Lincoln pennies have been in circulation for over a century, and many are still around today. While most pennies are only worth face value, a few rare coins hold extraordinary value due to their unique features, errors, or limited mintages.
This article highlights 10 valuable Lincoln pennies, including the highly sought-after 1955 Doubled Die and 1922 No D pennies. These rare coins have captivated collectors and investors alike and could be hiding in your pocket change.
1. 1955 Doubled Die Penny
The 1955 Doubled Die penny is famous for its distinctive doubling in the date and lettering, making it one of the most recognizable error coins. It can be worth up to $1,800 in uncirculated condition due to its rarity and high demand among collectors.
2. 1922 No D Penny
The 1922 No D penny is unique because of a minting error that left the “D” mint mark off the coin. This rare penny, produced in Denver, can fetch prices up to $15,000, especially in high-grade conditions.
3. 1909-S VDB Penny
One of the most famous Lincoln pennies, the 1909-S VDB, was minted with designer Victor David Brenner’s initials on the reverse. With a limited mintage of only 484,000 coins, it can be worth up to $1,500 in mint condition.
4. 1943 Copper Penny
The 1943 Copper Penny is one of the rarest Lincoln pennies, as most pennies that year were made of steel. Only a few copper versions were accidentally minted, and they can be worth over $100,000.
5. 1914-D Penny
The 1914-D penny, minted in Denver, had a low mintage, making it a sought-after coin among collectors. Its value can reach up to $5,000 in mint condition, depending on its grade.
6. 1931-S Penny
The 1931-S penny is another valuable coin due to its limited mintage, with only 866,000 produced. This penny can be worth around $125 to $200, depending on its condition.
7. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Penny
The 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse penny shows a distinctive doubling of the date and lettering. This rare error coin is highly valued by collectors, with prices reaching up to $35,000.
8. 1917 Doubled Die Obverse Penny
The 1917 Doubled Die Obverse penny features noticeable doubling on the date. It’s worth up to $3,000 in high-grade condition, making it a desirable coin for collectors of error pennies.
9. 1926-S Penny
The 1926-S penny is valued for its low mintage and is highly sought after by collectors. In mint condition, it can fetch prices up to $1,000.
10. 1944 Steel Penny
Most 1944 pennies were made from copper, but a few were accidentally struck in steel. These rare steel pennies are worth up to $75,000 and are prized by collectors.
| Coin Name | Year | Notable Feature | Estimated Value | Known Specimens |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1955 Doubled Die | 1955 | Doubled date and text | $1,800 | Limited |
| 1922 No D | 1922 | Missing mint mark “D” | $15,000 | Limited |
| 1909-S VDB | 1909 | Designer initials “VDB” | $1,500 | 484,000 |
| 1943 Copper Penny | 1943 | Copper composition | $100,000 | Very few |
| 1914-D | 1914 | Low mintage | $5,000 | Limited |
| 1931-S | 1931 | Limited mintage | $200 | 866,000 |
| 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse | 1969 | Doubled obverse text | $35,000 | Limited |
| 1917 Doubled Die Obverse | 1917 | Doubled date | $3,000 | Limited |
| 1926-S | 1926 | Low mintage | $1,000 | Limited |
| 1944 Steel Penny | 1944 | Steel composition | $75,000 | Very few |
Collecting Lincoln pennies can be both exciting and financially rewarding. These rare coins not only hold value but also tell the fascinating story of American minting history. While the chances of finding these coins in circulation are slim, they can occasionally appear in old collections or bank rolls.
If you believe you’ve found one of these valuable Lincoln pennies, having it authenticated and appraised can confirm its worth.