Top 10 Most Valuable Lincoln Pennies That Could Make You Rich

Lincoln pennies have been a cornerstone of American coinage since their introduction in 1909, commemorating the 100th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s birth.

While many of these coins are common, certain rare variations have become highly sought after by collectors, fetching impressive sums at auctions.

Below is a detailed exploration of the top 10 most valuable Lincoln pennies, their unique features, and their estimated values.

1. 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny

During World War II, the U.S. Mint produced pennies using zinc-coated steel to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a few pennies were mistakenly struck in copper in 1943. These rare coins are highly prized, with some fetching between $186,000 and $372,000, depending on their condition.

2. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent

This penny features a prominent doubling effect on the obverse side, particularly noticeable in the inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” With fewer than 50 known examples, these coins have sold for up to $126,500 at auction.

3. 1922 “Plain” No D Lincoln Cent

In 1922, all Lincoln cents were minted in Denver and should bear a “D” mint mark. However, some coins were struck without this mark, known as “Plain” cents. Depending on their condition, these coins can be worth between $329 and $57,500.

4. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent

This coin exhibits a significant doubling on the obverse, making the date and inscriptions appear blurred. It’s a favorite among collectors, with values ranging from $1,645 to $32,400 based on condition.

5. 1877 Indian Head Cent

Although not a Lincoln penny, the 1877 Indian Head Cent is highly coveted due to its low mintage. In excellent condition, these coins can fetch between $220 and $21,150.

6. 1914-D Lincoln Cent

Minted in Denver, the 1914-D penny is rare, especially in higher grades. Collectors are willing to pay between $74 and $16,100 for well-preserved examples.

7. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent

This coin features the initials of designer Victor David Brenner (“VDB”) on the reverse and was minted in San Francisco. With only 484,000 produced, it’s a key date for collectors, valued between $499 and $10,000.

8. 1992-D Close AM Lincoln Cent

This penny has a unique design where the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” are closely spaced. Few examples exist, with auction prices ranging from $990 to $3,525.

9. 1972 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent

Featuring noticeable doubling on the obverse inscriptions, this error coin can be worth up to $700 in mint state.

10. 1983 Doubled Die Reverse Lincoln Cent

This coin displays doubling on the reverse side, particularly in the inscriptions “ONE CENT” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” High-grade examples have sold for around $400.

Top 10 Most Valuable Lincoln Pennies

FAQs

What makes a Lincoln penny valuable?

Factors such as rarity, minting errors, historical significance, and condition contribute to a Lincoln penny’s value.

How can I determine if my penny is valuable?

Consulting a professional coin appraiser or referencing reputable coin value guides can help assess a penny’s worth.

Where can I sell rare Lincoln pennies?

Rare coins can be sold through coin dealers, auctions, or online marketplaces specializing in numismatics.