Lincoln Pennies: In the fascinating world of numismatics the study and collection of coins few stories capture collectors’ imaginations like those of rare Lincoln pennies hiding in plain sight. While most Lincoln cents are worth only their face value, some rare variations have sold for millions, making them highly sought-after among coin enthusiasts.
This guide explores the rarest and most valuable Lincoln pennies, how to identify them, and what makes them worth a fortune. If you’ve ever wondered whether your pocket change holds a hidden treasure, read on!
The History and Significance of Lincoln Pennies
The Lincoln penny, first introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, remains one of the longest-running U.S. coin designs. Over the years, billions of these coins have been minted, but a select few stand out due to their rarity, minting errors, or historical importance.
What makes a penny valuable? Several factors influence the value of Lincoln cents, including:
- Minting errors (e.g., doubled dies, missing mint marks, or off-metal strikes)
- Low mintage numbers (coins with fewer produced tend to be rarer)
- Composition changes (e.g., the 1943 steel penny and the rare 1943 copper penny)
- Condition and grading (coins in mint condition fetch higher prices)
12 Rare Lincoln Pennies Still in Circulation
Here’s a look at some of the rarest and most valuable Lincoln pennies you might still find in circulation.
1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
The 1909-S VDB penny is one of the most famous rare coins in U.S. history. Designed by Victor David Brenner, this coin initially featured his initials (VDB) on the reverse. Due to public backlash, the initials were quickly removed, making the 1909-S VDB penny incredibly rare. With only 484,000 minted, these pennies can fetch over $50,000 in pristine condition.
2. 1914-D Lincoln Penny
With a low mintage of just 1.1 million, the 1914-D Lincoln penny is highly sought after. The “D” mint mark, indicating it was minted in Denver, appears beneath the date. Well-preserved examples have sold for $10,000 to $30,000 at auctions.
3. 1922 Plain Penny (No D Mint Mark)
In 1922, all pennies were supposed to bear a “D” mint mark since they were only produced in Denver. However, some coins were struck with worn dies, causing the mint mark to disappear. These “plain” pennies are now worth over $20,000 depending on their condition.
4. 1943 Copper Penny
During World War II, pennies were made from zinc-coated steel to conserve copper for military use. However, a few 1943 pennies were mistakenly struck in copper, making them one of the rarest U.S. coins. With fewer than 30 known examples, these coins have sold for over $1 million.
5. 1944 Steel Penny
In contrast to the 1943 copper penny, some 1944 pennies were accidentally struck on leftover steel planchets. These rare coins, which appear silver instead of copper, are worth up to $125,000.
6. 1955 Doubled Die Penny
A misalignment during the hubbing process led to a doubled image on some 1955 pennies, particularly in the date and inscriptions. Only 20,000 were released into circulation, and they can be worth between $1,000 and $50,000.
7. 1969-S Doubled Die Penny
The 1969-S doubled die penny is even rarer than its 1955 counterpart. Coins with this error display noticeable doubling in the inscriptions, with only a few known to exist. These have sold for over $100,000 at auctions.
8. 1970-S Small Date Penny
A slight design variation in the 1970-S penny resulted in a smaller date than standard issues. Collectors highly prize this variety, and high-grade specimens can sell for several thousand dollars.
9. 1972 Doubled Die Penny
This variety exhibits doubling in the obverse inscriptions. While more common than the 1955 version, uncirculated examples still command $500 to $5,000.
10. 1983 Doubled Die Reverse Penny
The 1983 penny features doubling on the reverse, particularly in “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” These rare pennies can be worth over $1,000 in top condition.
11. 1984 Double Ear Penny
Some 1984 Lincoln cents show a doubling effect on Lincoln’s ear, making it look like he has two ears. These pennies often sell for hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on their condition.
12. 1995 Doubled Die Obverse Penny
One of the more recent valuable Lincoln cents, the 1995 doubled die variety shows significant doubling in the date and inscriptions. These can be worth $300 to $3,000 depending on grade.
How to Identify Valuable Lincoln Pennies?
If you suspect you have a rare Lincoln penny, here are some key steps to verify its authenticity:
- Check the date and mint mark (found below the date on the front of the coin)
- Look for doubling in the lettering using a magnifying glass
- Verify the coin’s composition (e.g., test 1943 pennies with a magnet; steel pennies will stick)
- Use a coin grading scale (coins graded on the Sheldon Scale from 1-70 fetch higher prices)
Where to Sell Rare Lincoln Pennies?
If you find a valuable penny, consider selling it through one of these channels:
- Auction Houses (e.g., Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers)
- Online Marketplaces (eBay, Etsy, or specialized coin forums)
- Coin Dealers (Professional dealers can help appraise and sell your coin)
- Numismatic Certification Services (Get your coin authenticated by PCGS or NGC)
Final Thoughts: Keep an Eye on Your Change!
While finding a million-dollar penny in circulation is rare, valuable Lincoln cents are still out there waiting to be discovered. Checking your pocket change and old coin collections could lead to an unexpected windfall.
Even if you don’t find a jackpot coin, the thrill of numismatics lies in the history and craftsmanship behind each penny. Who knows? That ordinary-looking coin in your pocket could be worth far more than a single cent!