Top 15 Rare Lincoln Pennies Still in Circulation

Lincoln cents remain the most common entry point into coin collecting, but a few key dates and varieties are still occasionally found in everyday change. This guide lists 15 rare Lincoln pennies you may encounter, how to identify them, and what they might be worth in circulated condition.

Rare Lincoln Pennies Still in Circulation: Top 15 List

The list below focuses on common-date finds that have collectible value even when worn. Each entry includes key identification tips and an approximate value range for circulated examples.

1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent

One of the most famous Lincoln cents, the 1909-S with designer initials VDB on the reverse is scarce. It’s a key date for wheat penny collectors.

• Key features: Small S mint mark on the obverse below date; VDB initials on reverse at bottom.
• Typical circulated value: $200–$1,200 depending on wear.

2. 1909-S Lincoln Cent (no VDB)

The no-VDB 1909-S is also rare but less sought after than the VDB version. It’s easier to miss without careful inspection.

• Key features: S mint mark; no VDB initials on reverse.
• Typical circulated value: $30–$250.

3. 1914-D Lincoln Cent

The 1914 Denver-minted Lincoln cent is a classic key date for collectors. It’s scarce in circulation and often commands a premium.

• Key features: Small D mint mark under the date on the obverse.
• Typical circulated value: $150–$500.

4. 1922 No D Lincoln Cent (Plain Cent)

In 1922 some cents intended for the Denver mint didn’t receive a D due to weak strikes. The 1922 plain (no mint mark) is rare.

• Key features: Smooth area under the date where a D would be expected.
• Typical circulated value: $30–$300 depending on strike clarity.

5. 1931-S Lincoln Cent

The 1931-S is a scarce San Francisco issue in circulated grades. Look closely for the tiny S mint mark.

• Key features: S mint mark on obverse below the date.
• Typical circulated value: $25–$200.

6. 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent

Most 1943 cents were steel due to wartime copper needs; a few copper 1943s were struck from leftover planchets. These are rare and valuable.

• Key features: Normal brown color instead of silver-gray steel; weight about 3.11 grams.
• Typical circulated value: Several thousand dollars to much higher for verified examples.

7. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent

One of the most dramatic and collectible errors, the 1955 doubled die shows clear doubling of the date and inscriptions on the obverse.

• Key features: Noticeable doubling on the date, LIBERTY, and IN GOD WE TRUST.
• Typical circulated value: $500–$5,000 depending on the strength of doubling and wear.

8. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent

Another strong doubled die variety, the 1969-S can be quite valuable when the doubling is obvious.

• Key features: Heavy doubling on the obverse lettering and date; S mint mark present on reverse.
• Typical circulated value: $100–$2,000.

9. 1972 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent

The 1972 doubled die is common enough to be found but valuable in stronger grades and clearer doublings.

• Key features: Doubling on date and motto; look closely under magnification.
• Typical circulated value: $20–$400.

10. 1983 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent

Some 1983 cents show noticeable doubling from a hubbing error. These can still appear in circulation.

• Key features: Doubling on obverse legend and date when present.
• Typical circulated value: $20–$200.

11. 1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent (Lincoln Memorial Reverse)

A detail variety where the A and M in AMERICA are close together. It is a subtle but collectible variety for modern-coin collectors.

• Key features: Tight spacing in AMERICA on reverse.
• Typical circulated value: $5–$50.

12. 2009-S Lincoln Bicentennial Wide AM Reverse

The 2009 series produced several reverse designs; the San Francisco Wide AM variety is among the more collectible modern issues.

• Key features: Wide spacing between A and M in AMERICA on the S-mint reverse.
• Typical circulated value: $5–$60.

13. 2010-S Lincoln Cent Proof Strike Errors

Proof errors from San Francisco occasionally escape into circulation. These are rare finds for error collectors.

• Key features: Mirror-like surface on proof pieces or die clash marks; S mint mark.
• Typical circulated value: $10–$200 depending on error.

14. Off-Metal and Brockage Errors

Some Lincoln cents are struck on aluminum, bronze-clad, or other wrong planchets. Brockage errors (partial mirror image on one side) also appear rarely.

• Key features: Wrong color or odd impression; visible mating image on one side for brockage.
• Typical circulated value: $50–$1,000+ depending on rarity.

15. Unlisted Varieties and Strong Struck Examples

Occasionally a well-struck common date or an unrecorded variety will command more than a typical circulated coin. Always inspect strike quality and die features.

• Key features: Unexpectedly sharp detail for the date; unusual die markers.
• Typical circulated value: Varies widely; often $10–$500+.

How to Check Pennies You Find

Use a magnifier and good light to check for mint marks, doubled letters, and unusual coloring. Compare suspicious coins to reference photos online or in a coin guide.

• Steps: clean workspace, magnifier, scale for weight, reference images.
• When in doubt: get a second opinion from a dealer or a numismatic forum.

Case Study: A 1955 Doubled Die Found in a Wallet

A collector in Ohio discovered a 1955 doubled die in pocket change and posted photos to a coin forum. After verification by a local dealer, the coin sold for $1,200 at auction.

This shows how everyday finds can become valuable with proper identification and verification.

Where to Sell or Get Verification

Local coin dealers, reputable auction houses, and third-party grading services can verify and sell valuable finds. Avoid selling high-value coins to the first buyer without multiple offers.

With attention to mint marks, die varieties, and unusual colors, you can spot many rare Lincoln pennies in circulation. Keep a magnifier handy and compare coins to reliable references to catch hidden value.