Collecting rare Lincoln pennies has become a popular hobby among numismatists, with some coins fetching prices far beyond their face value. Below is a list of the top 10 Lincoln pennies that are worth much more than a penny.
Whether you’re an experienced collector or just starting, knowing what to look for can help you identify these valuable coins.
10 Lincoln Pennies Worth Much More Than a Penny
1. 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny
The 1943 Copper Penny is one of the rarest coins in U.S. history. In 1943, pennies were supposed to be made from zinc-coated steel to conserve copper for the war effort, but a few copper planchets were mistakenly struck.
Only about two dozen are known to exist. In mint condition, these pennies can fetch upwards of $250,000 and one even sold for $1.7 million at auction.
2. 1944 Steel Lincoln Penny
Similar to the 1943 copper penny, the 1944 steel penny is a minting error caused by leftover steel planchets from the previous year. These rare coins are valued between $75,000 and $125,000 depending on their condition.
3. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny
This coin is famous for its significant doubling of the inscriptions, most notably the word “LIBERTY” and the date “1955.” The mistake created one of the most sought-after error coins, and it’s worth $1,000 to $2,000 depending on the grade.
4. 1969-S Doubled Die Penny
Another valuable coin due to a minting error, the 1969-S Lincoln cent shows noticeable doubling on the inscriptions on the obverse side, such as “LIBERTY.” Only a few dozen examples are known, and their value ranges from $30,000 to $70,000.
5. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
This is one of the most famous Lincoln cents due to its limited production and the controversy surrounding the designer’s initials, “VDB.” Only 484,000 of these coins were minted, and prices range from $600 to $1,300 depending on the condition.
6. 1922 Plain Lincoln Cent
This coin, struck without a mintmark, is a collector’s dream. All Lincoln pennies in 1922 were supposed to carry the “D” mintmark, but some coins missed it due to over-polishing of the die. These coins sell for anywhere between $500 and $10,000.
7. 1972 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny
A major doubled die error on the obverse, particularly noticeable in the date and the word “LIBERTY,” makes this 1972 penny highly desirable. Values range from $200 to $300+ depending on the condition.
8. 1990 No S Proof Lincoln Penny
This error proof coin is valuable because it lacks the “S” mintmark, a mistake made during production. Only a few hundred of these coins exist, making them highly collectible. The value for a high-grade specimen can reach $20,000+.
9. 1992 Close AM Lincoln Penny
The 1992 Close AM penny features a rare reverse design intended for use on proof coins. This penny is extremely rare and sells for as much as $25,850 in mint condition.
10. 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Penny
This coin has a rare date variation, with a small “S” mintmark. Its value can range from $1,000 to $18,400 depending on its grade, with proof versions being especially valuable.
Top 10 Lincoln Pennies
| Year | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1943 | Copper Lincoln Penny | $250,000 – $1.7 million |
| 1944 | Steel Lincoln Penny | $75,000 – $125,000 |
| 1955 | Doubled Die Lincoln Penny | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| 1969-S | Doubled Die Lincoln Penny | $30,000 – $70,000 |
| 1909-S | VDB Lincoln Penny | $600 – $1,300 |
| 1922 | Plain Lincoln Cent | $500 – $10,000 |
| 1972 | Doubled Die Lincoln Penny | $200 – $300 |
| 1990 | No S Proof Lincoln Penny | $20,000+ |
| 1992 | Close AM Lincoln Penny | $25,850 |
| 1970-S | Small Date Lincoln Penny | $1,000 – $18,400 |
Conclusion
Lincoln pennies are more than just spare change; they can be worth thousands, even millions, depending on their rarity and condition. Coins like the 1943 Copper Penny or the 1955 Doubled Die Penny have captured the attention of collectors worldwide.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious beginner, finding one of these valuable pennies could turn your small change into a significant investment.
FAQs
1. Why are Lincoln pennies so valuable?
Lincoln pennies are valuable due to minting errors, rare variations, or low production numbers. Collectors seek these rare coins, and their scarcity drives up the price.
2. How do I know if my Lincoln penny is rare?
Look for specific features such as minting errors (e.g., doubling of inscriptions), absence of mintmarks, or rare date variations. Using a magnifying glass and comparing your coin with known rarities can help identify a valuable penny.
3. Where can I sell my valuable Lincoln pennies?
You can sell your rare pennies at auctions, coin shows, or through reputable coin dealers. Online platforms like eBay and specialized coin auction sites are also good places to sell.
4. How can I authenticate a rare penny?
You should have your penny graded by a professional third-party service like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) to ensure its authenticity and value.
5. What makes the 1943 copper penny so rare?
The 1943 copper penny is rare because it was accidentally struck using leftover copper planchets during a year when pennies were supposed to be made of steel due to wartime material shortages.
References
- Coin Value Checker
- The Fun Times Guide to Coins
- Gainesville Coins
- CoinTrackers
