The Lincoln penny, one of the most familiar coins in American history, has been in circulation since 1909. While most Lincoln pennies are worth just one cent, there are a few rare and valuable varieties that can fetch astronomical prices. Some of these pennies, due to unique minting errors or rare features, have been sold for hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of dollars!
In this article, we’ll explore the five most expensive Lincoln pennies ever sold. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or just someone with a jar full of old pennies, you might be sitting on a valuable treasure without even knowing it. Let’s take a closer look at these rare coins and discover what makes them worth so much.
The Lincoln Penny: A Quick Overview
The Lincoln penny was first introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Designed by sculptor Victor David Brenner, the coin initially featured a portrait of Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat stalks on the reverse, which earned it the name “Wheat Penny.” In 1959, the design was changed to the Lincoln Memorial, and in 2009, the penny featured a series of designs marking the 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth.
While many Lincoln pennies are worth face value, certain rare varieties or those with minting errors are highly sought after by collectors. The most valuable pennies often feature flaws in their design, such as doubled dies or missing mint marks, or were produced in limited quantities.
1. 1943 Copper Penny – Valued at Over $1 Million
One of the rarest and most expensive Lincoln pennies in history is the 1943 copper penny. Most pennies struck in 1943 were made from zinc-coated steel due to a wartime shortage of copper, but a small number of copper pennies were mistakenly minted that year. These copper pennies are extremely rare and are worth over a million dollars.
Why It’s Valuable:
During World War II, the U.S. Mint changed the material used for pennies from copper to steel to save copper for the war effort. However, a few copper planchets were still in the minting machines, resulting in the accidental creation of the 1943 copper pennies. The rarity of these coins makes them highly sought after, and they can be worth a small fortune in excellent condition.
- Value: A 1943 copper penny can be valued at over $1 million depending on its condition. One such penny sold for $1.7 million at auction in 2010.
Where to Find It:
If you happen to find a 1943 penny, examine it closely. If it’s copper instead of steel (you can tell by the color and weight), you may have one of the rarest pennies in history.
2. 1909-S VDB Penny – Valued at Over $100,000
The 1909-S VDB penny is another highly valuable Lincoln penny. This coin features the initials “VDB” (for Victor David Brenner, the coin’s designer) on the reverse. While the 1909 penny was meant to have Brenner’s initials included, public backlash led the Mint to remove the initials from most of the coins. However, a small number of the 1909 pennies minted in San Francisco still have the “VDB” on the reverse, making them incredibly rare.
Why It’s Valuable:
The 1909-S VDB penny is valued for its rarity and historical significance. Only around 484,000 of these coins were struck, and most were either worn down or have been lost to time. The combination of the limited mintage and the controversy over the “VDB” initials makes this penny highly desirable to collectors.
- Value: In excellent condition, a 1909-S VDB penny can be valued at over $100,000, with some examples selling for even more at auction.
Where to Find It:
Check any 1909 pennies for the “VDB” on the reverse. If you find one, have it authenticated, as this could be a rare and valuable coin.
3. 1914-D Lincoln Penny – Valued at Over $100,000
The 1914-D Lincoln penny is another rare and valuable coin in the Lincoln penny series. The 1914-D is famous for its low mintage, with only around 1.1 million pennies being struck that year. This coin is highly prized by collectors due to its rarity and the fact that most of the 1914-D pennies were spent or became worn down over time.
Why It’s Valuable:
The 1914-D penny is valuable because of its limited mintage and the high demand among collectors. Its scarcity and the fact that only a few examples have survived in excellent condition contribute to its high market value.
- Value: Depending on the grade, the 1914-D Lincoln penny can be worth anywhere from $1,000 to over $100,000. Coins in mint state condition have been known to fetch over $100,000.
Where to Find It:
Look for any 1914 pennies with a “D” mint mark. If you find one in great condition, it may be worth a significant amount of money.
4. 1955 Double Die Penny – Valued at Over $100,000
The 1955 double die penny is another highly sought-after coin among collectors. This penny is famous for its noticeable doubling of the date and lettering on the obverse. This error was caused by a malfunction in the minting process, resulting in the design being struck twice, creating a doubled effect.
Why It’s Valuable:
The doubling on the 1955 penny is so pronounced that it is easily visible to the naked eye. Collectors prize these coins for their unique appearance and the error that makes them stand out from the regular 1955 pennies.
- Value: A 1955 double die penny can be worth anywhere from $1,000 to over $100,000 depending on its condition. The highest-graded examples have been known to fetch six-figure prices.
Where to Find It:
Examine any 1955 pennies for visible doubling on the date or lettering. If you spot this error, it could be worth a lot more than you think!
5. 1922 No D Lincoln Penny – Valued at Over $100,000
The 1922 no “D” Lincoln penny is another rare coin that commands a high price in the collector’s market. Most of the 1922 pennies were struck with a “D” mint mark, indicating they were produced in Denver. However, a few pennies were struck without the “D” mint mark, making them highly collectible.
Why It’s Valuable:
The absence of the “D” mint mark makes the 1922 penny a rare anomaly. Only a small number of these pennies were minted, and most of them were either circulated or lost. The rarity of this coin, combined with its historical significance, makes it highly sought after by collectors.
- Value: Depending on its condition, a 1922 no “D” penny can be worth over $100,000.
Where to Find It:
Check any 1922 pennies for the mint mark. If you find one without the “D,” you may have a valuable collector’s item.
Conclusion
While most Lincoln pennies are worth just one cent, there are a select few that are worth thousands, or even millions, of dollars! The 1943 copper penny, 1909-S VDB penny, 1914-D penny, 1955 double die penny, and 1922 no “D” penny are among the most expensive Lincoln pennies ever sold. If you have any of these rare coins in your collection, it might be time to have them professionally appraised—they could be worth much more than you think!
FAQs
1. Why are 1943 copper pennies worth so much?
The 1943 copper penny is rare because most pennies that year were struck in steel, but a few were accidentally struck in copper. This error makes them highly valuable.
2. How do I identify a 1955 double die penny?
Look for clear doubling on the date and lettering on the obverse. The doubling is easily visible to the naked eye.
3. What makes the 1909-S VDB penny so rare?
The 1909-S VDB penny is rare because it features the designer’s initials “VDB” on the reverse, and only around 484,000 of these coins were minted.
4. How much is a 1914-D penny worth?
A 1914-D penny can be worth between $1,000 and over $100,000, depending on its condition.
5. How can I find out if my penny is valuable?
Look for minting errors, such as doubling or missing mint marks, and examine the condition of your pennies. Professional grading services can help determine a coin’s value.