How to use this guide on Top 10 Rare Lincoln Pennies Still in Circulation
This guide lists the top 10 rare Lincoln pennies you might still find in circulation and gives practical steps to identify and verify them. Read the short descriptions, common signs, and next steps for selling or preserving a find.
Top 10 Rare Lincoln Pennies Still in Circulation — Quick List
Below are widely recognized rare Lincoln cents that collectors often search for in everyday change. These coins are notable because of their low mintage, known errors, or strong collector demand.
- 1909-S VDB
- 1909-S (no VDB)
- 1914-D
- 1922 Plain (no D)
- 1931-S
- 1955 Doubled Die Obverse
- 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse
- 1972 Doubled Die Obverse (P)
- 1984 Doubled Die Obverse (P)
- 1992 Close AM / Far AM varieties
Why these Rare Lincoln Pennies Still in Circulation matter
Each listed coin has a documented history of scarcity or an identifiable error that makes it attractive to collectors. Some are key-date issues with low original mintages, while others are doubling or mint-mark anomalies.
Even worn examples can be worth more than face value, so learning the basics of identification is useful for anyone who checks loose change often.
How to spot rare Lincoln pennies
Use a magnifier and good light. Examine the date, mint mark, and letters on the obverse and reverse for doubling, missing marks, or unusual surfaces.
Look for these signs:
- Date wear inconsistent with the rest of the coin (indicates possible re-punched or doubled dies).
- Doubling on the date or letters — visible as a clear second image.
- Missing mint mark or filled die where the mint mark should be.
1909-S VDB — Rare Lincoln Penny
The 1909-S VDB is one of the most famous rare Lincoln cents. It has the designer Victor D. Brenner’s initials (VDB) on the reverse and was minted in limited quantities.
High-grade examples command significant premiums, but worn examples are still valuable to beginners who find one in change.
1909-S (no VDB) — Rare Lincoln Penny
The same year produced additional scarce issues without the VDB initials. These are easier to miss because the difference is subtle, but the date and mint mark are key to recognition.
1914-D — Rare Lincoln Penny
Minted in Denver, the 1914-D is a key date for Lincoln cents. Look for clear digits and the small ‘D’ mint mark under the date on the obverse.
1922 Plain (no D) — Rare Lincoln Penny
Some 1922 pennies have no visible mint mark due to a filled die, and these “plain” 1922s are scarce. The coin metal and design should match other 1922 cents; absence of a ‘D’ is the distinguishing factor.
1931-S — Rare Lincoln Penny
The 1931-S had a lower mintage and can be hard to find in high grade. As with older coins, weight, color, and design sharpness help verify authenticity.
1955 Doubled Die Obverse — Rare Lincoln Penny
This is one of the most iconic doubled-die errors. The doubling is most visible on the date and the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Even worn examples show noticeable doubling.
1969-S Doubled Die Obverse — Rare Lincoln Penny
The 1969-S doubled die is a known variety with strong collector interest. It usually appears on proof coins made at the San Francisco mint and can be identified with magnification.
1972 & 1984 Doubled Die Obverse — Rare Lincoln Pennies
Both years include doubled-die varieties that collectors seek. The doubling is most often visible on the date and PRESIDING inscriptions, and condition affects value strongly.
1992 Close AM / Far AM varieties — Rare Lincoln Pennies
These varieties are defined by the spacing in the inscription “AMERICA.” They are not extremely rare but are popular with collectors and can be worth premiums in higher grades.
What to do if you find a rare Lincoln penny
Do not clean the coin — cleaning can lower value. Handle coins by the edges and store in a soft, dry holder.
Steps to take:
- Photograph the coin under good light and magnification.
- Use reputable reference guides or online databases to compare.
- Consider a professional authentication or grading service for high-value finds.
Real-world example: Case study of a 1955 doubled die find
A teacher in Ohio found a worn 1955 cent in a jar of pennies and noticed bold doubling on the date and letters. After photographing and comparing to reference images, she submitted the coin to a local dealer.
The dealer confirmed the doubled die and advised professional grading. After grading, the coin sold at auction for a price well above face value. The key steps were careful handling, documentation, and using a trusted grader.
Some rare Lincoln pennies were made because of short production runs, while others are valuable due to minting errors like doubled dies or missing mint marks. Even pennies saved in pockets can turn into collector treasures.
Final tips for collectors searching for rare Lincoln pennies
Use a loupe, learn key dates and errors, and check hoarded rolls and old jars of change. When in doubt, seek an expert opinion before selling or altering the coin.
Record any find and its context — where and how it was found — because provenance can add confidence for buyers and graders.
With basic tools and attention to detail, you can meaningfully increase your chances of finding one of these Top 10 Rare Lincoln Pennies Still in Circulation.
