most of us barely glance at the pennies jingling around in our wallets. They’re small, dull, and easy to overlook. But here’s the twist — some of those plain old Lincoln pennies might actually be worth a fortune. Yep, we’re talking thousands, even millions of dollars hiding right under your nose. Shocking? Maybe. Exciting? Absolutely.
Over the years, a handful of Lincoln pennies have become highly prized by collectors due to minting errors, rare dates, and unusual metal compositions. So before you dump your spare change into a coin jar, take a closer look. Because one of these rare beauties could be staring back at you — and change your life overnight.
Let’s dive into the top 10 rare Lincoln pennies that could be hiding in your wallet, pockets, or old piggy bank.
1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent – Worth Up to $3,000+
This one’s legendary among collectors. It was the very first Lincoln penny, designed by Victor David Brenner (hence the “VDB”). The San Francisco mint produced only 484,000 of them before removing the designer’s initials. If you spot “S” under the date and tiny “VDB” on the back bottom edge — congratulations, you might be holding a gem worth $1,000 to $3,000 or more.
2. 1914-D Lincoln Penny – Worth Around $5,000+
This Denver-minted coin is a superstar in the penny world. With fewer than 1.2 million ever made, the 1914-D is one of the most sought-after early wheat cents. Be sure to check the “D” mark under the date. A well-preserved piece can bring in $2,500 to $5,000, and in mint condition, even more.
3. 1922 No D Penny – Worth $1,000 to $6,000
Now here’s where things get really interesting. In 1922, all Lincoln pennies were minted in Denver — yet some ended up missing the “D” mark due to worn dies. So, if you find a 1922 penny with no mint mark at all, don’t shrug it off. It could fetch several thousand dollars depending on the condition.
4. 1931-S Lincoln Cent – Worth $100 to $1,000+
During the Great Depression, very few coins were minted. The 1931-S is a perfect example — only 866,000 pieces were produced. Even though many have survived, collectors love this date. Clean, crisp ones can easily be worth $150 to $1,000 today.
5. 1943 Copper Penny – Worth $100,000+
This is the holy grail for many collectors. In 1943, pennies were supposed to be made from steel coated in zinc (to save copper for World War II). But a few copper planchets slipped through by mistake. If your 1943 penny sticks to a magnet, it’s steel and common. If it doesn’t, you might just be holding a $100,000 copper coin.
6. 1944 Steel Penny – Worth $75,000+
This is the flip side of the previous entry. In 1944, copper pennies returned, but a few leftover steel blanks from 1943 accidentally got used. A genuine 1944 steel cent can fetch tens of thousands of dollars, depending on grade. These are often faked, so professional grading is a must.
7. 1955 Double Die Obverse – Worth $1,000 to $20,000
The 1955 double die penny is a favorite among error coin lovers. You’ll notice doubled words like “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Even in circulated condition, this striking error can bring $1,000 or more, and pristine examples go for over $15,000.
8. 1969-S Double Die Obverse – Worth $20,000+
At first glance, it might look like a regular penny — until you look closer. The 1969-S double die shows a clear doubling in the date and inscriptions. The U.S. Secret Service once thought these were counterfeits! Today, they’re worth anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000, depending on the grade.
9. 1972 Double Die Obverse – Worth $300 to $2,000
This is a more affordable double die penny, but still valuable. The 1972 double die has strong doubling in LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST. It’s not as rare as the 1955 or 1969-S, but collectors will happily pay hundreds to thousands for a high-grade example.
10. 1992 Close AM Penny – Worth $1,000 to $5,000
It sounds strange, but the secret’s in the spacing. On the back of a 1992 penny, look closely at the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA.” If they’re nearly touching (Close AM), you’ve got a rare variety worth $1,000 to $5,000. There’s also a 1992-D Close AM version, which is even rarer.
Rare Lincoln Pennies & Their Estimated Value
| Year & Type | Mint Mark / Error | Estimated Value (USD) | Key Identifier |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | San Francisco | $1,000 – $3,000+ | “S” mint + VDB on reverse |
| 1914-D | Denver | $2,500 – $5,000+ | “D” under date |
| 1922 No D | None (error) | $1,000 – $6,000+ | No mint mark |
| 1931-S | San Francisco | $100 – $1,000+ | Low mintage |
| 1943 Copper | Error | $100,000+ | Not magnetic |
| 1944 Steel | Error | $75,000+ | Magnetic steel |
| 1955 Double Die Obverse | Error | $1,000 – $20,000 | Doubled letters |
| 1969-S Double Die Obverse | Error | $20,000 – $30,000 | Doubled inscriptions |
| 1972 Double Die Obverse | Error | $300 – $2,000 | Doubling visible |
| 1992 Close AM | Error Variety | $1,000 – $5,000 | “A” and “M” close together |
So, the next time you grab a handful of pennies, take a minute to inspect them. You never know what’s hiding among those copper and zinc coins. Even if you don’t strike it rich, the thrill of the hunt is half the fun. And who knows? Maybe one day, that “ordinary” penny sitting in your wallet will end up funding your next big dream.
FAQs
1. How can I check if my penny is valuable?
Look for errors, unusual mint marks, or rare dates. Compare your coin to verified images from coin guides or have it appraised.
2. What’s the rarest Lincoln penny ever found?
The 1943 copper penny tops the list, with one selling for over $200,000.
3. Should I clean my old pennies?
Never! Cleaning can damage the coin’s surface and reduce its value drastically.
4. Where can I sell rare Lincoln pennies?
Reputable coin dealers, auctions, or certified grading services like PCGS or NGC are the safest options.
5. Can newer pennies be valuable too?
Yes, even modern ones like the 1992 Close AM or 1999 Wide AM can bring thousands if they’re genuine errors.