13 Rare Lincoln Memorial Pennies You Should Know About

13 Rare Lincoln Memorial Pennies You Should Know About: The Lincoln Memorial penny, introduced in 1959 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, is one of the most collected coins in U.S. history. While most pennies in this series are common, some rare and valuable varieties exist due to minting errors, low mintage numbers, and special variations. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a casual collector, these 13 rare Lincoln Memorial pennies are worth knowing about.

1969-S Doubled Die Obverse

One of the most famous and valuable Lincoln Memorial pennies, the 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse, features a noticeable doubling in the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Initially thought to be counterfeit, the Secret Service confiscated several before they were recognized as genuine. High-grade examples have sold for over $50,000 at auction.

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1970-S Small Date

The 1970-S Small Date penny is a rare variety distinguished by a high 7 in the date and a weakly struck LIBERTY. This coin is particularly valuable in high grades, with some fetching thousands of dollars, especially in uncirculated condition.

1972 Doubled Die Obverse

Another significant doubled die variety, the 1972 Doubled Die Obverse penny, showcases strong doubling on the date and lettering. Unlike the 1969-S variety, this coin does not have a mintmark, as it was struck in Philadelphia. Well-preserved examples can sell for several thousand dollars.

1983 Doubled Die Reverse

Unlike most doubled die errors, which affect the obverse, the 1983 Doubled Die Reverse features noticeable doubling on the inscriptions “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” This error is relatively rare, and uncirculated specimens can command prices in the hundreds or even thousands.

1984 Doubled Ear Lincoln Cent

The 1984 Doubled Ear variety displays a distinct extra earlobe on Lincoln’s portrait. This variety is easily recognizable and in high demand, with values ranging from $200 to over $1,000 depending on condition.

1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent

This rare variety occurs when the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” are placed closer together than usual. It resulted from the accidental use of a proof die on business-strike coins. High-grade examples of the 1992 Close AM penny can sell for over $5,000.

1995 Doubled Die Obverse

One of the more well-known modern doubled die varieties, the 1995 Doubled Die Obverse shows clear doubling on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” While not as rare as earlier doubled die pennies, it is still highly collectible and can be worth up to several hundred dollars in mint condition.

1998 Wide AM Lincoln Cent

The opposite of the 1992 Close AM variety, the 1998 Wide AM penny features more spacing between the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA.” This coin is relatively scarce and can fetch high prices in uncirculated grades.

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1999 Wide AM Lincoln Cent

Similar to the 1998 Wide AM, the 1999 version is even rarer and more valuable. Due to a die mix-up, the coin features the Wide AM design intended for proof coins. Well-preserved examples can sell for thousands of dollars.

2000 Wide AM Lincoln Cent

Another proof-die mix-up resulted in the 2000 Wide AM penny, though it is more common than the 1998 and 1999 versions. Despite being slightly more available, uncirculated examples can still be worth hundreds of dollars.

1982-D Small Date Copper Lincoln Cent

During 1982, the U.S. Mint transitioned from copper pennies to zinc ones. A few 1982-D Small Date pennies were mistakenly struck on copper planchets. These coins, which weigh 3.11 grams instead of 2.5 grams, are incredibly rare and have sold for over $10,000 at auction.

1995-S Proof Lincoln Cent

While not an error, the 1995-S proof penny is a key date for collectors due to its limited mintage. Only about 2.5 million were made, and high-quality examples with deep cameo contrast can be worth significant amounts.

1960 Small Date Lincoln Cent

The 1960 Small Date variety is a rare variation of the first year of the Lincoln Memorial penny. It features a noticeably smaller date than the more common large date variety. In high grades, these coins can be worth hundreds of dollars.

Table – 13 Rare Lincoln Memorial Pennies You Should Know About

Lincoln Memorial pennies are an exciting area of numismatics, offering both history and value. While most pennies are worth just a cent, these rare varieties can be worth hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you come across an unusual penny, it may be worth taking a closer look—it could be a hidden treasure in your collection!

FAQs About Rare Lincoln Memorial Pennies

1. How can I tell if my Lincoln Memorial penny is rare? Look for specific errors such as doubling, mintmark variations, and die varieties. Weighing the coin can also help determine if it’s struck on an incorrect planchet.

2. Are these rare pennies still found in circulation? Yes, though unlikely. Some varieties, like the Wide AM and Close AM pennies, can still occasionally be found in pocket change or coin rolls.

3. How do I authenticate a rare Lincoln Memorial penny? It’s best to have your coin authenticated by a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC to verify its authenticity and determine its grade.

4. What makes a doubled die penny valuable? Doubled die pennies are valuable due to their rarity and the strength of the doubling. The more pronounced and noticeable the doubling, the higher the value.

5. Where can I sell my rare Lincoln Memorial penny? Rare pennies can be sold through coin dealers, online marketplaces, auction houses, or numismatic conventions to ensure you receive a fair price.