UNITED STATES — The Lincoln penny, first issued in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, is one of the most iconic and widely circulated coins in American history. While most Lincoln cents are only worth their face value, a select few have become highly sought-after treasures in the world of coin collecting.
These rare and valuable pennies are prized not only for their monetary worth but also for the historical intrigue and minting anomalies that make them unique.
Below is a detailed look at nine of the most valuable Lincoln pennies, their key characteristics, and what makes each of them so special.
1. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent
Estimated Value: $100,000 to over $1 million
Key Feature: Struck on a bronze planchet instead of zinc-coated steel
In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched to using zinc-coated steel planchets to conserve copper for World War II efforts. However, a few bronze planchets from 1942 accidentally remained in the coin presses, resulting in one of the most famous mint errors in U.S. history.
These rare bronze 1943 Lincoln cents are incredibly valuable, especially in mint condition.
2. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
Estimated Value: $1,000 to over $50,000
Key Feature: Minted in San Francisco with designer’s initials “VDB” on the reverse
This is the original issue of the Lincoln cent and one of the most iconic. It was struck in San Francisco with the initials of designer Victor David Brenner (“VDB”) prominently displayed on the reverse.
Due to public outcry over the visible initials, the coin was quickly pulled from circulation, making it one of the scarcest and most collectible Lincoln pennies.
3. 1914-D Lincoln Cent
Estimated Value: $200 to over $5,000
Key Feature: Low mintage from the Denver Mint
This penny, produced at the Denver Mint, had a relatively low mintage of just over 1.1 million coins. As a result, high-grade examples are extremely scarce. It’s a key date for collectors trying to complete a Lincoln cent series.
4. 1922 No D Lincoln Cent (Strong Reverse)
Estimated Value: $500 to over $15,000
Key Feature: Missing “D” mint mark despite being minted in Denver
In 1922, all Lincoln cents were produced at the Denver Mint. A worn die caused some coins to be struck without the “D” mint mark, leading to the rare “No D” variety. The most valuable examples have a strong reverse design, making them easier to authenticate.
5. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
Estimated Value: $1,000 to over $20,000
Key Feature: Prominent doubling of the date and lettering
The 1955 doubled die penny is among the most well-known error coins. A misalignment during the minting process caused a clear doubling of the obverse inscriptions, including the date and the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
Because the error was dramatic and visible to the naked eye, many of these coins were discovered in circulation, though mint-condition examples are still very rare.
6. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
Estimated Value: $25,000 to over $75,000
Key Feature: Doubling on obverse lettering, minted in San Francisco
Less commonly seen than the 1955 doubled die, the 1969-S variety features strong doubling on the obverse elements. This includes the date and inscriptions. The coin’s rarity, combined with its striking error, makes it extremely desirable among error collectors.
7. 1972 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
Estimated Value: $100 to over $500 in high grades
Key Feature: Doubling on the obverse, particularly visible in “LIBERTY” and the date
Although not as rare or valuable as its 1955 or 1969 counterparts, the 1972 doubled die still commands significant attention. There are multiple varieties, but the most valuable is the one with clear, strong doubling on the obverse.
8. 1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent
Estimated Value: $5,000 to over $25,000
Key Feature: Narrow spacing between “A” and “M” in “AMERICA”
The U.S. Mint mistakenly used a proof reverse die on some 1992 business strike pennies, creating a rare variety known as the “Close AM.” On standard cents, the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” are spaced widely apart, but on this rare variety, they are nearly touching.
Only a few examples have been found in circulation, making it a hidden treasure for sharp-eyed collectors.
9. 1999 Wide AM Lincoln Cent
Estimated Value: $500 to over $2,000
Key Feature: Wide spacing between “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” (opposite of 1992 error)
Interestingly, the 1999 Wide AM variety is the result of the opposite error seen in the 1992 Close AM. In this case, a proof reverse die with wide letter spacing was mistakenly used on regular circulation coins. This rare variation has become a target for collectors who examine pennies closely for such anomalies.
Understanding Value in Lincoln Pennies
The value of these Lincoln pennies depends heavily on several factors, including:
- Condition/Grade: Coins in uncirculated or mint state condition (MS-60 and above) fetch far higher prices than circulated coins.
- Rarity: Lower mintage numbers or unique errors significantly increase value.
- Market Demand: Popular varieties like the 1909-S VDB or 1955 doubled die enjoy consistent collector demand, keeping prices high.
Collectors should always have rare coins authenticated and graded by reputable services such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) before buying or selling.
Conclusion
While millions of Lincoln cents have been minted over the past century, only a small number hold significant value. Whether it’s due to an early mintage, a minting error, or simply low surviving numbers, these coins are historical artifacts as much as they are collectibles.
If you’re lucky enough to discover one in your collection—or even in your pocket change—it could be worth far more than a penny.
For more information on coin values and grading, visit PCGS Coin Price Guide.
Disclaimer – Our team has carefully fact-checked this article to make sure it’s accurate and free from any misinformation. We’re dedicated to keeping our content honest and reliable for our readers.