The Lincoln penny is one of the most iconic and recognized coins in U.S. history. First minted in 1909 to mark President Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday, it became a common part of American coin collections. While most Lincoln pennies are worth only one cent, some rare varieties have become extremely valuable. These rare pennies, often due to minting mistakes, historical importance, or limited releases, have fetched millions of dollars. In this article, we will look at 8 high-value Lincoln pennies that are collectively worth over $1.5 million.
1. 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny
One of the most famous and valuable Lincoln pennies is the 1943 Copper Lincoln penny. Most of the pennies minted in 1943 were made from steel, due to copper being reserved for war materials. However, a few copper pennies were mistakenly produced during this year, and only around 20 of them are still known to exist. In 2019, one of these rare pennies was sold for an impressive $1.7 million.
- Minting Year: 1943
- Material: Copper (mistakenly struck, as most were made of steel)
- Estimated Value: $1.7 million
2. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny is highly sought after by collectors. The “VDB” on the reverse of the penny stands for the initials of the coin’s designer, Victor David Brenner. Initially, only a small number of these pennies were intended to be released, but their rarity and historical significance make them a prized possession today. A 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny in excellent condition can be valued at over $1.2 million.
- Minting Year: 1909
- Mintmark: S (San Francisco)
- Designer: Victor David Brenner
- Estimated Value: $1.2 million
3. 1914-D Lincoln Penny
The 1914-D Lincoln penny is another rare and valuable coin, especially because of its low production numbers. Only a limited number of these pennies were struck at the Denver Mint, and many were worn down quickly due to regular use. A well-preserved example of this penny can sell for around $400,000.
- Minting Year: 1914
- Mintmark: D (Denver)
- Estimated Value: $400,000
4. 1922 No D Lincoln Penny
The 1922 No D Lincoln penny is a result of a minting error where the “D” mintmark was accidentally left off some of the pennies. This error made these pennies extremely rare and highly valued. Depending on their condition, they can be worth anywhere from $300,000 to $500,000.
- Minting Year: 1922
- Mintmark: None (mistakenly omitted)
- Estimated Value: $300,000 – $500,000
5. 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny
The 1955 Double Die Lincoln penny is another famous error coin. This mistake happened when the die used to strike the coin was doubled, causing the date and other elements of the design to appear twice. The 1955 Double Die penny is one of the most valuable error coins, and one in good condition can fetch up to $200,000.
- Minting Year: 1955
- Error: Double Die (doubling of the date)
- Estimated Value: $200,000
6. 1969-S Double Die Lincoln Penny
Similar to the 1955 Double Die penny, the 1969-S Double Die Lincoln penny also has a doubling error. The word “LIBERTY” and the date on the penny are notably doubled. Only a few of these coins are known to exist, and one sold for $350,000 in 2018.
- Minting Year: 1969
- Mintmark: S (San Francisco)
- Error: Double Die
- Estimated Value: $350,000
7. 1931-S Lincoln Penny
The 1931-S Lincoln penny is rare because very few were minted during the Great Depression. Many coins weren’t produced in large numbers at that time, making this penny particularly valuable. Well-preserved examples of the 1931-S can be worth more than $150,000.
- Minting Year: 1931
- Mintmark: S (San Francisco)
- Estimated Value: $150,000
8. 1877 Indian Head Penny
Although the 1877 Indian Head penny isn’t technically a Lincoln penny, it is often included in discussions of valuable U.S. coins. This penny is extremely rare and is highly sought after by collectors. An excellent condition example of the 1877 Indian Head penny can fetch upwards of $1 million.
- Minting Year: 1877
- Material: Copper-nickel
- Estimated Value: $1 million+
Conclusion
Rare Lincoln pennies are highly valuable, with some reaching prices of over $1 million due to their historical significance, minting errors, or limited production. Collectors across the globe seek out these coins, and their rarity only increases their worth. If you’re interested in coin collecting, knowing about these high-value Lincoln pennies can help you spot potential treasures in your collection. Whether you are a seasoned collector or just starting, these rare pennies are a fascinating and valuable part of U.S. history.
Guilderland Historical Society
FAQs
What is the most valuable Lincoln penny?
The 1943 Copper Lincoln penny, worth around $1.7 million, is the most valuable.
Why are some Lincoln pennies worth more than others?
Lincoln pennies can be valuable due to rare minting errors, historical significance, or limited production.
What is the value of a 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny?
A well-preserved 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny can be worth up to $1.2 million.