Top 10 Rare Lincoln Pennies Still in Circulation — What to Look For
Many collectors and casual savers still find valuable Lincoln cents in everyday change. This guide lists ten rare Lincoln pennies you might encounter, explains how to spot them, and gives practical next steps if you find one.
1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
Spotting: Look at the reverse under the wreath for the initials VDB and the small S mint mark near the rim on the obverse. This is one of the most sought-after early Lincoln cents.
Why it’s rare: Low mintage and the VDB designer initials were removed early in the release. Condition matters a lot for value.
2. 1909-S Lincoln Penny (No VDB)
Spotting: S mint mark on the obverse and no VDB on the reverse. This variant also has a low mintage compared with other early years.
Why it’s rare: Scarcity from the San Francisco mint makes it important to collectors, especially in higher grades.
3. 1914-D Lincoln Penny
Spotting: Small D mint mark below the date on the obverse. The 1914-D is famous among collectors for its limited numbers.
Why it’s rare: Low mintage and substantial collector demand push prices up for well-preserved examples.
4. 1922 Plain (No D) Lincoln Penny
Spotting: Look at the reverse for the absence of a mint mark; the 1922-D overpolished planchets sometimes left no visible D. The plain 1922 is an error/variety that can be valuable.
Why it’s rare: Many 1922 cents show traces of a D, so a truly plain 1922 in good condition is scarce and sought after.
5. 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny
Spotting: Most 1943 cents are steel with a zinc coating and are silver-colored. A 1943 copper cent will look like a normal brown/bronze penny.
Why it’s rare: Copper planchets were mistakenly used and very few survived. These are extremely rare and can be highly valuable depending on condition.
6. 1944 Steel Lincoln Penny
Spotting: A 1944 cent should be bronze; a silver-colored 1944 indicates a steel planchet error. Examine color and magnetism (steel is magnetic).
Why it’s rare: Few 1944 steel cents exist, usually from leftover planchets. They are prized by error collectors.
7. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny
Spotting: The date and the words on the obverse look doubled, especially the digits in the date and the word LIBERTY. Use a loupe to confirm overlapping doubling.
Why it’s rare: One of the most iconic doubled-die errors; circulated examples do appear and can be worth significant sums in higher grades.
8. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse (Proof)
Spotting: Strong doubling on the date and lettering on proof examples struck at San Francisco (S mint mark). These are mostly in proof sets, but some can surface outside collections.
Why it’s rare: Limited striking errors on proof planchets make this variety uncommon and attractive to specialists.
9. 1972 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny
Spotting: Look for doubling on the date and IN GOD WE TRUST or LIBERTY. The effect is visible on close inspection with a magnifier.
Why it’s rare: Not as rare as older items, but collectors seek good examples, and certified coins command premiums.
10. Other Mint Error Pennies to Watch For
Spotting: Errors include off-center strikes, clipped planchets, broadstrikes, and missing elements. These are often obvious without magnification.
Why they’re collectible: Errors can be valuable even for newer pennies, depending on severity and rarity.
How to Check Your Change for Rare Lincoln Pennies
- Use a magnifier or loupe to inspect dates and mint marks closely.
- Look for doubling on letters and numbers—this is a common, valuable error.
- Compare color and weight: 1943 copper and 1944 steel stand out by color and magnetism.
- Keep a small reference guide or phone image of known varieties for quick comparison.
What To Do If You Find a Rare Lincoln Penny
Handle the coin carefully by its edges and place it on a soft, clean surface. Avoid cleaning or rubbing the coin as that can reduce its value.
Next steps include having it graded by a reputable service, consulting a local coin dealer, or listing it on a trusted auction or coin forum for appraisal.
Some of the rarest Lincoln pennies were produced by mistakes during wartime metal changes and mint transitions. A single misfiled planchet can create a coin worth thousands.
Simple Case Study: Finding Value in a Penny Jar
A teacher cleaned out a classroom penny jar and noticed an odd-looking 1955 penny with doubled digits. She had it examined by a local dealer and then graded. The coin sold to a collector for several thousand dollars—enough to buy classroom supplies for months.
This example shows: check odd-looking coins, get professional opinions, and never clean a potential rarity.
Practical Tips Before Selling or Grading
- Document the coin with clear photos showing both sides in good light.
- Get at least two opinions: one from a reputable dealer and one from a grading service if the coin appears valuable.
- Understand grading costs and potential sale fees before submitting a coin.
Regularly checking your change can pay off. Keep a basic loupe and reference images handy, and you might find a valuable Lincoln penny hiding among everyday coins.
