Lincoln pennies are some of the most recognizable and commonly found coins in the U.S., but did you know that certain Lincoln pennies could be worth far more than their face value? While most of us toss pennies aside without a second thought, some rare Lincoln pennies have been known to fetch hundreds, thousands, and even millions of dollars at auctions. The best part? These rare coins could still be circulating in your spare change.
Let’s take a closer look at the Top 5 Lincoln Pennies that could be hiding in your pocket right now, and how you can spot them.
1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny is one of the most famous and sought-after coins in American numismatics. The “VDB” on the reverse side stands for the initials of the designer, Victor David Brenner, and its presence on the penny caused a bit of controversy when it was first released. The initials were quickly removed from the coin after its initial release, making the 1909-S VDB a rare collector’s item.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Low Mintage: Only 484,000 of these pennies were minted in 1909, which makes them extremely rare.
- Historical Significance: The 1909 coin marks the first time Abraham Lincoln’s image appeared on a U.S. coin.
Value:
- Up to $100,000 for a penny in perfect condition.
2. 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny
The 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny is one of the most famous error coins in U.S. history. In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched to making pennies out of steel due to a shortage of copper during World War II. However, a small number of pennies were accidentally struck using copper planchets that were leftover from the previous year.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Minting Error: These pennies were supposed to be made of steel but were instead made from copper, making them a rare mistake.
- Extreme Rarity: Only a few dozen 1943 copper pennies are known to exist.
Value:
- $100,000 to over $1.7 million depending on condition.
3. 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny
The 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny is another famous error coin that has captured the attention of collectors for decades. The coin features a noticeable double image of the date and inscriptions on the obverse side, caused by a double strike during the minting process.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Minting Error: The double strike created a doubling effect on the date and lettering, making it highly valuable.
- High Demand: The 1955 double die penny is one of the most famous error coins in U.S. history.
Value:
- $1,500 to $10,000 for a penny in good condition; higher for coins in mint state.
4. 1914-D Lincoln Penny
The 1914-D Lincoln Penny is one of the rarest and most valuable pennies in circulation. This coin was minted in Denver, and only 1.2 million were produced, making it a rare find. Many of these pennies were worn down from circulation, so those in good condition are highly sought after.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Low Mintage: Only 1.2 million coins were minted in 1914, and many were worn from use.
- Collector’s Demand: This coin is highly sought after by penny collectors and is one of the most requested coins in the Lincoln penny series.
Value:
- $2,500 to $15,000 depending on condition, with uncirculated examples fetching even more.
5. 1922 “Plain” Lincoln Penny
The 1922 “Plain” Lincoln Penny is a rare variation of the regular 1922 Lincoln penny. The “plain” refers to the absence of the mintmark “D” on the reverse side of the coin, making it a unique and highly sought-after error coin. The story behind this coin is that some of the 1922 pennies were struck without a mintmark, and the result was a coin that’s rare and valuable.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Minting Error: The coin was supposed to have a “D” mintmark to indicate it was minted in Denver, but a few coins were struck without it, making it rare.
- Demand from Collectors: Due to its rarity, the 1922 “Plain” Lincoln Penny is highly coveted by coin collectors.
Value:
- $10,000 to $20,000 for a penny in good condition, and much higher for coins in perfect shape.
How to Spot These Valuable Pennies in Your Pocket
You don’t need special equipment to identify a rare Lincoln penny. All it takes is a little knowledge and attention to detail. Here are a few tips for spotting the most valuable Lincoln pennies:
- Look for the Year: Pay attention to the date on the coin. The most valuable Lincoln pennies were minted in specific years, such as 1909, 1943, 1955, 1914, and 1922.
- Check for Minting Errors:
- Double Die: Look for double images of the date or inscriptions (like the 1955 double die).
- Missing Mintmark: Some coins like the 1922 “Plain” Lincoln Penny don’t have the expected mintmark, which makes them special.
- Inspect the Condition: The better the condition, the more valuable the coin. Uncirculated or mint condition coins are worth much more than those that have been worn down from circulation.
- Examine the Mint Mark: Pay attention to the mint mark on the reverse side. A “D” or “S” mintmark could increase the value, depending on the coin’s rarity.
Final Thoughts: Could You Be Holding a Valuable Lincoln Penny?
While it might be rare to find one of these valuable Lincoln pennies in your spare change, it’s certainly possible. Coin collectors and numismatists have found rare pennies in the most unexpected places. Next time you get some change, take a moment to look through your pennies—you might just find one worth more than you think!
FAQs
1. How do I know if my Lincoln penny is valuable?
To determine if your Lincoln penny is valuable, check for the year and minting errors like double strikes or missing mintmarks. Coins in good condition are also more valuable.
2. What’s the most valuable Lincoln penny?
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny is often considered the most valuable, with examples fetching up to $100,000 or more, depending on condition.
3. Should I clean my rare Lincoln penny?
No, never clean a rare coin. Cleaning can damage its surface and decrease its value. Always handle rare coins with care.
4. Where can I sell my valuable Lincoln penny?
You can sell valuable pennies to coin dealers, numismatic auction houses, or through online coin marketplaces. Be sure to get your coin graded and authenticated first to ensure you get the best price.