Top 14 Rare Lincoln Pennies Still in Circulation
Collectors and casual searchers sometimes find surprising Lincoln pennies in everyday change. This guide lists 14 rare Lincoln pennies and error types you can still encounter, how to identify them, and rough value ranges.
1. 1909-S VDB — Rare Lincoln Pennies
The 1909-S VDB (San Francisco mint, designer initials VDB on the reverse) is a top early rarity. It has low mintage and is highly sought after in circulated grades.
2. 1909 VDB — Rare Lincoln Pennies
The 1909 Philadelphia VDB variety also draws collector interest because the VDB initials were removed mid-year. Circulated examples can be valuable, with higher-grade coins worth far more.
3. 1909-S (no VDB) — Rare Lincoln Pennies
The 1909-S without VDB is scarcer than many later dates and is a key date for type collectors. Even worn examples can command a premium compared with common dates.
4. 1914-D — Rare Lincoln Pennies
1914-D is a classic key date for Lincoln cents. Few survive in circulation, and it’s a must-have for many date sets.
5. 1922 Plain (No D) — Rare Lincoln Pennies
Many 1922 cents show a faint D mintmark, but truly plain-1922 coins (no D) are scarce. These often result from over-polishing of dies or weak mintmarks and are collectible.
6. 1931-S — Rare Lincoln Pennies
The 1931-S Lincoln cent has low survival rates, particularly in higher grades. It is commonly listed among scarce circulating-date lincoln cents.
7. 1943 Bronze/Copper — Rare Lincoln Pennies
Most 1943 cents are steel because of wartime copper needs. Genuine 1943 bronze or copper planchet cents are rare errors and can be worth thousands to collectors.
8. 1944 Steel — Rare Lincoln Pennies
While 1944 cents are normally bronze, a small number of 1944 steel cents exist due to planchet mix-ups. These error coins are uncommon and desirable.
9. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse — Rare Lincoln Pennies
The 1955 doubled die obverse is famous for its strong doubling of LIBERTY and the date. It is one of the most recognized doubled-die Lincoln cents and can be valuable even in circulated condition.
10. 1969 Doubled Die Obverse — Rare Lincoln Pennies
The 1969 doubled die obverse from Philadelphia is an important modern rarity. Look for clear, strong doubling on the date and inscriptions; confirmed examples are scarce.
11. 1972 Doubled Die Obverse — Rare Lincoln Pennies
The 1972 doubled die obverse shows obvious doubling on LINCOLN and is another double-die variety collectors hunt for in circulation. Many examples are moderately scarce.
12. 1992 Close AM Variety — Rare Lincoln Pennies
The 1992 Close AM (Lincoln Memorial reverse) is a recognized variety where the A and M in AM on the reverse look close together. This subtle variety is relatively scarce compared with the common Wide AM.
13. Off-Center Strikes — Rare Lincoln Pennies
Off-center strikes occur when a planchet shifts before striking. Depending on how off-center the image is, these can be sought-after error coins and sometimes sell for premiums.
14. Clipped Planchets and Broadstrikes — Rare Lincoln Pennies
Clipped planchets (missing a piece) and broadstruck coins (oversized impressions) are mint errors that turn common dates into collectible pieces. They occasionally appear in circulation.
How to Spot Rare Lincoln Pennies in Circulation
Use a simple step-by-step check whenever you find an unusual penny. Keep tools handy for quick inspection and reference.
- Visual check: Look for doubling, unusual color (steel vs. copper), or missing/misplaced mintmarks.
- Use a magnifier: Doubling and small mintmark details are easier to see under 5–10x magnification.
- Weigh suspect coins: A 1943 steel cent weighs less than a copper cent. A scale helps confirm metal type.
- Compare photos: Use reliable reference photos or trusted coin sites to compare varieties.
Basic grading and value notes
Most rare Lincoln pennies still in circulation will be in circulated grades, which affects price. Even worn examples of key dates and error coins can be worth far more than face value.
Values vary widely by grade and scarcity; common circulated rarities may be worth hundreds, while dramatic errors and key dates in high grade can be worth thousands or more.
Quick tips for searching pocket change
Look through rolls and coin jars methodically. Many finds come from bank coin rolls, vending machines, or cashiers’ till drawers.
- Search small batches—10–20 coins at a time to stay focused.
- Check both sides of each coin under good light and with a magnifier.
- Save any candidates in flips or small envelopes and mark where you found them.
Example: Real-world find case
Example: A collector bought a bundle of pennies from a coin dealer and discovered a 1955 doubled die obverse in circulated grade. They authenticated it with a numismatic expert and later sold it at auction for a five-figure price. Careful inspection and authentication turned an ordinary roll purchase into a significant sale.
When to get professional help
If you find a suspected key date, strong doubled die, or unusual metal composition, consult a reputable coin dealer or grading service. Authentication and grading increase buyer confidence and can dramatically affect value.
By learning the common rarities and keeping a few tools handy, you can turn ordinary change-checking into a rewarding hobby. Many rare Lincoln pennies still show up in circulation—sometimes where you least expect them.
