11 Rare Lincoln Pennies Worth Big Money – Lincoln pennies have been a staple of American currency since their introduction in 1909. While most are worth only face value, some rare and highly sought-after editions can fetch thousands—or even millions—of dollars at auction. In this guide, we’ll explore 11 of the rarest Lincoln pennies and their potential value in today’s market.
| Coin | Mint | Value Range | Notable Facts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny | Philadelphia/S.F./Denver | $1M+ | Rare error coin; struck in copper instead of steel during WWII |
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny | San Francisco | $100K+ | Low mintage; features designer’s initials “V.D.B.” |
| 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny | Philadelphia | $50K+ | Famous doubled die error with noticeable doubling in date/letters |
| 1944 Steel Lincoln Penny | Philadelphia/S.F./Denver | $75K+ | Minted on leftover steel planchets from 1943 |
| 1972 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny | Philadelphia | $15K+ | Bold doubling visible on date and inscriptions |
| 1992 Close AM Lincoln Penny | Philadelphia/D. | $10K+ | Rare design variety with “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” closely spaced |
| 1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Penny | San Francisco | $35K+ | Features dramatic doubling in inscriptions |
| 1983 Doubled Die Reverse Penny | Philadelphia | $7K+ | Doubling visible on reverse in “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” |
| 1999 Wide AM Lincoln Penny | Philadelphia | $5K+ | “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” are widely spaced |
| 1914-D Lincoln Penny | Denver | $4.5K+ | Key date coin with low mintage |
| 1922 No D Lincoln Penny | Denver (error) | $10K+ | Mintmark (“D”) missing due to worn die |
Table of Contents
- 0.1 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny – Over $1,000,000
- 0.2 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny – $100,000+
- 0.3 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny – $50,000+
- 0.4 1944 Steel Lincoln Penny – $75,000+
- 0.5 1972 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny – $15,000+
- 0.6 1992 Close AM Lincoln Penny – $10,000+
- 0.7 1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Penny – $35,000+
- 0.8 1983 Doubled Die Reverse Lincoln Penny – $7,000+
- 0.9 1999 Wide AM Lincoln Penny – $5,000+
- 0.10 1914-D Lincoln Penny – $4,500+
- 0.11 1922 No D Lincoln Penny – $10,000+
- 0.12 How to Identify and Sell Your Rare Pennies
- 1 Final Thoughts – Do You Have a Hidden Treasure?
1943 Copper Lincoln Penny – Over $1,000,000
The 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny is one of the most famous error coins in U.S. history. While most pennies that year were struck in steel due to wartime metal shortages, a few were mistakenly minted in copper. One of these coins sold for over $1 million at auction.
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1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny – $100,000+
The 1909-S VDB penny is highly desirable due to its low mintage and the prominent designer initials “V.D.B.” on the reverse. Collectors seek this coin in all grades, and high-quality specimens can surpass $100,000.
1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny – $50,000+
This variety features significant doubling in the date and lettering, making it one of the most recognizable errors. A well-preserved 1955 Doubled Die penny can sell for upwards of $50,000.
1944 Steel Lincoln Penny – $75,000+
Another wartime error, the 1944 Steel Penny was mistakenly struck on leftover steel planchets from 1943. With only a few known examples, this coin commands high prices at auction.
1972 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny – $15,000+
The 1972 Doubled Die Obverse penny showcases a dramatic doubling in the date and inscriptions. High-grade examples have been known to sell for $15,000 or more.
1992 Close AM Lincoln Penny – $10,000+
A rare design variety, the “Close AM” error refers to the close spacing between the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” on the reverse. Collectors have paid over $10,000 for well-preserved specimens.
1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Penny – $35,000+
This coin features prominent doubling in the inscriptions. Because of its scarcity and popularity, a 1969-S Doubled Die penny can command more than $35,000 at auction.
1983 Doubled Die Reverse Lincoln Penny – $7,000+
Unlike most doubled die errors, this variety affects the reverse, particularly in the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” Collectors prize these coins, with top-grade examples exceeding $7,000.
1999 Wide AM Lincoln Penny – $5,000+
The “Wide AM” error features a distinct spacing between the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA.” This variety is rare and can sell for over $5,000 in mint condition.
1914-D Lincoln Penny – $4,500+
The 1914-D is a key date in the Lincoln penny series, with a relatively low mintage. High-grade examples can fetch more than $4,500 at auction.
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1922 No D Lincoln Penny – $10,000+
This error resulted from a worn die, causing the Denver mintmark (“D”) to disappear. Collectors are willing to pay upwards of $10,000 for high-quality specimens.
How to Identify and Sell Your Rare Pennies
If you believe you have one of these rare Lincoln pennies, follow these steps:
- Inspect the Date and Features: Use a magnifying glass to check for errors and key characteristics.
- Verify with a Coin Expert: A professional numismatist can authenticate and grade your coin.
- Check Online Price Guides: Websites like PCGS and NGC provide real-time pricing data.
- Sell Through a Reputable Dealer or Auction House: To maximize your coin’s value, consider selling through an established numismatic auction.
Final Thoughts – Do You Have a Hidden Treasure?
Rare Lincoln pennies can be worth a small fortune. Whether you’re a casual collector or just stumbled upon an old jar of pennies, checking your change could lead to an unexpected windfall. Have you ever found a rare penny? Share your discovery in the comments below!
