Lincoln pennies may seem like a common currency, but some rare varieties can be worth far more than their face value. From key-date coins to error varieties, there are still many Lincoln pennies circulating that could potentially make you a fortune. This guide highlights the top 13 rare Lincoln pennies you should be on the lookout for, how to identify them, and tips on preserving their value.
How to Identify Rare Lincoln Pennies
Identifying rare Lincoln pennies requires a keen eye for details. Look for unusual features like doubled dies, repunched mint marks, off-center strikes, and composition differences. Pay special attention to areas around the dates, mint marks, and design features. To identify them accurately, use a 10x loupe, ensure you’re in good lighting, and take a magnified photo to compare with reference images. If you suspect a penny is valuable, avoid cleaning it, as cleaning can reduce the coin’s worth.
Top 13 Rare Lincoln Pennies Still in Circulation
1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent is one of the most famous and sought-after key-date pennies. The initials “VDB” for the coin’s designer, Victor David Brenner, were originally placed on the reverse of the coin but later removed due to public controversy. The low mintage at the San Francisco Mint makes it one of the most collectible pennies.
Key ID: Look for the “VDB” initials at the bottom of the reverse side.
Typical Value: Hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the condition.
2. 1909-S Lincoln Cent (Without VDB)
This coin was struck in the same year as the 1909-S VDB but without the designer’s initials. Even without the VDB, this penny is rare due to its low mintage, making it valuable.
Key ID: Look for a small “S” mintmark below the date.
Typical Value: Several hundred to thousands of dollars, depending on grade.
3. 1914-D Lincoln Cent
The 1914-D is another low-mintage coin, produced in limited quantities at the Denver Mint. Its scarcity, especially in circulated condition, makes it a coveted penny among collectors.
Key ID: Check for the small “D” mintmark next to the date.
Typical Value: Typically hundreds, but more if well-preserved.
4. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
One of the most famous error coins, the 1955 doubled die obverse penny shows strong doubling in the date and the word “LIBERTY.” This error is one of the most widely recognized in the numismatic world.
Key ID: Look for noticeable doubling on “LIBERTY” and the date.
Typical Value: Thousands for clear examples, with lower grades fetching hundreds.
5. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse (Proofs Exist)
The 1969-S doubled die obverse is a rare and highly sought-after coin, particularly among collectors of proof coins. It’s not commonly found in circulation, but some do make their way into pocket change.
Key ID: Doubling is visible on the date and motto. Look closely under magnification.
Typical Value: Value varies widely; certified examples can fetch a premium.
6. 1972 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
The 1972 doubled die obverse is another error coin that appears on circulating Lincoln cents. The doubled features on the lettering are sometimes subtle, but a close inspection can reveal them.
Key ID: Look for thickened strokes on the lettering, especially around “LIBERTY.”
Typical Value: Varies based on clarity, from a few dollars to much higher for strong examples.
7. 1983 Doubled Die Reverse Lincoln Cent
The 1983 doubled die reverse is a less common error where the reverse of the coin exhibits doubling, usually in the wheat stalks or the date. It’s a rare find in circulation.
Key ID: Check for doubling on the reverse, especially in the wheat stalks or the date.
Typical Value: Moderate to high for clear examples.
8. 1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent
The 1992 Close AM is a die variety where the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” on the reverse are closer together than on standard pennies. This small difference can make the coin highly collectible.
Key ID: Look for a narrower gap between the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA.”
Typical Value: Modest, higher in well-preserved condition.
9. 2009-S Lincoln Bicentennial Proofs and Errors
The 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial issues were part of a series of special designs celebrating Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday. Some error coins, like proof-like strikes or incorrect planchets, were accidentally released into circulation.
Key ID: Check for Bicentennial reverse designs and an “S” mintmark.
Typical Value: Varies by design and error type.
10. 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent (Error)
Due to wartime copper shortages, most pennies struck in 1943 were made from steel. However, a few copper pennies were mistakenly struck, and these rare coins are highly valuable.
Key ID: Look for a penny with a normal brown copper color, instead of the silver-gray steel.
Typical Value: Tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands for verified copper 1943 cents.
11. 1944 Steel Lincoln Cent (Error)
The 1944 steel penny is the reverse error of the 1943 copper penny. Most 1944 pennies were made from copper, but a small number were mistakenly struck on steel planchets.
Key ID: Check for a silver-gray steel appearance, especially with the 1944 date.
Typical Value: Substantial for authenticated examples.
12. 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent (Proofs and Varieties)
The 1970-S small date is a rare variety that occasionally appears in circulation. It’s different from the standard 1970-S due to the size and style of the date, which is smaller than usual.
Key ID: Check the size and style of the date by comparing with standard 1970-S pennies.
Typical Value: Modest to significant, depending on certification and condition.
13. Repunched Mint Mark Varieties (Various Years)
Repunched mint marks (RPM) are caused by the mintmark being struck more than once. These varieties can occur in various years, and are often sought after by specialized collectors.
Key ID: Look for extra metal around the mintmark; magnification helps reveal these details.
Typical Value: Depends on the prominence of the mintmark error.
Practical Tips for Finding Rare Lincoln Pennies
- Inspect your change regularly: Check your pocket change, coins from rolls, and vending machines for any potential rarities.
- Use a loupe: A 10x loupe is essential for identifying fine details, such as doubled dies and mint marks.
- Focus on older copper coins (1909-1982): Older pennies are more likely to have valuable errors or key dates.
- Research your coins: Compare your pennies to online reference guides before taking further steps.
- Avoid cleaning coins: Cleaning can lower a coin’s value, so keep them as original as possible.
Real-World Example
A coffee shop owner once discovered a worn 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln cent while counting the register change. After photographing it and getting a quick online verification, the owner sent it to a dealer and had it certified. The coin later sold at auction for over $8,000—far more than its face value.
When to Seek Professional Grading
If you find a coin with diagnostic features and potential high value, it’s a good idea to have it graded. Professional grading can confirm authenticity and condition, which significantly impacts its market price. Choose reputable grading services, and keep in mind that the grading fees might not be worth it for lower-grade errors.