Lincoln Cents are some of the most famous and oldest coins in U.S. history. While most people think of pennies as being just a small part of their pocket change, some Lincoln Cents are actually worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. These coins are rare, valuable, and can be found even in circulation today. Some people have even gotten lucky and found one of these rare pennies, turning their pocket change into a small fortune.
In this article, we’ll take a look at three Lincoln Cents that are valued at nearly $600,000 and explain what makes them so special. Who knows, you might have one hiding in your own pocket!
1943 Copper Lincoln Cent
One of the most famous and valuable Lincoln Cents is the 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent. During World War II, the U.S. Mint needed to save copper, so they started making pennies out of zinc-coated steel instead. However, a few copper blanks (called planchets) were accidentally used to make some pennies, creating a very rare version of the 1943 penny.
These 1943 Copper Lincoln Cents can sell for over $250,000 at auction. With its bright copper color and historical importance, this penny is one of the most sought-after coins by collectors.
1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
Another valuable penny is the 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent. This coin has a special feature: the date and the lettering on the front (the obverse) are doubled. The doubling happens during the minting process when the die is not aligned correctly, causing the design to appear blurry and stretched.
This mistake makes the 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent extremely valuable. In excellent condition, this penny can be worth over $100,000. Its rarity and noticeable error make it a must-have for many collectors.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is a coin with both age and rarity on its side. It was one of the first pennies ever minted with the Lincoln portrait designed by Victor David Brenner, and his initials, “VDB,” appear on the reverse of the coin. Only a limited number of these pennies were made, making the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent a very rare find.
This penny can be worth as much as $200,000 or more, depending on its condition. The unique “VDB” initials and the coin’s early history make it a treasure for collectors.
How Much Are These Lincoln Cents Worth?
Here’s a quick look at the three valuable Lincoln Cents we’ve talked about and their estimated value:
| Coin | Year | Scarcity | Value | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent | 1943 | Extremely Rare | $250,000+ | Made from copper instead of steel |
| 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent | 1955 | Rare | $100,000+ | Doubled design on the obverse side |
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent | 1909 | Rare | $200,000+ | VDB initials on the reverse side |
These rare pennies can be worth anywhere from a few thousand dollars to nearly $600,000, depending on their condition and rarity.
How to Find and Sell Rare Lincoln Cents
If you think you’ve found one of these rare Lincoln Cents in your pocket change, it’s a good idea to have it checked by a coin expert. These coins can be sold at auction houses, to specialized coin dealers, or through online marketplaces dedicated to rare coins. If you’re lucky enough to have one, you might just find yourself holding a small fortune!
Conclusion
Lincoln Cents have a special place in U.S. coin history, and some of them are worth much more than you might think. The 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent, the 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent, and the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent are some of the rarest and most valuable pennies in circulation today. If you happen to come across one of these unique pennies, you could have a coin worth hundreds of thousands of dollars! Keep an eye on your pocket change—it could be the start of a very valuable collection.
FAQ’s
What makes the 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent so valuable?
The 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent is valuable because it was mistakenly struck in copper instead of steel during World War II when copper was being conserved. This error makes it extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors.
How can I identify a 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent?
The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent is easy to identify because the date and the inscriptions on the front (obverse) are doubled. The error is most noticeable in the year “1955” and the lettering, making this coin a special find for collectors.
Why is the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent so rare?
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is rare because it was one of the first pennies to feature the Lincoln portrait, and it had a low mintage. The coin also includes the designer’s initials, “VDB,” which makes it even more valuable.