11 Most Valuable Lincoln Memorial Pennies: The Lincoln Memorial Penny, minted from 1959 to 2008, is one of the most common U.S. coins. However, some rare varieties and errors have made certain Lincoln Memorial pennies highly valuable—worth thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars.
While most of these pennies still carry their one-cent face value, some rare dates, minting errors, and special features can make them incredibly desirable to collectors. If you’re lucky, you might find one of these valuable pennies still in circulation!
Here’s a look at the 11 most valuable Lincoln Memorial pennies and what makes them special.
Table of Contents
- 1 1969-S Doubled Die Penny
- 2 1972 Doubled Die Penny
- 3 1999 Wide AM Penny
- 4 1992-D Close AM Penny
- 5 1983 Doubled Die Reverse Penny
- 6 1970-S Small Date Penny
- 7 1995 Doubled Die Penny
- 8 1960 Small Date Penny
- 9 1984 Doubled Ear Penny
- 10 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny
- 11 1998 Wide AM Penny
- 12 How to Identify a Valuable Lincoln Memorial Penny
- 13 Where to Sell a Valuable Lincoln Penny
- 14 Table – Most Valuable Lincoln Memorial Pennies
1969-S Doubled Die Penny
One of the most famous doubled die errors in U.S. history, the 1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Penny shows strong doubling on “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date.
Also Read: 10 Most Valuable Wheat Pennies in Circulation
- Why It’s Valuable: Clear and dramatic doubling, combined with low mintage, makes this coin highly sought after.
- Value: $10,000 – $50,000+, depending on condition.
1972 Doubled Die Penny
This penny features strong doubling on the obverse, particularly in the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Unlike some minor doubled die coins, this one is easily noticeable without magnification.
- Why It’s Valuable: One of the strongest doubled dies in the Lincoln Memorial series.
- Value: $500 – $14,000+, based on grade.
1999 Wide AM Penny
The 1999 Wide AM Lincoln Penny is a rare variety where there is extra space between the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” on the reverse. Normally, pennies from this year have a close AM design, making this error very valuable.
- Why It’s Valuable: A rare and well-known reverse variety.
- Value: $500 – $10,000+, depending on condition.
1992-D Close AM Penny
This variety is the opposite of the Wide AM pennies. The 1992-D Close AM Lincoln Penny features letters “A” and “M” that are almost touching, a design meant for later coins but mistakenly used on some 1992 pennies.
- Why It’s Valuable: Extremely rare transitional design error.
- Value: $5,000 – $25,000+, based on grade.
1983 Doubled Die Reverse Penny
The 1983 Lincoln Memorial Penny has a major doubled die error, but this time on the reverse. The words “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” are clearly doubled.
- Why It’s Valuable: One of the most dramatic doubled die reverses in U.S. coins.
- Value: $500 – $7,000+, depending on grade.
1970-S Small Date Penny
The 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Penny is a rare variety where the date appears slightly smaller and the “7” is level with the “0”.
- Why It’s Valuable: Rare variety that is difficult to distinguish without careful inspection.
- Value: $300 – $3,500+, depending on condition.
1995 Doubled Die Penny
The 1995 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny is one of the most famous modern doubled die coins, with clear doubling visible in “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
- Why It’s Valuable: The last major doubled die variety before modern minting techniques made them much rarer.
- Value: $50 – $2,500+, depending on condition.
1960 Small Date Penny
The 1960 Small Date Lincoln Penny features a smaller “0” in the date, making it easy to distinguish from the more common Large Date version.
- Why It’s Valuable: A popular variety among collectors, especially in high grades.
- Value: $100 – $2,000+, depending on grade.
1984 Doubled Ear Penny
The 1984 Doubled Ear Lincoln Penny has a noticeable extra earlobe on Lincoln’s portrait, making it a major modern error.
- Why It’s Valuable: Easily identifiable minting error.
- Value: $200 – $1,500+, based on condition.
1982-D Small Date Copper Penny
During 1982, the U.S. Mint transitioned from 95% copper pennies to zinc-core pennies. A few 1982-D Small Date Pennies were mistakenly struck in copper, making them incredibly rare.
- Why It’s Valuable: A transitional error that shouldn’t exist.
- Value: $5,000 – $10,000+, depending on grade.
1998 Wide AM Penny
Similar to the 1999 Wide AM, the 1998 Lincoln Penny was also mistakenly struck with a wide spacing between “A” and “M” in “AMERICA.”
Also Read: Unveiling the Top 9 Most Valuable Dimes in Circulation
- Why It’s Valuable: A well-known error, though slightly more common than the 1999 Wide AM version.
- Value: $50 – $500+, based on condition.
How to Identify a Valuable Lincoln Memorial Penny
If you think you might have a valuable penny, here are some key signs to check for:
- Date and Mintmark: Look for key years like 1969-S, 1972, 1992-D, and 1999.
- Doubled Die Errors: Check for doubling in letters, dates, and Lincoln’s portrait.
- AM Varieties: Examine the spacing in “AMERICA” on 1998, 1999, and 1992-D pennies.
- Metal Composition: Use a small scale—pre-1982 pennies should weigh 3.11g, while zinc ones weigh 2.5g.
- Coin Condition: Higher grades are worth more, so check for wear and luster.
Where to Sell a Valuable Lincoln Penny
If you find a rare Lincoln Memorial penny, here are the best places to sell it:
- Auction Houses: Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers.
- Coin Dealers: Reputable numismatic dealers.
- Online Marketplaces: eBay, GreatCollections, and other coin-selling platforms.
- Coin Shows & Expos: A great way to connect with serious collectors.
Table – Most Valuable Lincoln Memorial Pennies
| Coin | Mint | Value | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1969-S Doubled Die Penny | S | $10,000 – $50,000+ | Strong doubling on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” |
| 1972 Doubled Die Penny | P | $500 – $14,000+ | Noticeable doubling on obverse text |
| 1999 Wide AM Penny | P | $500 – $10,000+ | Wide spacing between “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” |
| 1992-D Close AM Penny | D | $5,000 – $25,000+ | “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” almost touching |
| 1983 Doubled Die Reverse Penny | P | $500 – $7,000+ | Doubling on “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” |
| 1970-S Small Date Penny | S | $300 – $3,500+ | Smaller date, “7” level with “0” |
| 1995 Doubled Die Penny | P | $50 – $2,500+ | Doubling on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” |
| 1960 Small Date Penny | P/D | $100 – $2,000+ | Smaller “0” in date |
| 1984 Doubled Ear Penny | P | $200 – $1,500+ | Extra earlobe on Lincoln’s portrait |
| 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny | D | $5,000 – $10,000+ | Transitional error; struck in copper instead of zinc |
| 1998 Wide AM Penny | P | $50 – $500+ | Wide spacing between “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” |
While the Lincoln Memorial Penny may seem ordinary, some rare varieties and minting errors make certain pennies worth thousands of dollars. Whether it’s a 1969-S Doubled Die, a 1999 Wide AM, or the elusive 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny, these coins continue to fascinate collectors.
FAQs
What is the most valuable Lincoln Memorial penny?
The 1969-S Doubled Die Penny is one of the most valuable, worth over $50,000 in top condition.
How can I tell if my Lincoln Memorial penny is rare?
Look for doubled die errors, Wide AM and Close AM varieties, small or large date differences, and unusual metal compositions.
Are valuable Lincoln Memorial pennies still in circulation?
Yes! Coins like the 1999 Wide AM Penny and 1984 Doubled Ear Penny have been found in circulation.
Where can I sell a valuable Lincoln Memorial penny?
You can sell rare pennies through coin dealers, auction houses (Heritage, Stack’s Bowers), online platforms (eBay, GreatCollections), and coin shows.
What is the rarest mint error on a Lincoln Memorial penny?
The 1992-D Close AM Penny is one of the rarest, with some selling for $25,000+.
