65 Most Valuable Lincoln Penny Coins Worth Money (Full Lists)

65 Most Valuable Lincoln Penny In the vast ocean of American coinage, the Lincoln penny stands as a humble yet fascinating piece of history. These small copper discs, adorned with the dignified profile of America’s 16th president, have been jingling in pockets and filling coin jars for over a century. But did you know that among these common cents lie some of the most sought-after treasures in numismatics? Let’s embark on a journey to discover the 65 most valuable Lincoln penny coins worth money, exploring why certain pennies are worth far more than their face value.

The Legacy of the Lincoln Penny: A Brief History

Before we dive into our list of pennies worth money, it’s crucial to understand the rich tapestry of history behind the Lincoln cent. First minted in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, this coin has undergone several transformations over the years.

• 1909-1958: The Wheat Ears reverse design
• 1959-2008: The Lincoln Memorial reverse design
• 2009: Four different reverse designs celebrating Lincoln’s life
• 2010-present: The Union Shield reverse design

These design changes, coupled with variations in metal composition and minting errors, contribute significantly to the rarity and value of certain Lincoln pennies. As we explore the top 100 pennies worth money, you’ll see how these factors play a crucial role in determining a coin’s value.65 Most Valuable Lincoln Penny

Understanding What Makes Pennies Worth Money

Before we delve into our chart of rare pennies worth money, let’s break down the factors that can turn a simple cent into a coveted collectible:

1.     Rarity: The fewer coins minted or remaining in circulation, the higher the potential value.

2.     Condition: Coins in pristine condition (known as “mint state”) are worth significantly more than their circulated counterparts.

3.     Errors: Minting mistakes can dramatically increase a coin’s value.

4.     Historical significance: Certain years or events can make pennies more desirable to collectors.

5.     Demand: The level of interest from collectors can drive up prices for specific coins.

“In the world of numismatics, rarity and condition reign supreme. A single grade point difference can translate to thousands of dollars in value.” – John Doe, Professional Coin Grader

Top 15 Most Valuable Lincoln Pennies: The Pinnacle of Penny Collecting

Let’s kick off our exploration of pennies worth money with the crème de la crème. These coins represent the zenith of rarity and desirability among collectors, forming the upper echelon of our top 100 pennies worth money list.

1.     1943-D Bronze Lincoln Penny – Estimated Value: $1.7 million

Why so valuable? It’s one of the rarest error coins in U.S. history, mistakenly struck on a bronze planchet instead of the wartime steel.

2.     1944 Steel Wheat Penny – Estimated Value: $375,000

A fascinating transitional error from World War II, when a few steel planchets from 1943 were mistakenly used in 1944.

3.     1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny – Estimated Value: $117,500

The first year of issue with the designer’s initials (VDB), which were quickly removed, making this a rare and desirable variant.

4.     1955 Doubled Die Obverse Penny – Estimated Value: $114,000

A dramatic doubling error that’s plainly visible to the naked eye, particularly on the date and lettering.

5.     1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Penny – Estimated Value: $126,500

One of the rarest doubled die errors in the Lincoln series, with only a handful known to exist.

6.     1992-D Close AM Penny – Estimated Value: $25,850

A subtle variety in the reverse lettering that escaped notice for years, making it a modern rarity.

7.     1914-D Lincoln Penny – Estimated Value: $12,000

A key date with a low mintage, especially prized in high grades due to heavy circulation.

8.     1922 No D Lincoln Penny – Estimated Value: $10,000

A famous error where the Denver mint mark is missing, likely due to a clogged die.

9.     1983-D Bronze Lincoln Penny – Estimated Value: $1,400

A transitional error when the Mint switched from copper to zinc composition.

10. 1998 Wide AM Penny – Estimated Value: $5,000

Another subtle lettering variety that commands a premium among collectors.

11. 1972 Doubled Die Obverse Penny – Estimated Value: $14,000

A prominent doubled die error from the 1970s, visible on the date and lettering.

12. 1990 No S Proof Penny – Estimated Value: $20,700

A rare proof coin missing its San Francisco mint mark, highly sought after by collectors.

13. 1970-S Small Date Penny – Estimated Value: $18,400

A scarce variety with smaller date numerals, particularly valuable in high grades.

14. 1960-D Over D Small Date Over Large Date Penny – Estimated Value: $4,025

A complex overpunched date variety, showcasing multiple errors on a single coin.

15. 1983 Doubled Die Reverse Penny – Estimated Value: $7,050

A less common reverse doubled die error, adding to its appeal among error coin collectors.

Rare Lincoln Penny Errors Worth Money: When Mistakes Become Treasures

Errors can turn an ordinary penny into a collector’s item, often commanding prices far beyond their face value. Here are some types of errors to watch for as you search for pennies worth money:

• Doubled Die Errors: Parts of the design appear doubled due to misaligned die hubbing. The 1955 and 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse pennies are prime examples.
• Off-Center Strikes: The design is not centered on the coin blank, resulting in part of the design being cut off.
• Wrong Planchet Errors: The penny is struck on a planchet intended for another denomination, such as a dime or nickel.
• Repunched Mint Marks: The mint mark appears to be punched multiple times, often in slightly different positions.
• Die Breaks and Cuds: Large raised areas on the coin caused by damage to the die.

“Error coins are like nature’s rarities in the numismatic world. They’re unique, often one-of-a-kind pieces that tell a story of imperfection in an otherwise precise process.” – Jane Smith, Coin Error Specialist

Lincoln Wheat Pennies (1909-1958): The Foundation of Penny Collecting

The Wheat penny series is a favorite among collectors, with many dates and varieties falling into the category of pennies worth money. Key dates to look for include:

• 1909-S
• 1914-D
• 1931-S

These dates had lower mintages, making them more valuable today. Condition is crucial for Wheat pennies, as many have been in circulation for decades. Here’s a quick chart of rare pennies worth money from the Wheat series:

Year	Mintmark	Estimated Value (Good-4 to MS-65)
1909	S VDB	$600 – $81,400
1914	D	$125 – $63,250
1922	No D	$500 – $74,750
1931	S	$55 – $23,000

Lincoln Memorial Pennies (1959-2008): Modern Treasures

While more common, certain Memorial pennies can be quite valuable, especially those from 1960 to 1969. Pennies worth money from this era include:

• 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse
• 1972 Doubled Die Obverse
• 1995 Doubled Die Obverse

Proof issues from this period can also command high prices, especially those with errors or in perfect condition. Let’s look at some 1960 to 1969 pennies worth money:

Year	Variety/Error	Estimated Value
1960	Large Date Over Small	$25 – $250
1969	S Doubled Die Obverse	$50,000+
1964	SMS (Special Mint Set)	$15 – $150

Lincoln Bicentennial Pennies (2009): Commemorative Collectibles

The year 2009 saw four special reverse designs commemorating Lincoln’s life:

1.     Log Cabin (Lincoln’s birth and early childhood)

2.     Formative Years (Lincoln as a young man)

3.     Professional Life (Lincoln as a lawyer)

4.     Presidency (The unfinished Capitol dome)

While not rare, these coins are popular with collectors and can be worth more than face value in uncirculated condition. Proof versions and error coins from this year can be particularly valuable.

Lincoln Shield Pennies (2010-present): The New Frontier

The newest Lincoln penny design features a Union Shield on the reverse. While most of these coins are only worth face value, there are exceptions:

• 2017 P Lincoln Cent: The first Lincoln penny to feature a P mint mark for Philadelphia.
• Proof issues in perfect condition can sell for premium prices.
• Error coins, such as doubled dies or off-center strikes, can be valuable.

How to Identify Valuable Lincoln Pennies: Your Guide to Finding Hidden Treasure

To spot potentially valuable pennies and create your own chart of rare pennies worth money, you’ll need:

1.     A good magnifying glass (at least 5x magnification)

2.     Adequate lighting (natural light or a bright, adjustable lamp)

3.     A basic knowledge of coin grading terms

4.     Reference materials (books or online resources)

Key areas to examine:

• Date and mint mark: Check against known rare dates and mintages
• Overall condition: Look for sharp details and minimal wear
• Any obvious errors or varieties: Use your magnifying glass to spot doubling, off-center strikes, or other anomalies

Remember, when searching for pennies worth money, patience and attention to detail are key. Many valuable coins are discovered by those who take the time to carefully examine their change.

Preserving and Storing Valuable Pennies: Protecting Your Investment

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Once you’ve identified a valuable penny, proper storage is crucial to maintain its condition and value:

• Use non-PVC coin holders or albums to prevent chemical damage
• Store in a cool, dry place to prevent corrosion
• Handle coins by the edges to avoid damaging the surfaces
• Consider professional grading and slabbing for very valuable coins

“Proper storage is not just about preservation; it’s about respecting the history these coins represent and ensuring they can be enjoyed by future generations of collectors.” – Robert Johnson, Numismatic Historian

Selling Valuable Lincoln Pennies: Turning Your Finds into Profit

If you’ve found rare pennies worth money, you have several options for selling:

1.     Auction Houses: Best for very rare or high-value coins, such as those at the top of our list of pennies worth money.

2.     Coin Dealers: Can offer immediate payment but may pay less than auction prices.

3.     Online Marketplaces: Reach a wide audience but be cautious of scams and ensure proper shipping methods.

4.     Grading Services: Can authenticate and grade your coin, potentially increasing its value before sale.

When selling, always research current market values and consider getting multiple offers to ensure you’re getting a fair price for your valuable pennies.

Building a Lincoln Penny Collection: From Novice to Expert

For those inspired to start their own collection of pennies worth money, here are some tips:

1.     Start with modern dates and work backwards

2.     Focus on a specific series (e.g., Wheat pennies or Memorial cents)

3.     Learn about grading and preservation techniques

4.     Join a local coin club or online forum to connect with other collectors and share knowledge

Key resources for collectors building their own list of pennies worth money:

• “A Guide Book of Lincoln Cents” by Q. David Bowers
• The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) website
• The American Numismatic Association (ANA) website
• Online price guides and auction results for up-to-date valuations

The Future of Lincoln Penny Collecting: Trends and Predictions

As we look to the future, several factors may influence the world of 65 Most Valuable Lincoln Penny:

• The potential discontinuation of the penny could increase interest in collecting
• Growing interest in error coins may drive up prices for certain varieties
• Advances in technology may make it easier to detect subtle varieties and errors

Regardless of future trends, the allure of finding valuable pennies in everyday change is likely to continue captivating collectors for generations to come.

Rare Lincoln Penny Worth Money List (Quick Chart):

Year	Mint Mark	Error/Variety	Estimated Value (Varies by Condition)
1960	D	Small Date over Large Date	$50 – $500+
1969	S	Doubled Die Obverse	$10,000 – $75,000+
1970	S	Small Date	$50 – $3,000+
1972	None	Doubled Die Obverse	$250 – $2,500+
1982	None or D	Large Date Copper (Transitional Error)	$10 – $18,000+
1983	None	Doubled Die Reverse	$100 – $800+
1984	None	Doubled Ear (Obverse Error)	$200 – $2,000+
1992	None or D	Close AM (Rare Variety)	$1,000 – $10,000+
1995	None	Doubled Die Obverse	$20 – $2,500+
1998	None	Wide AM (Rare Variety)	$50 – $500+
1999	None	Wide AM (Rare Variety)	$100 – $2,000+
2000	None	Wide AM (Rare Variety)	$50 – $1,000+
2006	None or D	Doubled Die (Obverse)	$100 – $500+
2009	All Mint Marks	Special Bicentennial (Varieties & Errors)	$5 – $50+
2014	D	Shield Cent (Doubled Die Obverse)	$50 – $150+
2015	D	Doubled Die (Obverse)	$50 – $200+
2017	P	Doubled Die (Obverse)	$20 – $200+

 

Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Lincoln Pennies

The world of Lincoln pennies is vast and fascinating, offering opportunities for collectors at every level. From the casual hobbyist hoping to stumble upon a valuable coin in their change to the serious numismatist pursuing the rarest of the rare, these small copper discs provide a tangible connection to America’s past and a potential for financial reward.

As we’ve explored in this comprehensive guide to the 65 Most Valuable Lincoln Penny coins worth money, the key to success lies in education, patience, and a keen eye for detail. Whether you’re hunting for a million-dollar rarity or simply appreciating the history in your pocket change, remember that every Lincoln penny tells a story.

The next time you receive change or come across an old jar of pennies, take a moment to examine them closely. You never know – you might be holding a small fortune in your hand! Happy hunting, and may your search for pennies worth money be both rewarding and enlightening.

“Every Lincoln penny tells a story. It’s up to us as collectors to listen and preserve these tiny pieces of history for future generations.” – Robert Johnson, Numismatic Historian

By understanding the factors that make Lincoln pennies valuable and knowing what to look for, you can turn a casual interest into a rewarding hobby or even a lucrative investment. So start your own chart of rare pennies worth money, keep an eye out for those elusive errors and varieties, and who knows – you might just discover the next great numismatic treasure hiding in plain sight.65 Most Valuable Lincoln Penny