How to spot rare Lincoln pennies in your change
Finding a rare Lincoln penny in circulation is possible but requires a careful eye. Focus on date, mint mark, major errors, and unusual metal color.
Use a magnifier and compare the coin to online reference photos before assuming value. Many valuable varieties are recognized by clear visual features like doubled lettering or missing mint marks.
Top 12 Rare Lincoln Pennies Still in Circulation
Below are twelve Lincoln cent types and varieties that are known to appear occasionally in pocket change. Each entry includes quick identification tips and why collectors value it.
1. 1909-S VDB
Identification: Date 1909, small S mint mark, initials VDB on the reverse at the rim. Look for strong detail and clear VDB initials.
Why it’s rare: Low mintage in the first year of the Lincoln cent makes this a key date for collectors.
2. 1909-S (No VDB)
Identification: 1909 date with S mint mark but no VDB initials. Slightly more common than the VDB variety but still scarce.
Why it’s rare: Early minting and low production numbers raise value, especially in higher grades.
3. 1914-D
Identification: Date 1914 with D mint mark. Strike quality can be weak on some examples.
Why it’s rare: Low Denver mintage and high collector demand create scarcity in circulated coins.
4. 1922 Plain (No D)
Identification: Date 1922 with no mint mark. Look for a doubled or filled-in appearance on the surface that hides a possible D.
Why it’s rare: Most 1922 cents show a D; plain-dies were produced in small numbers and can be valuable.
5. 1931-S
Identification: Date 1931 with S mint mark. Often weakly struck; check the date and mint mark carefully.
Why it’s rare: Limited mintage at San Francisco makes this a key date for collectors.
6. 1943 Bronze (Copper Planchet)
Identification: A brown or red-colored 1943 cent instead of the usual steel coloration. True examples are copper or bronze.
Why it’s rare: Most 1943 cents were struck on steel due to wartime copper needs; bronze strikes are rare and valuable.
7. 1944 Steel
Identification: A silver-colored 1944 cent. Genuine pieces were accidental strikes on leftover steel planchets.
Why it’s rare: Steel strikes in 1944 are unusual and sought after by collectors.
8. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse
Identification: Strong doubling on the date and motto on the obverse; doubling is easy to spot without magnification on many examples.
Why it’s rare: One of the most famous doubled die cents; high collector demand keeps values strong.
9. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse
Identification: Noticeable doubling on the date and inscriptions; often found in prooflike surfaces.
Why it’s rare: San Francisco doubled die cents from 1969 are prized, especially in higher grades.
10. 1972 Doubled Die Obverse
Identification: Doubling on date and central inscriptions; several varieties exist and some are more valuable than others.
Why it’s rare: Doubled die varieties from the early 1970s appear occasionally but can command premiums.
11. 1983 Doubled Die Obverse
Identification: Doubling on date and lettering; this is less famous than the 1955 DDO but still collectible.
Why it’s rare: Modern doubled dies are scarcer in circulation and can be identified with a loupe.
12. Selected Modern Varieties and Errors
Identification: Look for repunched mint marks, off-center strikes, and strong doubled dies from the 1980s onward.
Why it’s rare: Modern errors sometimes slip into circulation and can produce surprising collector interest.
How to verify and protect a find
Do initial checks at home with a magnifier, ruler, and reference photos online. Note weight and color for suspected bronze or steel issues.
If the coin appears valuable, avoid cleaning it. Record date, mint mark, and photograph the coin under good light for later comparison.
Where to get expert verification
- Local coin dealers or reputable coin shops
- Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC for high-value pieces
- Numismatic forums and specialist reference books for quick feedback
Practical tips for everyday searching
Check business tills, coin exchange machines, and rolled coins from banks. Hunt areas with high turnover like laundromats or vending machines.
Keep a small magnifier and a simple reference list in your wallet for quick checks while handling coins.
Case study: A real circulation find
A hobbyist in the Midwest discovered a 1955 doubled die obverse in pocket change while sorting coins for a roll. After photographing and confirming the variety with online collectors the coin was submitted to a grading service.
The graded specimen, praised for its strong doubling and good strike, sold through a specialist auction. This illustrates how small finds, when verified, can convert into significant collector value.
Final checklist before selling or grading
- Confirm date and mint mark with a loupe
- Do not clean or polish the coin
- Take clear photos and note provenance if possible
- Get multiple opinions from dealers or online communities
- Consider professional grading if the estimated value justifies fees
Rare Lincoln pennies still turn up in circulation, but careful identification and conservative verification steps are essential. Use the checklist above and consult experienced numismatists before making decisions about sale or grading.
