The Lincoln penny has been in circulation since 1909, making it one of the longest-running coins in U.S. history. Over the years, a few rare Lincoln pennies have become immensely valuable due to unique errors, limited mintage, or distinctive historical features.
Some of these prized pennies are worth thousands, even millions. Here’s a look at the most expensive Lincoln pennies that could be hiding in plain sight.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
The 1909-S VDB penny is one of the most sought-after Lincoln cents. It was the first year of issue, and only 484,000 of these coins were minted in San Francisco with the initials “VDB” (Victor David Brenner, the designer) on the reverse. Due to its low mintage and historical significance, this penny is extremely valuable, especially in mint condition.
1943 Copper Penny
During World War II, pennies were supposed to be made of steel to save copper for the war effort. However, a few 1943 pennies were mistakenly struck on copper planchets. These 1943 copper pennies are incredibly rare and can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars, as collectors eagerly seek out this iconic error coin.
1955 Doubled Die Penny
The 1955 Doubled Die penny is famous for its bold, doubled features on the obverse, making it look as though the lettering was stamped twice. This minting error is highly prized, with collectors willing to pay high prices for well-preserved examples. It’s one of the most recognizable and desirable error coins in U.S. history.
1922 No D Penny
The 1922 No D Lincoln penny, struck in Denver, lacks the “D” mint mark due to a minting error. This unique oversight has made it a rare find among collectors, especially in higher grades. The rarity of this variant has elevated its value over the years, making it one of the most coveted Lincoln pennies.
1969-S Doubled Die Penny
The 1969-S Doubled Die penny displays significant doubling on the obverse, especially in the inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Only a few of these error coins made it into circulation, making it highly valuable. In high grades, this coin can fetch a significant amount, and its unique design makes it a standout piece in any collection.
| Coin Variant | Year | Mint Mark | Notable Feature | Value Potential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | 1909 | S | Low mintage, VDB initials | High |
| 1943 Copper | 1943 | None | Copper instead of steel | Very high |
| 1955 Doubled Die | 1955 | None | Bold doubled features | High |
| 1922 No D | 1922 | None | Missing mint mark | High |
| 1969-S Doubled Die | 1969 | S | Doubled obverse inscriptions | High |
| 1914-D | 1914 | D | Low mintage | High |
| 1931-S | 1931 | S | Low mintage | Moderate to High |
These rare Lincoln pennies are not just collectibles but valuable pieces of history. Checking your change carefully could reveal one of these hidden treasures, potentially worth a significant amount and making for an exciting addition to any collection.
What Makes Certain Lincoln Pennies So Valuable?
Rarity, historical significance, and minting errors contribute to the high value of certain Lincoln pennies, especially those with unique features or low mintage numbers.
How Can I Tell If My Penny Is a Rare Variant?
Look for specific features, such as doubled letters, missing mint marks, or the year and mint mark of the coin. These details can help identify valuable coins.
What Is the Most Expensive Lincoln Penny?
The 1943 Copper Penny and 1909-S VDB are among the most expensive Lincoln pennies, with some examples selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Where Can I Sell a Rare Lincoln Penny?
You can sell rare Lincoln pennies at coin shops, online auction platforms, or numismatic dealers who specialize in valuable and collectible coins.
