Lincoln cents, or Lincoln pennies, have been a part of U.S. currency since 1909. Some of these coins are highly sought after by collectors due to their rarity, unique errors, or historical significance.
In this article, we’ll cover the top 10 rare and valuable Lincoln cents that every collector should be aware of, along with tips on how to identify them and their estimated values.
1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is one of the most coveted coins in the series. It was minted in 1909, the first year of the Lincoln cent, with only 484,000 coins made. This coin features Victor David Brenner’s initials “VDB” on the reverse, making it highly valuable.
How to Identify:
- Date and Mint Mark: Look for the 1909 date and the “S” mint mark on the front.
- VDB Initials: Find the “VDB” initials at the bottom of the reverse side.
Estimated Value:
- Good Condition: $700 – $1,000
- Uncirculated Condition: Up to $2,500
2. 1914-D Lincoln Cent
The 1914-D Lincoln Cent is another key coin, known for its low mintage of only 1.2 million. Its scarcity makes it highly desirable among collectors.
How to Identify:
- Date and Mint Mark: The coin should be dated 1914 with a “D” mint mark for the Denver Mint.
- Condition: Look for coins with minimal wear.
Estimated Value:
- Good Condition: $200 – $400
- Uncirculated Condition: Up to $5,000
3. 1922 No D Lincoln Cent (Weak Reverse)
The 1922 No D Lincoln Cent is famous for its missing or weak “D” mint mark. This error coin, minted only in Denver, is quite rare.
How to Identify:
- Date and Mint Mark: The coin should be dated 1922 with either no “D” or a very weak “D” mint mark.
- Reverse Side: Look for a weak or blurry reverse.
Estimated Value:
- Good Condition: $500 – $800
- Uncirculated Condition: Up to $25,000
4. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent
The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent is a rare error coin. During World War II, the U.S. Mint used steel planchets, but a few bronze planchets from 1942 were mistakenly used.
How to Identify:
- Date: The coin should be dated 1943.
- Magnet Test: The bronze penny will not stick to a magnet, unlike the common steel cents.
Estimated Value:
- Good Condition: $100,000 – $200,000
- Uncirculated Condition: Up to $1.7 million
5. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent is known for its dramatic doubling on the obverse, especially on the date and inscriptions.
How to Identify:
- Obverse Side: Look for noticeable doubling on the date “1955” and the inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
- Magnification: Use magnification to see the doubling clearly.
Estimated Value:
- Good Condition: $1,000 – $1,500
- Uncirculated Condition: Up to $25,000
6. 1926-S Lincoln Cent
The 1926-S Lincoln Cent has a low mintage of just 4.6 million, making it a rare find, especially in high grades.
How to Identify:
- Date and Mint Mark: The coin should be dated 1926 with an “S” mint mark.
- Condition: Well-preserved coins are more valuable.
Estimated Value:
- Good Condition: $50 – $200
- Uncirculated Condition: Up to $5,000
7. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
The 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent features prominent doubling on the obverse, making it a sought-after error coin.
How to Identify:
- Obverse Side: Look for noticeable doubling on the date “1969” and the inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
- Mint Mark: The “S” mint mark indicates it was struck at the San Francisco Mint.
Estimated Value:
- Good Condition: $10,000 – $15,000
- Uncirculated Condition: Up to $70,000
8. 1972 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
The 1972 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent is known for significant doubling on the obverse side.
How to Identify:
- Obverse Side: Look for doubling on the date “1972” and the inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
- Magnification: Use magnification to spot the doubling clearly.
Estimated Value:
- Good Condition: $300 – $500
- Uncirculated Condition: Up to $2,500
9. 1909-S Lincoln Cent (No VDB Initials)
The 1909-S Lincoln Cent, without the VDB initials, is still valuable due to its low mintage of 1.8 million.
How to Identify:
- Date and Mint Mark: The coin should be dated 1909 with an “S” mint mark.
- Absence of VDB: Unlike the 1909-S VDB, this coin does not have the “VDB” initials.
Estimated Value:
- Good Condition: $100 – $400
- Uncirculated Condition: Up to $2,000
10. 1917 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
The 1917 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent features noticeable doubling on the obverse side, making it a rare find.
How to Identify:
- Obverse Side: Look for doubling on the date “1917” and the inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
- Magnification: Doubling is best seen under magnification.
Estimated Value:
- Good Condition: $1,000 – $3,000
- Uncirculated Condition: Up to $15,000
Summary of the Top 10 Rare and Valuable Lincoln Cents
| Coin Type | Year | Unique Feature | Estimated Value (Good-Uncirculated Condition) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent | 1909 | Low mintage, “VDB” initials | $700 – $2,500 |
| 1914-D Lincoln Cent | 1914 | Low mintage, Denver Mint | $200 – $5,000 |
| 1922 No D Lincoln Cent (Weak Reverse) | 1922 | Missing/weak “D” mint mark | $500 – $25,000 |
| 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent | 1943 | Bronze planchet (error) | $100,000 – $1.7 million |
| 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent | 1955 | Doubled die obverse | $1,000 – $25,000 |
| 1926-S Lincoln Cent | 1926 | Low mintage | $50 – $5,000 |
| 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent | 1969 | Doubled die obverse | $10,000 – $70,000 |
| 1972 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent | 1972 | Doubled die obverse | $300 – $2,500 |
| 1909-S Lincoln Cent (No VDB Initials) | 1909 | First year, no “VDB” initials | $100 – $2,000 |
| 1917 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent | 1917 | Doubled die obverse | $1,000 – $15,000 |
1. What is a Lincoln cent?
A Lincoln cent, also known as a Lincoln penny, is a one-cent coin featuring Abraham Lincoln. It has been a part of U.S. currency since 1909.
2. Why are some Lincoln cents so valuable?
Certain Lincoln cents are valuable due to their rarity, unique minting errors, or historical significance. These factors make them highly sought after by collectors.
3. How can I tell if my Lincoln cent is valuable?
To determine if your Lincoln cent is valuable, look for key features like mint marks, error types, and overall condition. Coins with low mintage or significant errors are usually worth more.
4. How do I identify a 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent?
A 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent can be identified by its date and the fact that it is not attracted to a magnet. Regular 1943 cents are made of steel and will stick to a magnet.
5. Where can I get my rare Lincoln cents appraised?
You can get your Lincoln cents appraised by visiting a reputable coin dealer or numismatic expert. They can help you determine the coin’s value and authenticity.
