Lincoln pennies have been a staple of U.S. currency since 1909, and while most are only worth a single cent, a few stand out as rare gems that could be worth thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of dollars.
These rare Lincoln cents are prized by collectors for their limited mintage, historical significance, or minting mistakes. In this guide, we’ll break down seven of the most valuable Lincoln pennies and show you what to look for in your own collection.
1909-S V.D.B.
The 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln penny is arguably the king of all Lincoln cents. It was minted in San Francisco and features the initials of the designer, Victor David Brenner (“V.D.B.”), on the reverse. Due to public backlash over the prominent initials, they were quickly removed, making this version incredibly rare.
Why It’s Special:
Limited mintage of only 484,000 and removed initials make this penny highly collectible.
Estimated Value:
- Good condition: $700 – $2,000
- Mint state: $10,000 – $100,000+
1914-D
Next up is the 1914-D penny from the Denver Mint. This coin had a relatively low production run, and most of the coins entered circulation, making well-preserved examples extremely rare today.
Why It’s Special:
One of the lowest mintages for a regular-issue Lincoln cent.
Estimated Value:
- Circulated: $1,000 – $3,000
- Mint state: $5,000 – $10,000+
1922 Plain
Now here’s a real oddity. The 1922 Plain Lincoln penny was struck in Denver, but due to a die error, the “D” mintmark was completely left off. It’s the only regular-issue Lincoln cent from Denver that doesn’t show a mintmark.
Why It’s Special:
It’s a rare error coin that shouldn’t exist—making it highly desirable.
Estimated Value:
- Worn condition: $1,500
- High grade: $10,000 – $20,000+
1931-S
The 1931-S Lincoln penny is another low-mintage coin that’s gained fame over the decades. Only about 866,000 were made during the Great Depression, making it tough to find today.
Why It’s Special:
Low production numbers and historical context.
Estimated Value:
- Circulated: $75 – $300
- Uncirculated: $1,000 – $5,000
1943 Copper
This penny is a legend in the coin world. In 1943, pennies were supposed to be made from zinc-coated steel to conserve copper for the war. But a few copper blanks from 1942 were accidentally used. Only a handful of these coins exist.
Why It’s Special:
A rare World War II-era mistake that’s worth a small fortune.
Estimated Value:
- $100,000 – $250,000+ depending on condition
1944 Steel
The 1944 Steel Lincoln penny is basically the reverse of the 1943 copper penny. After the war, pennies returned to copper, but a few steel planchets got struck in 1944 by mistake. These coins are extremely rare.
Why It’s Special:
A post-war error coin with huge collector appeal.
Estimated Value:
- $50,000 – $100,000+
1955 Double Die
The 1955 Double Die penny is one of the most dramatic minting errors ever. You can clearly see doubling in the date and the inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” It’s easily spotted without a magnifying glass.
Why It’s Special:
Bold and visible doubling makes this one a fan favorite.
Estimated Value:
- Good condition: $1,000 – $1,500
- Mint state: $10,000+
| Lincoln Penny | Year | Key Feature | Estimated Value (High Grade) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1909-S V.D.B. | 1909 | Initials removed | $100,000+ |
| 1914-D | 1914 | Low mintage from Denver | $10,000+ |
| 1922 Plain | 1922 | Missing mintmark error | $20,000+ |
| 1931-S | 1931 | Great Depression-era rarity | $5,000 |
| 1943 Copper | 1943 | Copper planchet mistake | $250,000+ |
| 1944 Steel | 1944 | Wrong material post-war | $100,000 |
| 1955 Double Die | 1955 | Clear doubling error | $10,000+ |
These Lincoln pennies are more than just coins—they’re pieces of American history, and in some cases, they’re also worth a small fortune.
If you’re a collector or even just curious, it’s worth checking your change and old jars at home. You never know—your next penny might be a rare treasure in disguise.
FAQs
What makes the 1909-S V.D.B. penny rare?
It has low mintage and designer initials quickly removed.
Why is the 1943 copper penny valuable?
It was mistakenly made from copper during WWII.
What is a double die penny?
It’s a coin with visibly doubled design details.
Are 1922 pennies without a mintmark rare?
Yes, they’re Denver coins with a minting error.
How do I check if my penny is valuable?
Check year, mintmark, errors, and coin condition.
