Many rare Lincoln cents still turn up in everyday change. This guide explains which varieties to look for, what visual clues matter, and quick steps to check coins at home.
How to Check Your Change for Top 10 Rare Lincoln Pennies Still in Circulation
Checking change takes only a few tools and a basic eye for detail. A magnifying glass, good light, and a sorting tray let you quickly find likely candidates.
Follow these simple checks before assuming value: inspect the date, mint mark, and major die varieties. If you suspect a rare example, photograph it and seek a second opinion from a dealer or grading service.
Top 10 Rare Lincoln Pennies Still in Circulation
Below are ten Lincoln cent varieties that collectors still find in circulation. Each entry has spotting tips and a brief note on relative scarcity.
1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
This is one of the most famous rarities. Look for the small initials “VDB” on the reverse at the base of the wreath and the small S mint mark beneath the date on the obverse.
Spotting tip: heavy wear can obscure VDB; search worn coins carefully. Condition dramatically affects value.
2. 1909-S Lincoln Cent (non VDB)
The 1909-S without VDB is also scarce due to low San Francisco mintage. Check the S mint mark and the 1909 date clearly.
Spotting tip: verify mint mark placement and compare to reference images if unsure.
3. 1914-D Lincoln Cent
The 1914-D is a popular short-print Denver issue. Inspect the date and D mint mark on the obverse; it can be weak in worn examples.
Spotting tip: use side lighting to reveal faint mint marks and die wear that may hide details.
4. 1922 No D Lincoln Cent
Some 1922 cents appear to have no mint mark because the D was weakly impressed or filled. These “No D” pieces are noteworthy to collectors.
Spotting tip: tilt the coin under light to reveal a faint D or remnants of a mint mark.
5. 1931-S Lincoln Cent
The 1931-S has a low mintage and is scarce in circulation. Check the S mint mark and date area for signs of originality.
Spotting tip: smooth wear can trick the eye; look for correct letter spacing compared to common dates.
6. 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent
Most 1943 cents were struck in steel. A small number were mistakenly struck on bronze planchets, making them extremely rare and valuable.
Spotting tip: copper-colored 1943 cents are immediate red flags. Do not clean the coin; seek expert verification.
7. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse
The 1955 doubled die obverse shows obvious doubling on the date and the inscription LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST. It is one of the most visible doubled-die errors.
Spotting tip: strong doubling on letters is plain to see even with modest magnification. Color and toning don’t affect identification.
8. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse
A rare doubled die from San Francisco can be found in circulation, though it’s less common than the 1955 example. Look for doubling on the date and the motto.
Spotting tip: compare suspected examples to reliable photos; the doubling pattern is consistent for genuine pieces.
9. 1972 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
Some 1972 cents show notable doubling on the obverse. These are scarce and sought by variety collectors.
Spotting tip: doubling on the date and word shapes is easier to see at low angles under strong light.
10. 1999 Wide AM Lincoln Cent
The 1999 Wide AM is a modern variety with a wider spacing between the A and M in AMERICA on the reverse. It turns up more often than older rarities but still commands interest.
Spotting tip: compare the spacing between letters on the reverse to a known regular 1999 cent.
Practical Steps to Check Coins Quickly
- Gather tools: magnifier (10x), flashlight, tray, and reference images.
- Sort by date ranges: older coins (pre-1960) get priority.
- Use tilting light to reveal faint mint marks or doubling.
- Photograph suspected coins and consult a collector forum or local dealer.
What to Do If You Find One
Do not clean or polish the coin; cleaning can destroy value. Store it in a soft flip or coin envelope and seek a professional appraisal for important finds.
For potentially very valuable pieces, consider third-party grading before selling to get an accurate market estimate.
Some rare Lincoln cents are mistakes from the mint process, such as bronze 1943 cents, which slipped past quality control and now rank among the most valuable pennies.
Quick Case Study: A Found Penny Turned Collector Value
A casual finder sorted household coins and noticed heavy doubling on a 1955 cent. After posting clear photos to a collector forum, a local dealer confirmed it as a 1955 doubled die obverse.
The finder later sold the coin at auction for several thousand dollars. The key steps were: careful inspection, photographing, and getting a professional opinion before selling.
Final Tips When You Check Your Change
Be consistent. Even short, regular checks will surface curious varieties over time. Keep a small reference book or phone app with images.
Keep expectations realistic: most finds are low-grade and not worth large sums, but occasional rarities do turn up and make the search rewarding.
