9 Valuable Lincoln Penny Coins That Could Be Worth a Fortune – The Lincoln Penny, introduced in 1909 to honor President Abraham Lincoln, is one of the most iconic coins in American history. Featuring a portrait of Lincoln on the obverse and various designs on the reverse over the years, these pennies have become more than just pocket change—they’re historical artifacts and potential treasures.
While many Lincoln Pennies are still worth only their copper content or face value, certain rare specimens have become highly sought-after due to minting errors, low mintages, or pristine condition. In this article, we’ll explore the 9 most valuable Lincoln Penny coins that could make you rich.
Table of Contents
- 1 1. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny
- 2 2. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
- 3 3. 1922 No D Lincoln Penny
- 4 4. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny
- 5 5. 1914-D Lincoln Penny
- 6 6. 1931-S Lincoln Penny
- 7 7. 1909-S Lincoln Penny
- 8 8. 1926-S Lincoln Penny
- 9 9. 1911-S Lincoln Penny
- 10 What Makes These Lincoln Pennies So Valuable?
- 11 Could You Have a Fortune in Your Pocket?
1. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny
The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny is one of the most famous error coins in U.S. history. During World War II, pennies were struck in zinc-coated steel to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a small number of 1943 pennies were accidentally struck on leftover bronze planchets, making them incredibly rare.
An example graded MS-62 sold for $282,000 in 2023. Its unexpected composition and extreme rarity ensure its status as a prized find.
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2. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny marks the debut year of the series and features Victor David Brenner’s initials (“VDB”) prominently on the reverse. With a mintage of just 484,000 coins, it is one of the scarcest issues in the series.
A high-grade example graded MS-67 sold for $144,000 in 2022. Its historical significance and scarcity make it a cornerstone of any serious collection.
3. 1922 No D Lincoln Penny
The 1922 No D Lincoln Penny is a fascinating error coin. This variety was struck at the Denver Mint but lacks the “D” mint mark due to excessive die polishing. Only a handful of these coins exist in high grades.
An MS-63 example sold for $100,000 in 2021. Its unique flaw and limited availability ensure its desirability among collectors.
4. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny
The 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny is one of the most famous error coins in U.S. numismatics. This variety features dramatic doubling on the obverse side, particularly visible in the word “LIBERTY” and the date.
An MS-65 example sold for $75,000 in 2023. Its striking flaw and rarity make it a favorite among error coin enthusiasts.
5. 1914-D Lincoln Penny
The 1914-D Lincoln Penny is another key date in the series, with a mintage of just over 1.1 million coins. Many of these pennies were heavily circulated, leaving few in pristine condition.
An MS-65 example fetched $120,000 at auction in 2023. Its rarity and superior preservation contribute to its lofty price tag.
6. 1931-S Lincoln Penny
The 1931-S Lincoln Penny had a mintage of just over 866,000 coins, making it one of the lowest-mintage issues in the series. High-grade examples are particularly rare and highly valued.
A gem-quality example graded MS-66 sold for $95,000 in 2022. Its scarcity and historical significance ensure its status as a prized find.
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7. 1909-S Lincoln Penny
The 1909-S Lincoln Penny without the “VDB” initials is another key date in the series, with a mintage of just over 1.8 million coins. High-grade examples are particularly scarce and highly valued.
An MS-66 example fetched $60,000 at auction in 2022. Its historical importance and exceptional condition make it a standout piece.
8. 1926-S Lincoln Penny
The 1926-S Lincoln Penny is notable for its relatively low mintage of just over 950,000 coins. Many of these pennies were heavily circulated, leaving few in pristine condition.
A high-grade example graded MS-66 sold for $65,000 in 2021. Its rarity and superior preservation contribute to its desirability.
9. 1911-S Lincoln Penny
The 1911-S Lincoln Penny had a mintage of just over 4 million coins, making it one of the scarcer issues in the series. Finding one in high grades is exceptionally challenging, driving up its value.
A gem-quality example graded MS-66 sold for $55,000 in 2023. Its rarity and historical significance ensure its appeal.
What Makes These Lincoln Pennies So Valuable?
Several factors contribute to the staggering prices these Lincoln Pennies command:
- Rarity: Low mintages, errors, and limited surviving examples create fierce competition among collectors.
- Condition: Coins in pristine, high-grade condition are exponentially more valuable than worn or damaged specimens.
- Historical Significance: Many of these pennies played pivotal roles in U.S. history, adding depth and meaning to their appeal.
- Design Appeal: The artistry of the Lincoln Penny captivates collectors and enhances their desirability.
Also Read: 10 Most Valuable Nickel Error Coins That Are Worth Big Money
Could You Have a Fortune in Your Pocket?
While stumbling upon one of these rare Lincoln Pennies in everyday circulation is unlikely, it’s not impossible. Savvy collectors often search through rolls of coins, estate sales, and online marketplaces for hidden gems. If you come across a penny with unusual markings, a misaligned design, or other oddities, consider having it appraised by a professional—it might just be worth a fortune!
The 9 most valuable Lincoln Penny coins highlighted here showcase the incredible diversity and intrigue within the world of numismatics. From the legendary 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny to the historic 1909-S VDB, each coin tells a unique story and offers a glimpse into America’s rich monetary heritage.
