While most pennies may seem ordinary, certain Lincoln cents carry exceptional value due to rare features, minting errors, and historical interest. Some of these prized pennies are worth thousands—and in some cases, even hundreds of thousands—of dollars. If you’re curious whether there’s a fortune hiding in your change jar, here’s a rundown of the most valuable Lincoln pennies to look out for.
1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is among the first pennies to feature Abraham Lincoln, with the initials “VDB” (for designer Victor David Brenner) on the reverse. Only a limited number were minted, making this coin rare and highly collectible.
2. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent
In 1943, due to the need for copper during World War II, pennies were primarily minted from steel. However, a few were mistakenly struck on bronze planchets, creating one of the rarest and most valuable U.S. coins. These error coins can fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars.
3. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent is famous for a striking doubling on its obverse, where the date and inscriptions appear doubled. This error makes the 1955 penny iconic among collectors and significantly boosts its value.
4. 1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
Similar to the 1955 version, the 1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Cent has noticeable doubling on the front inscriptions. This unique error has made it highly sought after and valuable among coin collectors.
5. 1922 No D Lincoln Cent
The 1922 No D Lincoln Cent is unique because it lacks a mintmark, indicating the mint location. Due to an error during production, this coin was struck without the “D” mark from the Denver Mint, adding to its rarity and collectible appeal.
6. 1972 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
The 1972 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent features a noticeable doubling on the obverse side, particularly in the inscriptions. Although not as rare as other doubled die pennies, it remains a valuable find.
7. 1914-D Lincoln Cent
Minted in Denver, the 1914-D Lincoln Cent is rare due to its low mintage. Its scarcity, combined with its historical significance, makes it a prized piece for collectors.
8. 1931-S Lincoln Cent
With a very low mintage, the 1931-S Lincoln Cent is valuable, particularly when in excellent condition. It’s a collector’s favorite due to its scarcity and historical context.
9. 1944 Steel Lincoln Cent
In 1944, pennies were primarily minted from bronze, but some were mistakenly struck on leftover steel planchets from the previous year. This rare error makes the 1944 Steel Lincoln Cent highly valuable.
10. 1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent
The 1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent is a rare variety where the “AM” in “AMERICA” on the reverse is closely spaced, distinguishing it from typical pennies. This small variation significantly increases its value.
Summary of Rare Lincoln Pennies and Their Values
| Coin Name | Year of Mint | Estimated Value | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent | 1909 | $100,000+ | Designer initials on reverse |
| 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent | 1943 | $300,000+ | Bronze error |
| 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent | 1955 | $50,000+ | Doubled obverse |
| 1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Cent | 1969 | $40,000+ | Doubled inscription |
| 1922 No D Lincoln Cent | 1922 | $30,000+ | Missing mintmark |
| 1972 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent | 1972 | $1,000+ | Doubling on obverse |
| 1914-D Lincoln Cent | 1914 | $75,000+ | Low mintage, Denver |
| 1931-S Lincoln Cent | 1931 | Varies by condition | Low mintage |
| 1944 Steel Lincoln Cent | 1944 | $75,000+ | Steel planchet error |
| 1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent | 1992 | $10,000+ | Close “AM” in “AMERICA” |
These rare pennies hold much more than face value. If you happen to find any of these unique coins in your change jar, you could have a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered!
FAQs:
How can I tell if I have a valuable Lincoln penny?
Look for unique characteristics like doubling, errors, mint marks, and rare dates. Certain editions, such as the 1909-S VDB and 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent, have highly distinguishable traits.
Are all old Lincoln pennies valuable?
Not all old pennies are valuable. Their worth depends on rarity, condition, minting errors, and historical significance.
Where can I sell rare Lincoln pennies?
Rare coins can be sold through auction houses, online marketplaces, or local coin dealers. Consider having your coin professionally graded to verify its value.