Lincoln cents, also called pennies, are often overlooked in the world of rare coin collections. However, some of these coins have become incredibly valuable due to their rarity, historical importance, and unique minting errors.
In this article, we explore some of the most famous and valuable Lincoln cents that have made history, like the 1943 bronze cent, which has sold for as much as $504,000. Let’s take a look at the top rare Lincoln cents collectors are eager to find.
1909-S VDB
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent is one of the most famous coins in U.S. history. This coin is unique because it features the designer Victor David Brenner’s initials, “VDB,” on the reverse side. Only 484,000 of these coins were made, making it very rare. Because of its historical significance, it is a highly sought-after item among collectors.
1943 Bronze Cent
During World War II, most pennies were made from steel coated with zinc to save copper for the war effort. However, some bronze blanks were accidentally used for production. These rare 1943 bronze cents are extremely valuable and have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars at auctions. Collectors prize them for their historical context and unusual composition.
1955 Doubled Die Obverse
The 1955 Doubled Die Obverse penny is easily recognized because of a minting error where the date and other inscriptions appear doubled. This coin is one of the most famous error coins in U.S. history. Its unique look and rarity make it a favorite among collectors, often commanding a premium price.
1969-S Doubled Die Obverse
The 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse penny also features doubling, but this time on the inscriptions. The error is rare, with only a few examples known to exist. Collectors highly value this penny because of its uniqueness and historical importance.
1972 Doubled Die Obverse
The 1972 Doubled Die Obverse penny shows clear doubling on the word “Liberty” and the year. While not as rare as the 1955 or 1969-S pennies, it is still a popular coin among collectors. These coins are often found in uncirculated condition, making them visually appealing.
1992 Close AM
The 1992 Close AM Lincoln cent is a rare coin with a design anomaly. The letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” on the reverse side are almost touching. This mistake happened due to the use of a proof die and is highly prized by collectors for its rarity and unique design.
1944 Steel Cent
Similar to the 1943 bronze cent, the 1944 steel cent was created by accident when steel blanks from the previous year were mistakenly used. Most pennies from 1944 were made of bronze, but a few steel coins were produced. This rare error coin is also highly valued among collectors.
Estimated Values of Rare Lincoln Cents
Here is a quick look at the estimated values for some of these rare Lincoln cents:
| Coin Name | Year | Mint Mark | Estimated Value ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | 1909 | S | 1,500 – 2,000 |
| 1943 Bronze Cent | 1943 | No Mint | 350,000 – 504,000 |
| 1955 DDO | 1955 | No Mint | 1,500 – 20,000 |
| 1969-S DDO | 1969 | S | 35,000 – 75,000 |
| 1972 DDO | 1972 | No Mint | 300 – 1,200 |
| 1992 Close AM | 1992 | No Mint | 2,000 – 25,000 |
| 1944 Steel Cent | 1944 | No Mint | 100,000 – 375,000 |
The fascination with Lincoln cents is a mix of history, rarity, and the excitement of finding a coin with a minting error.
Some of these coins, like the 1943 bronze cent, are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
For coin collectors, these rare pennies represent not only a financial investment but also a link to an important part of U.S. history.
1. What makes the 1909-S VDB penny valuable?
The 1909-S VDB penny is rare because only 484,000 were made and it features the designer’s initials, “VDB,” on the reverse side.
2. Why is the 1943 bronze cent so valuable?
The 1943 bronze cent is rare because it was mistakenly minted with bronze instead of the steel used for most pennies during World War II.
3. What is the 1955 Doubled Die Obverse penny?
The 1955 Doubled Die Obverse penny has a minting error where the date and inscriptions are doubled, making it a highly valuable collector’s item.
4. Are 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse pennies rare?
Yes, the 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse penny is rare because only a few examples were made with the error of doubled inscriptions.
5. How much is the 1992 Close AM penny worth?
The 1992 Close AM penny is rare and can be worth between $2,000 to $25,000 due to a design error where the letters “A” and “M” are almost touching.
