Find Valuable Lincoln Pennies in Your Pocket Change
Many valuable Lincoln pennies were produced in the 20th century and sometimes end up in everyday change. Knowing what to look for can turn a handful of coins into a collectible find.
Top most valuable Lincoln pennies to check
Some Lincoln cents are consistently the most valuable to collectors. Condition and authenticity determine price, but these types are the ones to prioritize when sorting change.
- 1909-S VDB — Early scarce issue with designer initials on the reverse.
- 1955 Doubled Die Obverse — Strong doubling of the date and lettering on the front.
- 1943 Bronze or Copper — Wartime change to steel produced rare bronze errors.
- 1922 No D — Missing mintmark on a rare date makes this high value when genuine.
- 1914-D and 1931-S — Low mintage years that command higher prices in good condition.
How to spot valuable Lincoln pennies
Checking coins quickly is easy with a few simple tools and habits. You do not need professional training to identify most major varieties.
Tools and basics
Keep a small magnifier, a magnet, and a reference checklist. A cheap 10x loupe and a kitchen magnet will help distinguish metal type and spot doubling.
- Magnifier (10x) — Reveals doubled die details and small mintmarks.
- Magnet — 1943 steel cents are magnetic; copper is not.
- Reference photos — Compare to trusted images online or in a guidebook.
What to inspect
Look first at the date area, mintmark (if any), and the reverse initials or doubling on the obverse. Color and feel of the coin also give clues.
- Date clarity — Worn dates reduce value, but some errors remain valuable even when worn.
- Mintmark placement — Missing or repunched mintmarks can indicate rarity.
- Surface color — Bright copper vs. dark brown indicates original metal and strike.
Detailed notes on the most collectible Lincoln pennies
1909-S VDB and 1909-S
The 1909-S with VDB initials is notable because the initials of designer Victor D. Brenner appear on the reverse. Early issues had low mintages at San Francisco, and a true 1909-S VDB in good condition is highly sought after.
1955 Doubled Die Obverse
The doubled-lettering effect on the 1955 doubled die is easy to spot with a magnifier because the date and motto show a clear second image. Uncirculated examples fetch the highest prices.
1943 Bronze or Copper Errors
During World War II most cents were struck on steel. Very few 1943 bronze or copper planchets were mistakenly used and those pieces are extremely rare. Use a magnet and color check—real bronze will not be magnetic and will look like a regular copper cent.
1922 No D and Other Low-Mintage Issues
In 1922 some cents show no mintmark due to weak punches or polishing. Genuine 1922 No D cents in higher grades are scarce and valuable. Always compare to reference images and, if in doubt, seek expert opinion before selling.
How to preserve and sell valuable Lincoln pennies
Proper handling and storage keep value intact. If you find a potentially valuable coin, minimize handling and follow simple steps before selling.
- Handle coins by the edges and avoid fingerprints. Oils reduce grade.
- Place suspect coins in a soft holder or coin flip—do not clean them.
- Get a professional opinion for high-value items before listing for sale.
Where to get coins graded or sold
Third-party grading services provide authentication and grade, which increases buyer confidence. Auction houses and specialist dealers are good channels for rare, high-value cents.
Real-world example
A collector found a worn-looking 1955 cent among pocket change and noticed doubled lettering under a 10x loupe. After sending high-resolution photos to an experienced dealer, the coin was authenticated as a doubled die and sold for several thousand dollars at auction.
That case shows checking quickly with a magnifier and asking for an expert opinion can reveal unexpected value.
The Lincoln cent was first issued in 1909 to commemorate Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday and it remains the longest-running U.S. coin design.
Quick checklist before you sell a Lincoln penny
- Confirm metal type (magnet test for 1943 steel).
- Compare images of known varieties and errors.
- Handle only by edges and avoid cleaning.
- Get a professional authentication for any coin you expect to be worth over a few hundred dollars.
Closing practical tips
Make it a habit to quickly scan change with a magnifier when you have a few spare minutes. Keep a simple reference guide on your phone and consult a dealer if something looks unusual.
Many rare Lincoln pennies have turned up in everyday pockets and coin rolls. With a little know-how and caution, you can identify the ones that may be worth more than face value.