Lincoln cents (commonly called pennies) have been made since 1909. Most are worth exactly one cent… but mint errors, low mintages, and special varieties turned a handful into six- and seven-figure treasures.
A Quick History of the Lincoln Penny
Designed by Victor David Brenner to honor Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday, the Lincoln cent was the first U.S. coin to feature a president. The wheat-ears reverse lasted until 1958, then switched to the Lincoln Memorial (1959–2008), and now the shield design.
Why Are Some Lincoln Cents So Valuable Today?
Three reasons:
- Tiny mintage numbers
- Dramatic minting errors (doubled dies, off-metals, repunched mintmarks)
- Strong collector demand for key dates and varieties.
The 11 Rare Lincoln Cents You Should Hunt For
- 1909-S VDB (only 484,000 minted) – $1,000+ in Good condition
- 1914-D (1.19 million minted) – $2,000–$50,000+
- 1922 No D (Plain) – Strong examples $15,000–$500,000
- 1931-S (866,000 minted) – $250–$3,000
- 1955 Doubled Die Obverse – $1,000–$25,000
- 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse – $35,000–$125,000+
- 1972 Doubled Die Obverse – $500–$3,000 (still found in change!)
- 1983 Bronze Transitional Error – $15,000–$25,000
- 1992 Close AM Variety – $2,000–$25,000 in MS65+
- 1943 Bronze (only ~20 known) – $200,000–$1.8 MILLION
- 1944 Steel (off-metal planchet) – $50,000–$375,000
Value Comparison Table (2025 Auction Estimates)
| Year | Variety/Error | Good/VG | Fine | MS65+ Red | Record Sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | Key date | $800 | $1,200 | $5,000+ | $179,000 (MS68) |
| 1955 DDO | Doubled Die Obverse | $900 | $1,200 | $15,000 | $124,000 (MS66) |
| 1969-S DDO | Doubled Die Obverse | $25,000 | $40,000 | $100,000+ | $126,500 |
| 1943 Bronze | Wrong planchet | — | — | $1.7M | $1.84 Million |
| 1972 DDO | Doubled Die Obverse | $300 | $500 | $2,000 | $14,400 |
Notable Record-Breaking Sales
- 1943-D Bronze: $1.84 million (2023)
- 1943-S Bronze: $1 million+
- 1969-S Doubled Die (PCGS MS64 Red): $126,500 (2024)
Expert Tips: How to Spot These Treasures
- Use a 10x loupe—look for dramatic doubling on date/liberty
- Weigh suspect 1943 or 1983 cents (bronze = 3.11g, zinc/steel are lighter)
- Check 1992, 1998–2000 reverse for Close AM vs Wide AM
- Search rolls, old jars, and estate sales—many have been found in the wild!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Lincoln pennies from the 1940s–1950s worth anything?
A: Most are only face value, but check every 1955, 1972, and 1983 carefully!
Q: Where can I sell a rare Lincoln cent I found?
A: Reputable auction houses (Heritage, Stack’s Bowers) or get it graded first by PCGS/NGC.
Q: Is the 1943 copper penny real?
A: Yes—about 20 genuine examples exist. Most “1943 copper” pennies online are altered 1948s.
Final Thoughts – Start Digging Today!
Your spare change jar or that old Whitman folder in the attic might literally hold a fortune. The 1943 bronze sold for $1.84 million started as someone’s pocket change! Grab a magnifier, brew some coffee, and start hunting—these 11 rare Lincoln cents prove that sometimes the biggest treasures really are hiding in plain sight.