Collecting Lincoln cents can be exciting and, sometimes, very profitable. These pennies have unique stories behind them, from minting errors to rare designs, which can make them worth much more than face value. In this guide, we’ll look at ten of the rarest and most valuable Lincoln cents, highlighting what makes each one special and why collectors treasure them.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
The 1909-S VDB penny was the first year of the Lincoln cent series. This penny has the initials “VDB” (for Victor David Brenner, the designer) on the reverse, making it stand out. Only 484,000 of these pennies were made, so they’re rare and can be worth $700 to $2,500 in top condition.
1914-D Lincoln Cent
Another rare penny, the 1914-D, was minted in Denver, and only 1.2 million were produced. Because of this low number, the 1914-D penny is valued at up to $5,000 in uncirculated condition, with prices depending on its condition and grade.
1922 No D Lincoln Cent (Weak Reverse)
This penny is unique because it’s missing the “D” mint mark, which means it was made in Denver, but the mark is absent due to worn dies. Known as the “1922 No D,” it can fetch up to $25,000 if it’s in uncirculated condition.
1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to steel pennies to save copper for the war effort. However, a few 1943 pennies were mistakenly struck in bronze. These “bronze errors” are extremely rare, with one selling for over $1 million, making it the most valuable Lincoln cent.
1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
This error coin shows a doubled image on the front, especially noticeable in the text. The 1955 Doubled Die penny is highly collectible, with values between $1,000 and $25,000, depending on the coin’s quality.
1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
One of the most valuable errors in the Lincoln Memorial cent series, the 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse penny, shows doubling on the obverse. Because only a few of these coins exist, they can be worth between $10,000 and $70,000 in excellent condition.
1972 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
The 1972 Doubled Die Obverse penny shows doubling on the front, particularly in the inscriptions. Although more common than earlier doubled dies, it can still be worth up to $2,500 in top-grade condition.
1983 Doubled Die Reverse Lincoln Cent
The 1983 Doubled Die Reverse penny shows doubling on the back in the phrases “ONE CENT” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” This penny can sell for as much as $1,500 if it’s in top condition, making it a favorite among collectors of modern error coins.
1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent
The 1992 Close AM penny has a small design error where the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” are closer together than usual. This subtle change is rare, and only a few are known to exist. A high-quality example can be worth $20,000 or more.
1995 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
The last major doubled die in the Lincoln Memorial series, the 1995 Doubled Die Obverse penny, shows slight doubling on “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY.” Though more common than some other doubled dies, it’s still worth around $50 in uncirculated condition.
Table of Rare and Valuable Lincoln Cents
| Coin | Year | Mint Mark | Unique Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | 1909 | S | VDB initials, low mintage | $700 – $2,500 |
| 1914-D | 1914 | D | Low mintage | $200 – $5,000 |
| 1922 No D (Weak Reverse) | 1922 | None | Missing “D” mint mark | $500 – $25,000 |
| 1943 Bronze | 1943 | Varies | Bronze planchet error | Up to $1.7 million |
| 1955 Doubled Die | 1955 | None | Doubled obverse text | $1,000 – $25,000 |
| 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse | 1969 | S | Doubled obverse | $10,000 – $70,000 |
| 1972 Doubled Die Obverse | 1972 | None | Doubled obverse | $300 – $2,500 |
| 1983 Doubled Die Reverse | 1983 | None | Doubled reverse | $200 – $1,500 |
| 1992 Close AM | 1992 | None | Close “AM” in “AMERICA” | Up to $20,000 |
| 1995 Doubled Die Obverse | 1995 | None | Doubled obverse | $15 – $50 |
Conclusion
Lincoln cents are more than just pennies; they can be valuable collectibles with unique stories. From the classic 1909-S VDB to the more recent 1995 Doubled Die, each of these coins offers something special for collectors. Minting errors, low production numbers, and design quirks all contribute to the value of these coins, with some worth thousands of dollars. If you’re lucky enough to come across one of these rare pennies, it’s worth having it professionally graded to confirm its value.
FAQ’s
How can I tell if my Lincoln cent is valuable?
Look for unique features like minting errors, rare mint marks, or doubling in the text. Some Lincoln cents, especially those from certain years with low mintages or errors, can be worth thousands. It’s best to have a professional grade your coin to confirm its value.
What is a “doubled die” Lincoln cent?
A doubled die error happens when the design on the coin’s die is imprinted twice, causing a doubling effect, often seen in the text or design. Some doubled die Lincoln cents, like the 1955 and 1969-S versions, are very valuable and highly sought after by collectors.
Where can I sell a valuable Lincoln cent?
You can sell rare Lincoln cents to coin dealers, at auctions, or through online marketplaces like eBay. However, for very valuable coins, it’s a good idea to work with a professional coin dealer or auction house to ensure you get a fair price.