The Lincoln penny, first introduced in 1909 to commemorate President Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday, holds a revered place in American numismatic history. Over the decades, several Lincoln pennies have become incredibly valuable, thanks to their rarity, minting errors, and historical importance. Some have fetched over $1.5 million collectively, making them cherished items for collectors. Below, we’ll explore eight of the most valuable Lincoln pennies and what makes them so extraordinary.
1. 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny
During World War II, copper was conserved for the war effort, and pennies were minted in steel. However, a handful of 1943 pennies were accidentally struck in copper, making this coin one of the most sought-after errors in U.S. history.
- Minting Year: 1943
- Material: Copper (error)
- Estimated Value: $1.7 million
- Notable Sale: One sold for $1.7 million in 2019.
2. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
The 1909-S VDB penny is iconic for featuring the initials of its designer, Victor David Brenner, on the reverse. With limited production from the San Francisco Mint, it’s a cornerstone of rare penny collections.
- Minting Year: 1909
- Mintmark: S (San Francisco)
- Designer: Victor David Brenner
- Estimated Value: $1.2 million
3. 1914-D Lincoln Penny
Low mintage and extensive circulation make the 1914-D Lincoln penny a rarity, especially in pristine condition. This coin is highly coveted by collectors.
- Minting Year: 1914
- Mintmark: D (Denver)
- Estimated Value: $400,000
4. 1922 No D Lincoln Penny
A unique error caused by over-polished dies resulted in the omission of the Denver Mint’s “D” mintmark on some 1922 pennies. These coins are highly prized among numismatists.
- Minting Year: 1922
- Mintmark: None (error)
- Estimated Value: $300,000–$500,000
5. 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny
This striking error features visible doubling of the date and other design elements. The 1955 Double Die penny is a collector’s favorite due to its distinct appearance.
- Minting Year: 1955
- Error: Double Die
- Estimated Value: $200,000
6. 1969-S Double Die Lincoln Penny
Similar to the 1955 penny, the 1969-S Double Die Lincoln penny showcases doubling, particularly in “LIBERTY” and the date. It is extremely rare and commands impressive prices at auctions.
- Minting Year: 1969
- Mintmark: S (San Francisco)
- Error: Double Die
- Estimated Value: $350,000
7. 1931-S Lincoln Penny
Produced during the Great Depression, this coin had a very low mintage, adding to its allure. Its scarcity in excellent condition drives its value upward.
- Minting Year: 1931
- Mintmark: S (San Francisco)
- Estimated Value: $150,000
8. 1877 Indian Head Penny
Though not a Lincoln penny, the 1877 Indian Head penny deserves mention for its historical and monetary significance. Limited availability in mint condition has made this coin worth over $1 million.
- Minting Year: 1877
- Material: Copper-nickel
- Estimated Value: $1 million+
Table: Summary of Valuable Pennies
| Coin | Year | Mintmark | Error or Rarity | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 Copper Lincoln | 1943 | None | Copper instead of steel | $1.7 million |
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln | 1909 | S | VDB initials, rare | $1.2 million |
| 1914-D Lincoln | 1914 | D | Low mintage | $400,000 |
| 1922 No D Lincoln | 1922 | None | Missing mintmark | $300,000–$500,000 |
| 1955 Double Die Lincoln | 1955 | None | Double Die | $200,000 |
| 1969-S Double Die Lincoln | 1969 | S | Double Die | $350,000 |
| 1931-S Lincoln | 1931 | S | Rare low mintage | $150,000 |
| 1877 Indian Head | 1877 | None | Extremely rare | $1 million+ |
The value of rare Lincoln pennies lies in their combination of historical significance, scarcity, and intriguing minting errors. Whether you’re an experienced numismatist or a curious beginner, these coins offer a glimpse into the fascinating world of collectible currency. Next time you handle loose change, you might just discover a hidden treasure!