Overview of rare pennies of the twentieth century
This article profiles the top 11 rare pennies of the twentieth century and explains how to identify and evaluate them. The focus is practical: key features to look for, rough value ranges, and authentication tips.
How to use this guide
Read each coin entry for identifying marks and grading notes before checking your coins. If you think you have a rare piece, seek third-party grading from PCGS or NGC to confirm authenticity and grade.
Top 11 Rare Pennies of the Twentieth Century
Below are widely recognized twentieth-century Lincoln cents and varieties that collectors prize. Each entry includes a short identification checklist and approximate value guidance (values can vary widely by grade and market).
1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
Identification: Look for the initials VDB on the reverse at the bottom. Mintmark S on the obverse. Low mintage from the San Francisco Mint makes this a key date.
- Why rare: Low mintage and early Lincoln cent controversy led to removal of VDB on some pieces.
- Value guidance: Thousands to tens of thousands of dollars depending on grade and eye appeal.
2. 1909 VDB (Philadelphia)
Identification: No mintmark, VDB initials on the reverse rim. Fewer pieces survive in high grade compared with later dates.
- Why rare: Low original mintage and first-year Lincoln design interest.
- Value guidance: Hundreds to several thousand dollars, higher in uncirculated grades.
3. 1909-S (No VDB)
Identification: S mintmark without VDB initials on reverse. More common than 1909-S VDB but still collectible in high grades.
- Value guidance: Lower than the VDB variant, still valuable in high grades.
4. 1914-D Lincoln Cent
Identification: D mintmark on obverse. Strong collector demand for the 1914-D as a classic key date.
- Why rare: Low mintage at Denver and collector interest for completion of Lincoln cent sets.
- Value guidance: Can reach several thousand dollars in AU/MS grades.
5. 1915-S Lincoln Cent
Identification: S mintmark on obverse. Not as famous as 1914-D, but scarce in higher grades.
- Why rare: Smaller mintages and survival rates; important for date runs.
- Value guidance: Typically hundreds to low thousands depending on grade.
6. 1922 Plain (No D) Lincoln Cent
Identification: Absence of a D mintmark where struck at Denver, appearing as a plain reverse. Often shows weakness in the area where a mintmark would be.
- Why rare: Overpolishing and weak mintmarks produced the “no D” variety, which is highly collected.
- Value guidance: Hundreds to thousands of dollars for well-preserved examples.
7. 1931-S Lincoln Cent
Identification: S mintmark on obverse, low mintage issue from San Francisco. Scarcer than most 1930s cents.
- Why rare: Low mintage and fewer survivors in high grade.
- Value guidance: Hundreds to over a thousand dollars in better grades.
8. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent (Copper)
Identification: Obverse and reverse look like a normal bronze cent from other years, but dated 1943. True 1943 cents were struck on steel and are silver-gray.
- Why rare: Few were struck on bronze planchets by error during wartime metal changes.
- Value guidance: Extremely valuable—examples have sold for over $1,000,000 at auction in exceptional cases; most certified examples command six- or seven-figure prices.
9. 1944 Steel Lincoln Cent
Identification: A gray, steel-looking coin dated 1944 (most 1944 cents are bronze). Steel planchet error is the key sign.
- Why rare: Mistaken use of leftover steel planchets produced a tiny number of 1944 steel cents.
- Value guidance: Very rare and valuable; certified examples draw high collector interest and strong prices.
10. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
Identification: Strong, obvious doubling of the date and lettering on the obverse; doubling is most visible in the word LIBERTY and the date.
- Why rare: A die error creating a dramatic doubled image on the obverse makes this one of the most famous error coins.
- Value guidance: Thousands to tens of thousands depending on grade; top-quality certified specimens can command very high prices.
11. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
Identification: Doubling on letters and date on the obverse of certain San Francisco proofs and business strikes. The trusted collectors’ community recognizes certain strong varieties.
- Why rare: Limited number of true doubled-die strikes and strong collector demand for modern errors.
- Value guidance: Varies widely—highly graded certified examples are most valuable.
Practical tips for identifying rare pennies
- Use a 10x loupe to examine mintmarks, doubling, and planchet color.
- Compare suspected coins to certified images from PCGS and NGC databases.
- Beware of electrotypes, altered mintmarks, and cleaned or polished coins that reduce value.
Some of the most valuable twentieth-century pennies were created by simple planchet or die errors—like the 1943 bronze and the 1955 doubled die—rather than by low mintage alone.
Authentication and grading
If you suspect you have one of these rare pennies, submit it to a major grading service (PCGS or NGC). Authentication protects you from counterfeits and altered pieces and provides a public market grade that helps establish fair value.
Case study: A collector finds a 1955 doubled die
A small-town collector found a worn 1955 cent in a jar and noticed thick doubling in LIBERTY and the date. After having it authenticated and graded MS63 by a third-party service, the collector sold it through a reputable auction house for a five-figure sum.
Lesson: Always closely inspect common dates for strong doubling and submit high-potential pieces for professional grading.
Final checklist before buying or selling
- Check for obvious error traits (doubling, wrong metal, missing mintmark).
- Compare with reliable reference photos and price guides.
- Get third-party authentication for high-value candidates.
Use this guide as a starting point to identify and evaluate rare pennies of the twentieth century. For serious transactions, rely on certified grading and professional auction houses to ensure accurate pricing and provenance.