Lincoln pennies, minted from 1909 to 1958, remain some of the most popular and widely collected coins in the United States. While most of these pennies are worth only their face value, a few rare varieties and errors have slipped into circulation over the years, making them highly valuable to collectors. Knowing what to look for can help you spot these hidden treasures in everyday change.
Here’s a guide to 14 rare Lincoln pennies that collectors seek. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or just starting out, these pennies are worth keeping an eye on.
1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
Why it’s rare: The 1909-S VDB is one of the most famous and sought-after pennies. It was struck at the San Francisco Mint and features the initials “VDB” for the designer, Victor D. Brenner, on the reverse. Due to controversy, the VDB initials were later removed, making this coin highly collectible.
How to spot it: Look for the clear “VDB” letters on the reverse and the small “S” mintmark just below the date.
Value: Hundreds of dollars in worn grades; thousands in higher grades.
2. 1909 VDB (Philadelphia)
Why it’s rare: The 1909 VDB penny was the first year of the Lincoln cent, and the VDB initials were briefly included on the reverse before being removed. Though not as rare as the 1909-S VDB, it is still a valuable coin due to its historical significance.
How to spot it: Check for the VDB initials on the reverse. The date and wheat stalk detail will be crucial for verification.
Value: Can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on grade.
3. 1914-D Lincoln Cent
Why it’s rare: The 1914-D penny, struck at the Denver Mint, has one of the lowest mintages of the wheat penny series. It’s highly sought after by collectors looking for key date coins.
How to spot it: Look for the “D” mintmark next to the date. The coin should have a clean and well-struck obverse for a higher value.
Value: Prices can range from several hundred dollars in lower grades to a few thousand in high-grade examples.
4. 1922 Plain (No D) Lincoln Cent
Why it’s rare: Most 1922 pennies were struck at the Denver Mint and carry the “D” mintmark. However, a small number of 1922 pennies were mistakenly struck without the mintmark, creating a rare variety.
How to spot it: Look for a “plain” 1922 penny without the D mintmark. The date may appear flat or weakly struck.
Value: These coins can fetch a wide range, with well-struck examples commanding significant premiums.
5. 1931-S Lincoln Cent
Why it’s rare: The 1931-S penny is another key date from the San Francisco Mint, produced in limited quantities. Due to its low mintage, it’s rare in circulated condition and highly prized by collectors.
How to spot it: Look for the “S” mintmark and weak strike details, which are common on worn examples.
Value: Often worth hundreds of dollars, with high-grade examples fetching much more.
6. 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent (Error)
Why it’s rare: In 1943, pennies were supposed to be struck in steel to conserve copper for World War II. However, a few copper planchets were mistakenly used, creating a rare error that is extremely valuable.
How to spot it: Use a magnet to check if the coin is magnetic. A genuine copper 1943 penny is non-magnetic and will show the typical brown color of copper.
Value: Copper 1943 pennies can sell for tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars when authenticated.
7. 1944 Steel Lincoln Cent (Error)
Why it’s rare: After the 1943 copper error, pennies returned to a copper composition. However, a few steel planchets slipped through, and these steel 1944 pennies are highly sought after by collectors.
How to spot it: Steel 1944 pennies will be magnetic and have a silver-gray color. This is an easy way to distinguish them from normal copper pennies.
Value: These rare coins can be worth thousands, with authenticated examples fetching higher premiums.
8. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse
Why it’s rare: The 1955 doubled die obverse is one of the most famous minting errors. Strong doubling is visible on the date and inscriptions on the obverse, making it highly collectible.
How to spot it: Look for the noticeable doubling on the date and the word “LIBERTY.” This is often visible without magnification in many examples.
Value: Circulated examples can sell for thousands of dollars, and pristine specimens can go for much more.
9. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse (Proof Variety)
Why it’s rare: Known primarily in proof strikes, the 1969-S doubled die obverse is a rare and highly sought-after variety. The doubling is most prominent on the word “LIBERTY” and the date.
How to spot it: Check for strong doubling on the date and “LIBERTY” on the obverse. Proof examples are especially valuable.
Value: The value can vary widely, with certified examples fetching significant premiums.
10. 1972 Doubled Die Obverse
Why it’s rare: The 1972 doubled die obverse is another penny with noticeable doubling on the date and the word “LIBERTY.” It appears occasionally in circulation and is often identifiable with a magnifier.
How to spot it: Use a 10x loupe to check for thick doubled strokes on the date and “LIBERTY.”
Value: Depending on the clarity of the doubling, these coins can be worth several hundred dollars in good condition.
11. 1984-D Repunched Mint Mark (RPM)
Why it’s rare: Repunched mint marks (RPMs) are common among Lincoln pennies, but the 1984-D RPM is particularly collectible. It shows a second impression of the “D” mintmark, which is clearly visible with magnification.
How to spot it: Look for a small second impression or shadow around the “D” mintmark.
Value: RPMs can vary in value, but this variety is generally worth more to collectors.
12. 1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent (Reverse Variety)
Why it’s rare: The 1992 Close AM reverse variety is a subtle error where the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” are closer together than normal. This was caused by a die adjustment error and is highly collectible.
How to spot it: Compare the spacing of the “A” and “M” on the reverse of the coin. A noticeable close gap between the letters indicates this variety.
Value: Modest to higher value based on preservation and collector demand.
13. 1936 Doubled Die Obverse (Select Varieties)
Why it’s rare: Some 1936 Lincoln pennies feature strong doubling on the obverse lettering. These varieties are less common in circulation but can sometimes be found in change or old collections.
How to spot it: Look for doubling on “LIBERTY” and the date on the obverse.
Value: Generally modest, but high-quality examples can fetch higher prices.
14. Various Off-Metal and Struck-Through Errors
Why it’s rare: Occasionally, Lincoln pennies are struck with incorrect planchets or have debris struck through the die, resulting in unique errors. These off-metal strikes can create coins with odd colors or missing details, making them collectible.
How to spot it: Look for unusual coloration, missing details, or foreign metal showing through the coin.
Value: Off-metal and struck-through errors can range from a modest premium to significant value depending on the rarity and severity of the error.
How to Identify Rare Lincoln Pennies
Identifying rare Lincoln pennies requires a careful and systematic approach. Here are some quick checks to help you spot potentially valuable coins:
- Inspect the date and mintmark with a loupe for doubling, repunching, or unusual placement.
- Use a magnet for suspected 1943 copper or 1944 steel errors. Copper is non-magnetic, while steel is magnetic.
- Compare reverse lettering spacing, particularly for varieties like the 1992 Close AM.
- Look for unusual color or composition. Off-metal coins often stand out with abnormal colors or textures.
Did You Know?
The Lincoln cent, first issued in 1909, remains one of the longest-running U.S. coin designs. The early variations and wartime composition changes have created numerous rare and collectible coins that still turn up in everyday circulation.
Real-World Example
A casual collector found a worn 1955 doubled die obverse in change while sorting a jar of pennies. After verifying the strong doubling on the date and the word “LIBERTY,” the collector had the coin authenticated by a dealer and later sold it for thousands of dollars. This case highlights how everyday pennies can be valuable if you know what to look for.