage).
Left: plating blister (smooth, rounded edges). Right: genuine die crack (sharp, jagged). Blisters always reduce value.
⚠️ Machine Doubling — Worthless Die Chatter
A flat, shelf-like shadow running alongside the date, lettering, or other raised design elements. It can look dramatic under a loupe and is frequently misidentified as a valuable doubled die.
The die bounces or chatters slightly during striking, smearing already-struck metal into a secondary, flat impression adjacent to the design. Also called mechanical doubling or strike doubling.
- Machine doubling is flat and shelf-like — the shadow sits at the same level as the coin surface with no independent depth or relief.
- True hub-doubled dies (WDDR-001) show raised, rounded secondary images that match the full depth of the primary design, plus specific confirming die markers.
- Machine doubling carries no numismatic premium, regardless of how bold it appears.
Value: 1¢ — face value only.
Machine doubling (flat shelf, left) vs. true hub doubling (raised secondary image, right). Only hub doubling has collector value.
1993 Lincoln Cent Grading: Why Grade Matters More Than Usual
Grade — the condition of a coin — dramatically affects value for the 1993 Lincoln Cent. The copper-plated zinc composition makes high-grade survival genuinely difficult: the soft zinc planchet picks up contact marks easily, and plating issues prevent most coins from reaching the top of the Sheldon scale.
Sheldon Scale Benchmarks for 1993 Zinc Cents
- Circulated (G–AU): Face value. The zinc planchet loses detail rapidly under circulation wear.
- MS60–MS64 (Uncirculated): No wear, but has contact marks from bag handling. Value: $0.20–$1.00 (nominal).
- MS65 (Gem): Strong luster, minimal contact marks. The baseline for a collectible modern cent. Value: $5–$8.
- MS67 (Superb Gem): Nearly flawless. Difficult to achieve on zinc planchets due to soft surfaces. Value: $25–$40.
- MS68–MS69 (Top Pop): Virtually non-existent for 1993 because of plating blisters and surface issues. Worth hundreds or more if authenticated.
Color Designations (RD / RB / BN)
Copper coins receive a color designation that significantly impacts value:
- Red (RD): 95%+ original copper luster. Commands the highest premium. A WDDR-001 in MS65 RD is worth $75–$125.
- Red-Brown (RB): 5–95% original red. Value drops 40–60% compared to full Red.
- Brown (BN): Fully oxidized. Minimal value unless the coin is a major mechanical error.
For die varieties like WDDR-001, grade and color designation together determine value. An MS65 RD example commands $75–$125; the same variety in Brown or with heavy marks may fetch only $10–$20.
1993 Lincoln Cent Authentication: When to Get Certified
Professional certification (slabbing) is not necessary for every 1993 cent. Here is when it is worth the time and cost.
When to Submit to a Third-Party Grading Service (TPG)
- Wrong planchet errors ($300+): Always certify. Authentication protects both buyer and seller, and a certified slab commands significantly higher prices than a raw coin.
- Off-center strikes 40%+ in MS63 or better: Certification is justified — the premium more than covers submission fees.
- WDDR-001 in MS65 RD or higher: Certification confirms the variety designation and protects value at the $75–$125 level.
- Any coin you plan to sell above $50: Buyers pay a meaningful premium for authenticated coins because authenticity is guaranteed by a third party.
Recommended Third-Party Grading Services
The three primary services for Lincoln Cent varieties are PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company), and ANACS. PCGS and NGC are the most widely accepted by dealers; ANACS specializes in variety attribution and can be a cost-effective option for WDDR attributions. Review population data at the PCGS CoinFacts page for the 1993-D Lincoln Cent and the 1993-S Proof DCAM for current grade populations before submitting.
⚠️ Never Clean the Coin
Cleaning — even gently wiping with a soft cloth — destroys originality and causes an automatic Details grade deduction. A cleaned MS65 may be worth only $1–$2 instead of $5–$8. Handle suspected errors by the edges only. Store in a Mylar flip or direct-fit capsule. Avoid PVC (polyvinyl chloride) flips, which release acids that attack copper plating and accelerate zinc rot.
Dealer directory information is not available in the current data source. For variety specialist dealers, consult the CONECA (Combined Organizations of Numismatic Error Collectors of America) member directory.
1993 Lincoln Cent Errors: Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Close AM on my 1993 penny worth anything?
No. The Close AM — where the A and M in AMERICA nearly touch — is the standard reverse design (RDV-007) for all 1993 cents, including Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco issues. It has no added value. The valuable Close AM transitional error applies to 1992 cents, not 1993. No confirmed 1993 Wide AM has ever been authenticated by PCGS, NGC, or ANACS.
What is a 1993-D WDDR-001 and how much is it worth?
WDDR-001 is the premier die variety for the 1993 date, found only on Denver (D) cents. It shows a distinct raised extra column in the 4th bay of the Lincoln Memorial reverse, confirmed by a die gouge marker below the first '9' in the date. In MS65 Red condition it is worth approximately $75–$125. Circulated examples with the marker confirmed sell for $5–$15. A 10x loupe is required minimum; a 20x stereo microscope is recommended.
My 1993 penny has bubbles on the surface — is it a valuable error?
No. Raised bumps, worm-like ridges, or blisters are plating blisters — manufacturing defects caused when the copper plating separates from the zinc core. They are smooth and rounded with soft edges, and they always reduce value. If the surface is gray, black, or powdery, this is zinc rot from moisture damage — also not a collectible error. True die cracks are sharp and jagged; true cuds are solid metal connected to the rim.
What does a 1993 cent struck on a dime planchet look like?
It appears silver-colored with the Lincoln cent design, and the design is cut off at the edges because a dime planchet (17.9 mm) is smaller than the cent die (19 mm). The definitive test is weight: it must weigh approximately 2.27 grams. If it weighs 2.50 g and looks silver, it has been plated post-mint and is not a genuine error. Authentic examples are worth $300–$600+ and require professional authentication.
How do I tell machine doubling from a true doubled die?
Machine doubling (also called mechanical doubling or strike doubling) creates a flat, shelf-like shadow at the same level as the coin surface — it has no independent depth or rounded character. It carries no numismatic premium. A true doubled die like WDDR-001 shows raised, rounded secondary images that match the full relief of the primary design, plus specific die markers (gouges or scratches) that confirm the die pair. If the secondary image is flat, it is machine doubling.
Does the 1993-S penny have any valuable varieties?
The 1993-S was produced only as a Proof coin in annual collector sets. Standard PR69 DCAM examples are worth $12–$20. A perfect PR70 DCAM can reach $40–$60. No significant varieties specific to the 1993-S have been documented in this research. A "business strike" 1993-S cent would be highly unusual — the San Francisco Mint did not produce circulating cents in 1993 — and would require professional authentication to rule out an altered or added mint mark.
How should I search for the 1993-D column doubling varieties?
Source original bank-wrapped rolls (OBW) of 1993-D cents when possible — circulated coins from general circulation often have zinc rot that obscures fine column detail. Use a 10x achromatic loupe at minimum; a stereo microscope at 10x–30x is ideal. For each coin: (1) Confirm the date is 1993. (2) Check for the D mint mark below the date. (3) Flip to the reverse. (4) Scan each bay between the Memorial columns for extra vertical lines. (5) If something looks promising, verify the specific obverse die marker for that variety. Store uncirculated finds in Mylar flips — never PVC, which accelerates copper corrosion on zinc cents.
Sources & Research Methodology
Values and diagnostics in this guide are drawn exclusively from the following primary numismatic sources:
- PCGS CoinFacts — 1993-D Lincoln Cent (MS) — population data, auction records
- PCGS CoinFacts — 1993-S Lincoln Cent Proof DCAM — proof grade populations
- Wexler Die Variety Files (doubleddie.com) — 1993-D WDDR Series — variety diagnostics and die markers
- Error-Ref.com — Plating Blisters — error identification and diagnostics
- Coppercoins (1DR) variety reference files — 1993-D column doubling attributions
Values reflect typical retail estimates as of January 2026. Market prices fluctuate. Professional authentication by PCGS, NGC, or ANACS is recommended for any coin suspected of being a valuable variety or error. No eBay or secondary market listings are used as primary pricing sources.
A note on images: To help illustrate coin diagnostics and rare varieties — especially complex errors that are difficult to describe in text alone — this guide uses AI-generated images. All written values, diagnostics, and variety attributions have been manually reviewed against the cited sources above. While our editorial team works to ensure every image is accurate and helpful, AI-generated illustrations may occasionally misrepresent fine details. If you spot any discrepancy between an image and its written description, please contact us or leave a comment below — we review all feedback and correct errors promptly. Numismatic knowledge is a community effort, and your input helps us build a more accurate resource for everyone.
