In the hobby of coin collecting, few coins are more iconic — or potentially worth more money — than the Lincoln penny. From minor mint mistakes to scarce early issues, some Lincoln pennies can sell for thousands, even millions, of dollars at auction. But here’s the catch: many of these rare coins remain out there, hidden away in old piggy banks, coin jars, or inherited collections.
If you’re one of the lucky ones to come across one, you may be cradling a small fortune in the palm of your hand. Below are 10 scarce Lincoln pennies you have to look out for — before it’s too late!
How to Spot a Rare Lincoln Penny
- Check the date and mint mark carefully.
- Use a magnifying glass to spot tiny errors like doubling.
- Weigh the coin (especially for 1943 copper pennies — they should weigh about 3.11 grams).
- Get professional grading if you suspect you’ve found a rare one — a graded coin commands much higher prices!
1943 Copper Wheat Pennies
Pennies in 1943 were produced from steel to save copper for World War II. A few, though, were mistakenly struck on remaining copper planchets from 1942. These are now extremely scarce.
- Mint Year: 1943
- Key Feature: Copper content rather than steel
- Estimated Value: Up to $375,000
1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Penny
One of the best-known error coins, this penny features a doubling of the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
- Mint Year: 1969
- Mint Mark: S
- Key Feature: Obvious doubled die on the obverse
- Estimated Value: Up to $125,000
1922 No D Penny
This is one of the rarest errors, produced at the Denver Mint, where only pennies were being made that year. A few coins were made without the “D” mintmark, which made them very rare.
- Mint Year: 1922
- Mint Mark: None
- Key Feature: Lacking mintmark
- Estimated Value: Up to $55,000
1955 Doubled Die Obverse Penny
This penny has dramatic doubling to the naked eye on the date and inscriptions.
- Mint Year: 1955
- Mint Mark: None
- Key Feature: Obvious doubling of obverse text
- Estimated Value: Up to $30,000
1909-S VDB Penny
The first Lincoln cent produced featured the designer’s initials “V.D.B.” at the bottom. Few were produced before they were discontinued due to public outcry.
- Mint Year: 1909
- Mint Mark: S
- Key Feature: V.D.B. designer initials
- Estimated Value: $10,000
1992-D Close AM Penny
This penny features the unusual error that the letters “A” and “M” of “AMERICA” are nearer to each other than normal—because a proof reverse die was used.
- Mint Year: 1992
- Mint Mark: D
- Key Feature: A and M appear close together
- Estimated Value: $4,000
1970-S High 7 Small Date Penny
This type of penny features a smaller date with the “7” higher than usual. It’s subtle but highly valuable to collectors.
- Mint Year: 1970
- Mint Mark: S
- Key Feature: High 7, small date
- Estimated Value: Up to $2,500
1984 Doubled Die Ear Penny
Strong doubling around the ear of Lincoln makes this penny a valuable and unusual find.
- Mint Year: 1984
- Mint Mark: P (Philadelphia)
- Key Feature: Doubled ear on Lincoln
- Estimated Value: Up to $300
1995 Doubled Die Obverse Penny
This coin exhibits a more faint doubling than its earlier counterparts, but it is still visible on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
- Mint Year: 1995
- Mint Mark: D or None
- Key Feature: Doubling of obverse text
- Estimated Value: Up to $500
1999 Wide AM Penny
As opposed to the 1992-D Close AM, this features an exceptionally wide space between the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA,” once again caused by a mix-up of the reverse dies.
- Mint Year: 1999
- Mint Mark: P
- Key Feature: Wide AM on reverse
- Estimated Value: Up to $600
Where to Sell Your Rare Pennies
- Professional Coin Grading Services (PCGS or NGC): Get it authenticated and graded first.
- Auction Houses: Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, and GreatCollections are top choices.
- Online Marketplaces: eBay can work for mid-value coins, but make sure your coin is verified.
- Local Coin Dealers or Coin Shows: Great for face-to-face transactions and expert opinions.
Final Thought
These 10 rare Lincoln pennies are well worth a long way extra than their face fee. If you are a hobbyist coin collector or genuinely questioning about your loose alternate, it is really worth taking a 2d look. You might be sitting on loads or maybe heaps of bucks without understanding it. Examine your coins—because treasures don’t always glitter. Occasionally, they’re copper.
Tip: Want to be sure? Get your coins appraised by a certified numismatist or send them to grading services like PCGS or NGC.
FAQ’s
How can I tell if I have a rare Lincoln penny?
Look for significant characteristics such as doubling, missing mint marks, or spacing errors. Inspect under different light using a magnifying glass and compare with images on the internet or in coin books.
Are all old pennies worth something?
Not necessarily. Age alone does not render a coin scarce—it needs to have low mintage, an error, or be in extremely good condition.
Where do I sell a rare Lincoln penny?
Sell via coin dealers, auctions, or certified coin grading companies. Having a professional grading of the coin can make it worth more.