Lincoln pennies are one of the most iconic coins in U.S. history, but did you know that some of them are worth a lot more than their face value? Over the years, a few rare Lincoln pennies have become valuable collector’s items, worth hundreds, even thousands of dollars. In this article, we will explore nine rare Lincoln pennies that could make you a fortune if you happen to find one!
The History of the Lincoln Penny
The Lincoln penny was first introduced in 1909 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Since then, it has been a staple in U.S. currency. The penny features Lincoln’s portrait on the front and the Lincoln Memorial on the back (until 2009, when the reverse side was changed to a shield). While most Lincoln pennies are worth just one cent, some have become extremely valuable.
9 Rare Lincoln Pennies Worth Big Money
Some Lincoln pennies are worth far more than their original price. Here are nine examples of rare Lincoln pennies that collectors are eager to buy:
1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
This penny is one of the most sought-after coins in U.S. history. The “VDB” on the reverse stands for the initials of the engraver, Victor David Brenner. Only a small number of these pennies were minted, making it highly valuable.
1914-D Lincoln Penny
The 1914-D penny is another rare one, especially in high grades. It was minted in Denver, and many of them were worn down, making well-preserved versions worth more.
1922 Plain Lincoln Penny
This penny is famous because it has no mint mark, unlike other pennies from the same year. The lack of a mint mark was a mistake, making this penny rare and valuable.
1931-S Lincoln Penny
Minted in San Francisco, this penny is rare because it wasn’t produced in large numbers. In excellent condition, it can be worth a lot.
1943 Copper Lincoln Penny
During World War II, most pennies were made from steel, but a few copper pennies were mistakenly produced. These rare copper pennies are worth a lot today.
1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny
The 1955 double die penny has a noticeable doubling of the image on the obverse (front). This mistake makes it one of the most valuable pennies.
1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Penny
Like the 1955 penny, the 1969-S version features doubling, but this time on the date and the words “Liberty” and “In God We Trust.”
1970-S Large Date Lincoln Penny
A rare version of the 1970 penny, the large date variety can be valuable, especially if it’s in mint condition.
1983 Copper Lincoln Penny
While most pennies minted in 1983 were made from copper-plated zinc, a few copper pennies were accidentally produced. These are highly sought after by collectors.
1. Why are some Lincoln pennies worth more than others?
Some Lincoln pennies are rare due to production errors, limited mintage, or the condition they’re in. These factors make certain pennies valuable to collectors.
2. What makes the 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny so special?
The 1909-S VDB penny is rare because only a small number were minted, and it features the initials of the engraver, Victor David Brenner, on the reverse side.
3. How do I know if I have a rare Lincoln penny?
You can check the mint year, mint mark, and condition of your penny. Look for specific features, such as doubling in the design or a missing mint mark, to identify rare pennies.
4. Are 1943 copper Lincoln pennies common?
No, the 1943 copper Lincoln penny is rare because most pennies from that year were made of steel. Only a few copper ones were mistakenly minted.
5. Can I sell my rare Lincoln penny?
Yes, if you have a rare Lincoln penny, you can sell it to coin dealers or collectors who are interested in purchasing valuable coins.
