If you’ve ever tossed your spare change into a jar, you might be sitting on more than you think. Believe it or not, some of those plain old Lincoln pennies could be worth thousands—or even millions—of dollars. Sounds unbelievable, right? But collectors are always on the lookout for rare coins that slipped through everyday circulation. So before you trade your pennies for a coffee, it might be worth taking a closer look at what’s jingling in your wallet.
Lincoln pennies have been around since 1909, and over the years, a few special ones were minted in limited numbers, made with errors, or struck with unique features that make them ultra-valuable today. Let’s dive into the top 10 rare Lincoln pennies that could be hiding right under your nose.
1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
The holy grail for penny collectors! This was the very first Lincoln cent ever made, featuring the designer’s initials “VDB” on the reverse. Only about 484,000 were minted in San Francisco, which makes it one of the most sought-after pennies.
Potential Value: $700 – $2,500 (circulated), up to $60,000+ (uncirculated)
2. 1914-D Lincoln Penny
Minted in Denver, the 1914-D penny is rare mainly because not many survived in good condition. People used their pennies heavily during that period, so a clean, well-preserved one can fetch a small fortune.
Potential Value: $300 – $5,000+, depending on condition
3. 1922 No D Lincoln Penny
Here’s an interesting one. This penny was minted in Denver, but due to a striking error, some were produced without the “D” mint mark. Collectors love this kind of minting anomaly.
Potential Value: $500 – $15,000
4. 1931-S Lincoln Cent
Even though the Great Depression hit hard, a few pennies from San Francisco that year were carefully preserved. With only 866,000 made, this one is a gem for collectors.
Potential Value: $100 – $2,000+
5. 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny
This one’s legendary. In 1943, the U.S. Mint used steel to make pennies because copper was needed for World War II. But a few copper planchets accidentally got used, creating one of the rarest errors in U.S. coin history.
Potential Value: $85,000 – $250,000 (and sometimes even more at auction)
6. 1944 Steel Penny
After 1943, the mint went back to copper coins—but a few steel planchets from the previous year were mistakenly used in 1944. That error turned this penny into another valuable collector’s dream.
Potential Value: $30,000 – $100,000
7. 1955 Double Die Obverse Penny
This one is famous for its clear doubling of the date and lettering. Even casual coin collectors can spot this one with the naked eye. The doubling happened during the minting process and makes this penny incredibly special.
Potential Value: $1,000 – $15,000
8. 1969-S Double Die Obverse Penny
Similar to the 1955 version, the 1969-S double die features doubled inscriptions, especially in the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Be cautious, though—only genuine mint errors fetch high prices.
Potential Value: $10,000 – $75,000+
9. 1972 Double Die Obverse Penny
The doubling on this one is easily visible and quite striking. It’s not as rare as the 1955 or 1969-S versions, but still, it’s worth checking your change for.
Potential Value: $300 – $1,500
10. 1992 Close AM Penny
A more modern rarity, the 1992 Close AM penny is valuable because the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” are almost touching—unlike most pennies where there’s a visible gap. It’s a subtle detail but one that collectors notice instantly.
Potential Value: $1,000 – $5,000
Quick Value Summary Table
| Year | Mint Mark | Notable Feature | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | San Francisco | Designer initials “VDB” | $700 – $60,000+ |
| 1914-D | Denver | Low mintage | $300 – $5,000+ |
| 1922 No D | Denver | Missing mint mark | $500 – $15,000 |
| 1931-S | San Francisco | Limited issue | $100 – $2,000+ |
| 1943 Copper | Philadelphia, etc. | Wrong metal (copper) | $85,000 – $250,000+ |
| 1944 Steel | Multiple | Wrong metal (steel) | $30,000 – $100,000 |
| 1955 | Philadelphia | Double die | $1,000 – $15,000 |
| 1969-S | San Francisco | Double die | $10,000 – $75,000+ |
| 1972 | Philadelphia | Double die | $300 – $1,500 |
| 1992 | Philadelphia | “Close AM” design | $1,000 – $5,000 |
So, Could You Have One?
Honestly, yes—it’s possible. Rare pennies still pop up in circulation once in a while. Most people simply don’t look closely enough. If you have an old jar of coins sitting somewhere, grab a magnifying glass and start checking the mint marks and dates.
It’s not just about the year—it’s about small errors, design differences, and condition. Even the tiniest variation can change a penny’s value drastically. And who knows? You might just discover that your one-cent coin is worth a down payment on a car—or even a house.
FAQs
1. How do I know if my penny is rare?
Look for unusual features like doubling, missing mint marks, or odd coloring. Comparing with verified images online or consulting a professional grader can help.
2. Where can I sell a rare Lincoln penny?
You can sell it through coin dealers, auction houses, or online marketplaces that specialize in collectible coins.
3. Are older pennies always valuable?
Not necessarily. Age helps, but rarity, mint errors, and condition matter more.
4. Should I clean my old pennies before selling?
No! Cleaning can actually lower a coin’s value. Collectors prefer coins in their original state, even if they look dirty.
5. What’s the most valuable Lincoln penny ever sold?
The 1943 copper Lincoln penny once sold for over $1.7 million, making it one of the most expensive coins in U.S. history.