For coin collectors and enthusiasts alike, Lincoln Cents hold a special place in numismatic history. Over the years, a number of rare and valuable pennies have emerged, often due to unique minting errors or limited production runs. These coveted coins can fetch impressive prices, sometimes reaching tens of thousands of dollars. If you’re an avid collector—or even just someone who enjoys checking their change—here are the top 10 rare Lincoln Cents you should be aware of, as they could be worth far more than their face value.
1. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny
The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny is one of the most famous and sought-after error coins in U.S. history. During World War II, most pennies were struck in steel to conserve copper, but a small number were mistakenly minted using bronze planchets. These rare pennies are worth over $85,000 and are prized for their unique history and striking error.
2. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
Known for its dramatic doubling on the obverse (front) of the coin, the 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent is a highly collectible error penny. The doubling is most noticeable in the word “LIBERTY” and the date. This iconic coin can easily command over $85,000 in good condition, making it one of the most valuable pennies still in circulation.
3. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is a key coin in the Lincoln series, and its value stems from its historical significance. It was one of the first pennies issued with the initials “VDB” on the reverse, representing the designer, Victor David Brenner. Due to its limited mintage, this penny is worth over $100,000, especially in high-grade condition.
4. 1922 No D Lincoln Cent
The 1922 No D Lincoln Cent is another highly prized error coin. A minting mistake resulted in the missing “D” mintmark on certain pennies struck in 1922 at the Denver Mint. Only a handful of these coins exist, making them incredibly rare and highly valuable—often fetching over $90,000.
5. 1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
The 1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Cent features a noticeable doubling of the inscription on the obverse, much like the 1955 version. This error is seen in the date and the word “LIBERTY.” Because of its rarity and the attention it has received from collectors, this coin is worth over $85,000, particularly in excellent condition.
6. 1877 Indian Head Penny
The 1877 Indian Head Penny is another standout coin that has become a coveted treasure for collectors. While it’s not a Lincoln Cent, it is part of the broader series of U.S. pennies. Its rarity, stemming from a low mintage, has led to skyrocketing values—often exceeding $100,000 for high-grade examples.
7. 1944 Steel Penny
While most pennies minted in 1944 were made from copper, a small number of steel planchets left over from the previous year were accidentally used to strike some 1944 pennies. These steel coins are incredibly rare and valuable, sometimes reaching over $85,000 for a well-preserved example.
8. 1972 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
The 1972 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent features doubled images on the front of the coin, especially noticeable in the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” This coin has earned a place in the hearts of collectors and can be worth thousands of dollars, depending on its condition.
9. 1914-D Lincoln Cent
The 1914-D Lincoln Cent, minted in Denver, is another low-mintage coin that has become a favorite among collectors. Because of its scarcity and high demand, a well-preserved example of this penny can be worth over $85,000.
10. 1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent
The 1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent is a rare variety where the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” on the reverse are unusually close together. This subtle but noticeable error has made the coin highly desirable among collectors, and it can be worth thousands of dollars.
Coin Overview
| Coin Name | Year | Estimated Value | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny | 1943 | Over $85,000 | Minting error (bronze) |
| 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent | 1955 | Over $85,000 | Doubled obverse image |
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent | 1909 | Over $100,000 | Designer’s initials (VDB) |
| 1922 No D Lincoln Cent | 1922 | Over $90,000 | Missing mintmark |
| 1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Cent | 1969 | Over $85,000 | Doubled inscription |
| 1877 Indian Head Penny | 1877 | Over $100,000 | Low mintage |
| 1944 Steel Penny | 1944 | Over $85,000 | Steel planchet error |
| 1972 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent | 1972 | Over $85,000 | Doubled inscription |
| 1914-D Lincoln Cent | 1914 | Over $85,000 | Low-mintage coin |
| 1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent | 1992 | Thousands | Close “AM” in “AMERICA” |
Can You Find These Rare Pennies?
Finding one of these rare Lincoln Cents in your pocket change could be your ticket to a small fortune. These coins are not just valuable; they each have a unique story and are highly sought after by collectors. Whether due to a minting error, low production numbers, or historical significance, these pennies represent an important piece of American numismatic history.
FAQs
How can I identify a rare Lincoln Cent?
Look for specific features like doubling on the obverse, missing mintmarks, or unusual spacing in the inscriptions. Certain years are also known for producing rare varieties, so checking the year and condition of your coins is essential.
Can I still find these rare pennies in circulation?
While it’s rare, you may still come across some of these valuable pennies in your change. Always keep an eye out for unusual characteristics when handling your coins.
What should I do if I find a rare Lincoln Cent?
If you think you’ve found a rare penny, it’s a good idea to have it appraised by a professional to determine its true value. Avoid cleaning the coin, as this can damage its surface and lower its worth.
So, next time you come across a Lincoln Cent, take a closer look—you might just have a piece of history worth far more than one cent!
