While it is rare, some of the most valuable Lincoln pennies, often error coins or key dates, could still be found in circulation.
The value is significantly higher for coins in high-grade or uncirculated condition, but even worn examples of these rarities can be worth a fortune.
Extremely Valuable Lincoln Cents (Rarities often discovered as errors):
- 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent (or Copper): During WWII, cents were supposed to be made of steel to conserve copper. An extremely small number were accidentally struck on the pre-1943 bronze planchets.
- Value: Specimens have sold for over $100,000, with one 1943-D coin selling for $1.75 million at auction. Low-grade examples of the 1943-P can still be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. You can check if a 1943 penny is bronze by seeing if it does not stick to a magnet, as the common steel cents will.
- 1944 Steel Lincoln Cent: The opposite error of the 1943 bronze cent, these were accidentally struck on leftover steel planchets from 1943.
- Value: These are extremely rare and generally trade for between $75,000 and $125,000.
- 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse: This is one of the rarest doubled die varieties, with very few examples known to exist. The doubling is apparent on the date and obverse inscription (“LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”).
- Value: Circulated examples are valued around $15,000–$35,000, with uncirculated pieces selling for over $125,000.
Other Valuable Key Date and Error Lincoln Cents:
- 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent: A popular error with heavy doubling visible in “LIBERTY” and the date. A circulated example values around $1,500–$2,000.
- 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent: The coin features the designer’s initials “VDB” on the reverse and was struck at the San Francisco Mint.
- Value: Well-worn examples start at around $600.
- 1914-D Lincoln Cent: A key date due to its low mintage.
- Value: Well-worn grades sell for around $150.
- 1922 “Plain” Lincoln Cent (No “D” mintmark): This error resulted from heavy die polishing obliterating the Denver “D” mintmark.
- Value: All specimens are worth around $500+ even in well-worn condition.
- 1992-D Close AM: A new reverse die with “AM” in “AMERICA” closely spaced was mistakenly used to strike a small number of 1992-D cents.
- Value: An average circulated quality coin is worth around $750-$1,000, and top examples have sold for as much as $14,100.
- 1972 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent: Shows marked doubling on the obverse, particularly the date and “LIBERTY”.
- Value: Worth about $200 in circulated grades.
Important Note: The value of any coin depends heavily on its condition (grade) and the authentication process by a reputable grading service. Counterfeits exist for many rare errors, especially the 1943 bronze cent.
