Top 10 Valuable Lincoln Pennies : If you’ve ever dismissed pennies as spare change, you might want to think again! Some Lincoln pennies are worth hundreds, thousands, or even millions of dollars. Whether due to minting errors, rarity, or historical significance, these coins have become prized treasures among collectors.
If you’re wondering which pennies to look for in your pocket change, here’s a list of the Top 10 Valuable Lincoln Pennies that could be worth a fortune.
1. 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny – Worth Up to $1.7 Million
Why It’s Valuable:
In 1943, pennies were supposed to be made of steel due to wartime copper shortages. However, a few copper pennies were mistakenly minted, making them extremely rare.
How to Identify It:
- Appears as a regular copper penny rather than the steel version.
- Sticks to a magnet if it’s a steel penny (genuine copper versions won’t).
- Check for weight: copper pennies weigh 3.11 grams, while steel ones weigh 2.7 grams.
Estimated Value:
- $100,000 – $1.7 million (depending on condition).
2. 1955 Double Die Obverse Penny – Worth Up to $125,000
Why It’s Valuable:
This penny features a noticeable doubling in the lettering and date, making it one of the most famous error coins.
How to Identify It:
- Strong doubling on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
- Doubling is clear to the naked eye.
Estimated Value:
- $1,000 – $125,000, depending on condition.
3. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny – Worth Up to $85,000
Why It’s Valuable:
This was the first year of the Lincoln penny, and the initials “VDB” (Victor David Brenner, the coin’s designer) were included on the reverse. However, due to controversy, they were removed shortly after, making the 1909-S VDB pennies extremely rare.
How to Identify It:
- “S” mint mark below the date (for San Francisco Mint).
- “V.D.B.” on the bottom of the reverse side.
Estimated Value:
- $700 – $85,000, depending on condition.
4. 1914-D Lincoln Penny – Worth Up to $150,000
Why It’s Valuable:
The Denver Mint produced only 1.2 million of these pennies, making them scarce. Many were heavily circulated, so high-grade versions are rare.
How to Identify It:
- “D” mint mark below the date.
Estimated Value:
- $200 – $150,000, depending on condition.
5. 1922 No D Lincoln Penny – Worth Up to $80,000
Why It’s Valuable:
All pennies from 1922 were supposed to have a “D” mint mark (Denver Mint), but some were struck weakly or missing it entirely, making them extremely rare.
How to Identify It:
- Missing “D” mint mark under the date.
Estimated Value:
- $500 – $80,000, depending on condition.
6. 1931-S Lincoln Penny – Worth Up to $75,000
Why It’s Valuable:
Only 866,000 of these pennies were minted, one of the lowest production numbers for Lincoln pennies. Many were hoarded, making mint-condition coins especially valuable.
How to Identify It:
- “S” mint mark below the date.
Estimated Value:
- $40 – $75,000, depending on condition.
7. 1969-S Double Die Obverse Penny – Worth Up to $60,000
Why It’s Valuable:
This coin has a significant doubling on the date and inscriptions, making it highly sought after.
How to Identify It:
- Strong doubling on “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date.
- An “S” mint mark below the date.
Estimated Value:
- $10,000 – $60,000, depending on condition.
8. 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny – Worth Up to $10,000
Why It’s Valuable:
In 1982, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to zinc pennies. Most 1982 pennies were zinc, but a few were mistakenly minted in copper with the new small date design.
How to Identify It:
- Weighs 3.11 grams (copper) instead of 2.5 grams (zinc).
- Small date style in “1982.”
Estimated Value:
- $5,000 – $10,000, depending on condition.
9. 1992 Close AM Penny – Worth Up to $25,000
Why It’s Valuable:
Most Lincoln pennies have a wide gap between the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” on the reverse. However, in 1992, some pennies were struck with a “Close AM” design, making them rare.
How to Identify It:
- “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” are very close together.
Estimated Value:
- $2,000 – $25,000, depending on condition.
10. 1972 Double Die Obverse Penny – Worth Up to $14,000
Why It’s Valuable:
This penny features noticeable doubling on the inscriptions and date. While not as famous as the 1955 version, it’s still highly collectible.
How to Identify It:
- Doubling on “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date.
Estimated Value:
- $300 – $14,000, depending on condition.
Final Thoughts – Check Your Spare Change!
If you’re in the habit of tossing pennies aside, it’s time to take a closer look! These rare Lincoln pennies are worth far more than their face value, and you might have a hidden gem sitting in your pocket change.
Tips for Finding Valuable Pennies:
✅ Use a magnifying glass to inspect small details.
✅ Weigh your pennies—copper coins weigh 3.11 grams, while zinc coins weigh 2.5 grams.
✅ Check for mint marks (D, S, or missing marks) under the date.
✅ Look for doubling in text or date, a sign of a rare error coin.
✅ Keep an eye on pennies from 1909 to 1982, as they have higher copper content and may have valuable varieties.
Where to Sell Valuable Pennies?
If you find one of these rare Lincoln pennies, consider:
🔹 eBay (for auctions)
🔹 Professional coin dealers
🔹 Coin grading services like PCGS or NGC
🔹 Online marketplaces like Heritage Auctions
Keep searching, and who knows? You might just find a fortune in your spare change!
