Many collectors still find valuable Lincoln pennies in everyday change. This guide lists the top 10 rare Lincoln pennies you might find, explains how to spot them, and gives practical next steps if you believe you have one.
Why Lincoln pennies can be valuable
Lincoln pennies were minted in huge numbers, but a few dates, mintmarks, and errors are scarce. Condition and rarity drive value more than face value.
Knowing what to look for will help you spot coins worth sending for grading or selling to collectors.
Top 10 rare Lincoln pennies still in circulation
1909-S VDB Lincoln penny
One of the most famous rare Lincoln pennies. Look for the VDB initials on the reverse at the bottom. High-grade examples are worth thousands.
- How to identify: Clear VDB on reverse rim and S mintmark.
- Value guide: From several hundred dollars in worn grades to tens of thousands in mint state.
1914-D Lincoln penny
A scarce Denver-minted penny. Even circulated coins can command high prices if the D mintmark is clear and the strike is sharp.
- How to identify: Small D mintmark under the date.
- Value guide: Hundreds to thousands depending on condition.
1931-S Lincoln penny
This San Francisco issue had low mintage. Collectors prize well-struck, uncleaned examples.
- How to identify: S mintmark and soft wear on raised designs.
- Value guide: Circulated pieces often worth multiple hundreds.
1955 Doubled Die Lincoln penny
One of the best-known error coins. Noticeable doubling on the obverse lettering, especially on LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST.
- How to identify: Wide, obvious doubling on date and motto.
- Value guide: Hundreds to low thousands based on grade and strike.
1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln penny
Extremely rare and controversial because of few confirmed examples. Doubling appears on the date and motto.
- How to identify: Strong doubling on date and lettering with S mintmark.
- Value guide: Very high — only authenticated examples command large sums.
1972 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln penny
Common enough to find in circulation sometimes if you know the doubling patterns. Look for doubled letters on obverse.
- How to identify: Doubling on LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST.
- Value guide: Dozens to hundreds depending on strength of doubling.
1983 Doubled Die Reverse Lincoln penny
This reverse doubled die has prominent doubling on the Lincoln Memorial and lettering. Not as rare as older errors but still collectible.
- How to identify: Doubling on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and E PLURIBUS UNUM.
- Value guide: Tens to a few hundred dollars.
1992 Close AM Lincoln penny
A variety where the letters A and M in AMERICA appear unusually close. Varieties like this are popular with type collectors.
- How to identify: Examine spacing between letters in UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
- Value guide: Small premiums to a few dollars or more for sharp examples.
2009-S Lincoln Bicentennial Bronze and Copper Variants
2009 produced several special designs and compositions. Some business-strike bronze cents can be sought after if they show unusual toning or errors.
- How to identify: Design type and S mintmark; check metal color and weight.
- Value guide: Varies widely; errors or rare varieties can be worth much more.
Wheat cents with strong mintmark errors
Wheat-back Lincoln cents (1909–1958) sometimes appear with repunched or weak mintmarks. These small anomalies can interest collectors.
- How to identify: Look for doubled or misplaced mintmarks on reverse.
- Value guide: Minor premiums to significant value for dramatic repunching.
Practical steps to check your change for rare Lincoln pennies
Checking change is easy if you know where to look and what tools to use. Follow these simple steps to increase your chances of finding a valuable penny.
- Use good light or a loupe (5x–10x) to inspect dates, mintmarks, and doubling.
- Sort wheat-back vs. memorial/back-facing pennies — older wheat cents are more likely to be valuable.
- Look for obvious errors: doubling, off-center strikes, repunched mintmarks, and unusual metal color.
- Avoid cleaning coins; cleaning hurts value. Keep coins in the condition you found them.
When to get a coin professionally graded
If you find a coin that matches a rare date or shows a dramatic error, consider professional grading. Grading establishes condition and authenticity, which greatly affects price.
Use reputable services like PCGS or NGC and compare sale records before deciding to grade or sell.
Real-world example
Case study: A cashier in Ohio discovered a 1955 doubled die penny while counting register change. The coin showed strong doubling on LIBERTY and the date. After submitting photos to a collector forum and getting the coin graded, the owner sold it to a private collector for over $3,000.
That example shows the value of checking small details and consulting experts before selling.
Final tips
Keep a dedicated jar for older pennies and check them periodically. Joining a local coin club or online numismatic forum speeds identification and helps you avoid scams.
Regularly review price guides and auction results to know what similar coins are selling for. Simple attention to dates and mintmarks can turn pocket change into real value.
