Lincoln pennies have been part of U.S. currency since 1909, and while most are worth just one cent, there are a few that stand out as incredibly rare and can be worth thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of dollars.
These rare Lincoln pennies are highly sought after by collectors due to their limited production, historical importance, or minting errors. In this guide, we’ll explore seven of the most valuable Lincoln pennies and explain what to look for in your own collection.
1909-S V.D.B.
The 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln penny is one of the most coveted in the world of coin collecting. Minted in San Francisco, it bears the designer’s initials, Victor David Brenner (“V.D.B.”), on the reverse side. After public complaints, the initials were quickly removed, making this penny exceptionally rare.
Why It’s Special: With a limited mintage of just 484,000 and the removed initials, this coin is highly collectible.
Estimated Value:
- Good condition: $700–$2,000
- Mint state: $10,000–$100,000+
1914-D
The 1914-D penny, minted in Denver, has a relatively low mintage, and most of the coins that were produced circulated, making well-preserved examples quite rare today.
Why It’s Special: This penny has one of the lowest mintages for a regular-issue Lincoln cent.
Estimated Value:
- Circulated: $1,000–$3,000
- Mint state: $5,000–$10,000+
1922 Plain
The 1922 Plain Lincoln penny is an oddity. Struck in Denver, it was missing the “D” mintmark due to a die error. It’s the only regular-issue Lincoln penny from Denver without a mintmark.
Why It’s Special: A rare error coin that shouldn’t exist, making it highly desirable among collectors.
Estimated Value:
- Worn condition: $1,500
- High grade: $10,000–$20,000+
1931-S
The 1931-S Lincoln penny, with a mintage of just 866,000 during the Great Depression, is another rare coin that’s difficult to find in good condition today.
Why It’s Special: It’s a low-mintage coin with historical significance from the Great Depression era.
Estimated Value:
- Circulated: $75–$300
- Uncirculated: $1,000–$5,000
1943 Copper
The 1943 copper penny is legendary among collectors. During WWII, pennies were meant to be struck from zinc-coated steel to conserve copper, but a few copper blanks from 1942 were used by mistake. Only a few of these coins exist.
Why It’s Special: It’s a rare wartime error that commands a high price.
Estimated Value:
- $100,000–$250,000+ depending on condition
1944 Steel
The 1944 steel Lincoln penny is the reverse of the 1943 copper error. After the war, pennies returned to copper, but a few steel planchets were mistakenly struck in 1944, making them extremely rare.
Why It’s Special: A post-war error coin that’s highly valued by collectors.
Estimated Value:
- $50,000–$100,000+
1955 Double Die
The 1955 Double Die penny features one of the most dramatic minting errors. The date and the inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” show clear doubling, making it easy to spot with the naked eye.
Why It’s Special: Bold and visible doubling makes this penny a favorite among collectors.
Estimated Value:
- Good condition: $1,000–$1,500
- Mint state: $10,000+
Lincoln Penny Year Key Feature Estimated Value (High Grade) 1909-S V.D.B. 1909 Initials removed: $100,000+1914-D1914 Low mintage from Denver, $10,000+1922 Plain1922 Missing mintmark error: $20,000+ 1931-S 1931 Great Depression-era rarity $5,000 1943 Copper1943 Copper planchet mistake: $250,000+1944 Steel1944 Wrong material post-war $100,000 1955 Double Die 1955 Clear doubling error $10,000+
These Lincoln pennies are not just coins—they’re pieces of American history, and in some cases, they can be worth a small fortune.
If you’re a collector or just curious, check your spare change and old coin jars. You might just find a rare gem in disguise.
FAQ
What makes the 1909-S V.D.B. penny rare?
It has a low mintage and the designer’s initials were quickly removed.
Why is the 1943 copper penny valuable?
It was mistakenly made from copper during WWII, making it a rare error.
What is a double die penny?
A coin with visible doubling of design details.
Are 1922 pennies without a mintmark rare?
Yes, they are Denver coins with a minting error that makes them highly sought after.
How do I check if my penny is valuable?
Look for key features like the year, mintmark, errors, and the coin’s condition.