Most Lincoln pennies are worth their original price of one cent, but some rare variants are so valuable that collectors buy them at high prices. These coins have sold for thousands to millions of dollars at auctions.
In this article, we will learn about the seven most valuable Lincoln pennies, along with their unique features and their notable selling prices.
1. 1943-D Bronze Wheat Penny
During World War II, the U.S. Mint started manufacturing pennies from zinc-coated steel instead of copper to save copper. However, by mistake some 1942 copper planchets survived and the 1943 design was printed on them.
The 1943-D Bronze Wheat Penny, made by the Denver Mint, is the only coin of its kind in the world. This rare coin fetched a price of $8,40,000 (about Rs 7 crore) at auction.
2. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
The initials “VDB” of designer Victor David Brenner were printed on the reverse side of the first series of Lincoln cents. However, these were soon removed due to public protest, leading to a limited number of coins being produced.
Only 4,84,000 copies of the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent produced by the San Francisco Mint were made. This coin is rare and in high demand. Coins in good condition have sold for over $1,00,000.
3. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Penny
When a coin design is printed twice due to a mistake in the minting process, it is called a “doubled die” error. In the 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Penny, clear double printing can be seen on the date and other writing.
Due to the rarity and unique look of this coin, high quality specimens have sold for up to $126,500.
4. 1972 Doubled Die Obverse Penny
Like the 1969-S, the 1972 Doubled Die Obverse Penny also features a double image on the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
Although not as rare as the 1969-S, coins in good condition have sold for up to $14,400.
5. 1995 Doubled Die Obverse Penny
The 1995 Doubled Die Obverse Penny is very popular among collectors due to its obvious double printing. This coin features an obvious double image on the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
This mistake can be seen with the naked eye, making this coin even more special. Higher quality coins have sold for up to $5,000.
6. 1983 Doubled Die Reverse Penny
The 1983 Doubled Die Reverse Penny has double printing on the words “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” on the reverse of the coin.
This error was caused by an alignment error in the minting process. If this coin is preserved without any scratches, it could sell for up to $7,050.
7. 1984 Doubled Die Obverse Penny
The 1984 Doubled Die Obverse Penny is known as the “Double Ear Penny” because of the obvious doubling of Lincoln’s ears.
This unique feature makes it very popular among collectors. This coin in good condition has fetched up to $3,900 at auction.
Most 7 Expensive Lincoln Pennies & Their Prices
| Year | Mint Mark | Description | Notable Selling Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 | D | Bronze Wheat Penny | $8,40,000 |
| 1909 | S | VDB Lincoln Cent | $1,00,000+ |
| 1969 | S | Doubled Die Obverse Penny | $1,26,500 |
| 1972 | None | Doubled Die Obverse Penny | $14,400 |
| 1995 | None | Doubled Die Obverse Penny | $5,000 |
| 1983 | None | Doubled Die Reverse Penny | $7,050 |
| 1984 | None | Doubled Die Obverse Penny (“Double Year”) | $3,900 |
Conclusion
Although most Lincoln pennies are worth only one cent, some rare and special variants can fetch millions of dollars due to their history, production errors, and limited numbers. If you have old Lincoln pennies, examine them carefully—you may have one of these precious coins!
FAQs
Q1. Why are some Lincoln pennies worth so much?
Some Lincoln pennies are valuable due to minting errors, limited production, or historical significance, making them highly sought after by collectors.
Q2. How can I tell if my Lincoln penny is rare?
Look for key features like mint marks, doubled die errors, or unique metal compositions. Consulting a coin expert or using a coin grading service can help determine its rarity.
Q3. Where can I sell a rare Lincoln penny?
Rare pennies can be sold at coin auctions, online marketplaces (eBay, Heritage Auctions), or through professional coin dealers.
Q4. Are all old Lincoln pennies valuable?
No, most Lincoln pennies are only worth face value. However, specific years and minting errors make some pennies extremely valuable.
Q5. What is the rarest Lincoln penny ever found?
The 1943-D Bronze Wheat Penny is one of the rarest, with only one known example, which sold for $840,000 at auction.