Lincoln pennies are common in everyday change, but some of them are far more valuable than others. Certain rare Lincoln pennies can fetch prices up to $840,000, making them the “holy grail” for coin collectors. If you have any old Lincoln pennies in your collection, now might be the time to check them carefully—they could be worth a fortune!
1. 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny – Worth Up to $840,000
The 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny is perhaps the most famous and valuable penny in U.S. history. While most pennies minted in 1943 were made from steel due to a wartime metal shortage, a few copper versions were accidentally produced. These rare pennies are highly coveted and can sell for up to $840,000 at auction.
- Minting Error: Due to an error in the minting process, a small number of 1943 copper pennies were struck instead of the steel version. This makes the copper pennies incredibly rare and valuable.
- Historical Significance: The 1943 copper penny was part of the wartime effort, and the accidental production of copper versions adds to its intrigue.
How to Identify the 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny
- Look for the Date: The most obvious feature is the date “1943” on the obverse side. Check the color of the penny as well—if it has the usual copper color, you might have found a rare coin!
- Check for the Mintmark: The coin may have a mintmark on the reverse side, which could help identify where it was minted (Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco).
2. 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny – Worth Up to $1,500,000
The 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny is another highly valuable coin, famous for its double-struck design. This error creates a doubled image of Lincoln’s portrait and the date, making it a sought-after piece for collectors.
- Minting Error: The 1955 Double Die Penny was caused by a die misalignment, which caused the image to be struck twice. The result is a doubled Lincoln portrait and date.
- Significant Demand: Because of the prominence of the error and the relatively small number of these coins in circulation, the 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny can fetch prices of up to $1.5 million.
How to Identify the 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny
- Look for Double Strikes: The most noticeable feature is the doubling on Lincoln’s face and the numbers in the date. You should see a distinct “shadow” image around the original strike.
- Examine the Design: Pay close attention to the clarity and sharpness of the features. A genuine double die coin will have visible double strikes.
3. 1914-D Lincoln Penny – Worth Around $100,000
The 1914-D Lincoln Penny is another rare find that collectors desire, and it’s worth around $100,000 or more depending on the coin’s condition. This penny is rare because the minting was limited, and not many of these coins remain in circulation.
- Low Mintage: Only around 1.2 million 1914-D Lincoln pennies were minted, which makes this coin relatively scarce.
- High Demand: This penny is in high demand due to its low mintage and historical significance, making it one of the more valuable Lincoln pennies.
How to Identify the 1914-D Lincoln Penny
- Check the Date and Mintmark: The coin will have the date “1914” and the mintmark “D” below the date, indicating it was minted in Denver.
- Look for Sharp Details: The more well-preserved the penny is, the more valuable it will be.
4. 1922 No D Lincoln Penny – Worth Around $100,000
The 1922 No D Lincoln Penny is a coin that commands a premium price due to its missing mintmark. Most pennies from this year have a “D” mintmark, but a few were accidentally struck without it, making them rare and highly desirable to collectors.
- Minting Error: The 1922 No D Lincoln Penny was produced during a time when the minting process was rushed. The “D” mintmark, which should have appeared on the coin, was missing.
- Historical Rarity: The 1922 No D Lincoln Penny is extremely rare, and only a small number were ever made.
How to Identify the 1922 No D Lincoln Penny
- Look for the Absence of the Mintmark: The most obvious sign of this rare coin is the absence of a “D” mintmark below the date. It should be a smooth, unmarked area.
- Check the Date: The coin should clearly show the year “1922.”
5. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny – Worth Up to $900,000
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny is another highly valuable coin, largely due to the combination of a rare minting and the inclusion of the designer’s initials (VDB) on the reverse side. This penny can fetch prices as high as $900,000 depending on its condition.
- Special Marking: The “VDB” refers to the initials of the coin’s designer, Victor David Brenner, and this penny was the first to feature his initials.
- Limited Mintage: Only a small number of these coins were minted in 1909, adding to their rarity and high demand.
How to Identify the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
- Look for the Mintmark: This coin features an “S” mintmark on the reverse side, indicating it was minted in San Francisco.
- Check for the VDB Mark: The initials “VDB” will be located near the bottom of the reverse side of the coin.
Conclusion
Lincoln pennies are among the most commonly circulated coins in the U.S., but some rare versions are incredibly valuable. The 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny, the 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny, the 1914-D Lincoln Penny, the 1922 No D Lincoln Penny, and the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny are all worth up to hundreds of thousands of dollars—or even more. If you have any of these rare coins in your collection, you could be sitting on a small fortune! Always check your pennies carefully—you never know when you might have found a treasure!
FAQ
1. Why is the 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny worth so much?
It’s rare because only a few were mistakenly minted during wartime when most pennies were made of steel.
2. What makes the 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny so valuable?
It’s valuable due to the double-struck error, which results in a coin with a doubled image of Lincoln and the date.
3. How can I tell if my 1914-D Lincoln Penny is worth anything?
Check for the “D” mintmark under the date. This penny is rare due to its limited mintage and high demand.
4. How do I identify a 1922 No D Lincoln Penny?
The absence of the “D” mintmark is the key feature of this rare coin.
5. What is the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny?
This penny is valuable due to its limited mintage and the designer’s initials on the reverse, making it highly collectible.