Is My Penny Worth A Lot of Money?
What Pennies Are Worth Money? Valuable Lincoln Cents to Look For
If you’ve ever found an old penny in your pocket change and wondered if it’s worth more than one cent, you’re not alone. One of the most common coins we have brought to us at C.W. Coins is the Lincoln Cent. Many Lincoln cents carry value well beyond their face value due to rarity, errors, or historical significance. Here’s a guide to the most valuable Lincoln pennies and what to look for in your collection.
Key Dates and Mint Marks That Add Value
Certain Lincoln cents stand out due to their rarity and demand among collectors. These are some of the most valuable dates and mint marks:
1909-S V.D.B.
One of the most famous pennies, the 1909-S V.D.B. was the first year of the Lincoln cent, with designer Victor David Brenner’s initials prominently displayed on the reverse.
Only 484,000 were minted, making this one of the rarest Lincoln pennies.
Values range from $600 in lower grades to over $2,000+ in uncirculated condition.
1909-S (No V.D.B.)
The San Francisco Mint also produced 1909 pennies without the V.D.B. initials.
With a mintage of 1.8 million, these are still scarce but more affordable than the V.D.B. version.
Prices range from $100+ in circulated condition to several hundred in higher grades.
1914-D
A low-mintage key date with only 1.2 million produced.
Values start at $150-200 for well-worn examples and exceed $5,000+ for high-grade specimens.
1922 No D (Weak or Missing Mint Mark)
Some 1922 pennies minted in Denver have a missing or weak “D” mint mark due to a worn die.
Prices range from $500 in lower grades to $10,000+ in top condition.
1931-S
A semi-key date with a mintage of just 866,000.
Worth $75+ in lower grades and $300+ for uncirculated examples.
1943 Copper Penny (Error Coin)
In 1943, cents were made of steel to conserve copper for World War II. However, a few copper planchets were mistakenly struck.
If you find a 1943 penny that isn’t magnetic, it might be a rare copper version.
These can sell for $100,000+ at auction.
1944 Steel Penny (Error Coin)
The opposite of the 1943 copper error, a few 1944 pennies were mistakenly struck in steel.
These rare coins are worth $50,000+.
1955 Double Die Obverse
A famous error where the date and lettering appear doubled.
Values range from $1,000+ for circulated examples to $15,000+ in higher grades.
1969-S Double Die Obverse
Similar to the 1955 double die, but much rarer.
Values start at $10,000 and can reach $75,000+.
1972 Double Die Obverse
Less rare than 1955 or 1969, but still valuable.
Prices range from $100+ in circulated condition to $1,000+ for uncirculated coins.
1983 Double Die Reverse
Look for doubling on the back of the coin, particularly in the lettering.
Worth $50+ in circulated grades and higher in better condition.
1992 Close AM
The letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” are closer together than usual.
Values start at $500 and exceed $10,000 for top examples.
1995 Double Die Obverse
A more common double die, but still sought after.
Worth $20-50 in circulated condition and up to $500+ for uncirculated examples.
1999 Wide AM
The opposite of the 1992 Close AM—this time, the “A” and “M” are spaced farther apart.
Can be worth $100+ in high grades.
What do I do If I have one of these?
While most Lincoln cents are worth only face value, certain dates and errors can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. If you think you have a valuable penny, consider having it authenticated by a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. C.W. Coins can help with this process and provide valuable input on the authenticity of your lincoln cent, as well as other coins. Happy hunting!
