Collectors and new numismatists often find that a single old penny can be both fascinating and valuable. This guide lists eleven of the most sought-after pennies from the 20th century and explains how to identify them.
How to use this list of rare pennies
Read each entry to understand why that date or variety is scarce and what features to check. Use the identification tips and the short case study to see how discoveries occur in the real world.
Top 11 Rare Pennies of the Twentieth Century
1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
This 1909 San Francisco issue shows designer Victor D. Brenner’s initials (VDB) on the reverse. Low mintage and collector interest make it one of the best-known key dates.
Check the reverse lower rim for the VDB initials and the small S mintmark on the obverse. High-grade examples command premium prices.
2. 1909-S Lincoln Cent (no VDB)
The San Francisco strike without VDB is also scarce because the S mint produced fewer coins early in 1909. Condition matters: well-preserved specimens are especially valuable.
Look for the S mintmark under the date on the obverse and compare wear patterns to typical circulation strike coins.
3. 1914-D Lincoln Cent
Issued at Denver, the 1914-D is a classic key date. It had a small mintage and often shows circulation wear, which raises value for mint-condition examples.
Inspect the date and mintmark clearly; a sharp 1914-D in higher grade is one of the more expensive 20th-century pennies.
4. 1922 Plain (No D) Lincoln Cent
This coin appears to lack a Denver mintmark, making it a rarity. Most 1922 cents were struck at Denver and should show a D, so the plain variety is a major variety collectors seek.
Careful lighting helps: sometimes a faint mintmark is worn or repunched, so authentication is important.
5. 1931-S Lincoln Cent
The 1931-S is another San Francisco key date with low production. Mid-grade examples are common in collections, but higher grades remain scarce.
Look for strong detail on Lincoln’s cheek and hair as a quick grade indicator.
6. 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent
Most 1943 cents were struck on steel planchets due to wartime copper conservation. A few 1943 copper cents were accidentally struck on bronze, creating a famous error coin.
Copper 1943 cents are rare and valuable. Metal testing or a grading service is recommended before sale or purchase.
7. 1944 Bronze Lincoln Cent (from 1943 planchets)
After 1943, some 1944 cents were struck on leftover steel planchets or, conversely, on bronze planchets intended for 1943. The bronze 1944 cents are rarities in mint state.
These errors are less common than normal 1944 cents and are worth checking if the color looks unusually yellow-brown.
8. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
One of the most famous doubled-die errors, the 1955 DDO shows heavy doubling on lettering and date. It is visually obvious and widely collected.
Look at the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the date; pronounced doubling on letters and numerals confirms the variety.
9. 1969-S Proof and Business Varieties
The 1969-S proof doubled die and some low-run proof failures are rare. Collectors chase both proof-only and business-strike oddities from this year.
Proof coins display mirror-like fields; doubled devices and letters are the key identifier for these rarities.
10. 1972 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
Though not as dramatic as 1955, the 1972 doubled die obverse can be valuable in higher grades. It is more sought by variety collectors than generalists.
Check doubling on IN GOD WE TRUST and the date to spot this variety.
11. 1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent (Lincoln Memorial Back)
This later 20th-century variety shows the A and M in AM close together on the reverse state. It’s a variety that interests specialists and can bring a small premium.
Examine the reverse lettering near ONE CENT to compare spacing between A and M.
Quick identification tips for rare pennies
- Check mintmarks: look under the date for D, S, or none.
- Inspect doubling: use a magnifier to view letters and date for doubled die traits.
- Note metal color: copper vs. steel or bronze indicates potential errors for 1943–1944 coins.
- Assess condition: even scarce dates rise sharply in value when well preserved.
Small case study: a jar of pennies
A collector bought an old jar of mixed coins at a flea market and sorted them at home. Among common cents, they found a 1955 doubled die obverse with clear doubling on the date and lettering.
After third-party grading, the coin sold at auction for a price far above face value. This example shows how routine sorting and a magnifier can reveal valuable finds.
Practical next steps for collectors
If you suspect a rare penny, photograph both sides under good light and note any mintmarks or odd metal color. For coins that appear valuable, submit them to a reputable grading service before trying to sell.
Use local coin shops and auction records to compare recent sale prices. Keep records of provenance and any certification paperwork for higher-value pieces.
These eleven pennies represent common high-interest varieties from the twentieth century. Careful inspection and conservative authentication will help you accurately identify and value any potential finds.