Top 10 Rare Pennies of the Twentieth Century — Quick Overview
This guide explains the Top 10 Rare Pennies of the Twentieth Century and how to spot them. It is written for collectors and anyone who finds old pennies in change.
Each entry lists identifying features, typical rarity reasons, and rough value ranges. Use this as a starting point before getting professional grading or appraisal.
How to Use This Guide to the Top 10 Rare Pennies of the Twentieth Century
Look for mintmarks, doubling, planchet type, and unusual dates or mint errors. Photographs under magnification and weight checks help confirm many varieties.
If you suspect a valuable piece, avoid cleaning it and seek a reputable coin dealer or grading service for authentication.
1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
One of the most famous rarities, the 1909-S VDB has designer Victor David Brenner’s initials on the reverse. Low mintage and strong collector demand keep prices high.
Identify it by the VDB initials on the reverse and the S mintmark. Values range widely by condition, from several hundred dollars to five-figure sums for high-grade pieces.
2. 1914-D Lincoln Cent
The 1914-D is scarce because of a small Denver mintage and relatively few survivors in high grade. It is a key date for Lincoln cent sets.
Look for a clear 1914 date and a D mintmark on the obverse. Even worn examples can be valuable to completing dates in a collection.
3. 1922 Plain (No D) Lincoln Cent
In 1922 many cents were overstruck and some show no D mintmark, creating the 1922 plain variety. Collectors prize these for their minting anomaly.
Check the reverse closely for remnants of a D; true “No D” pieces are rarer. Values vary from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on strike and preservation.
4. 1931-S Lincoln Cent
The 1931-S is scarce due to low mintage during the Depression and strong demand among specialists. High-grade coins are especially prized.
Confirm the S mintmark and date; sharp details increase value significantly. Mid-grade examples are collectible and affordable compared to mint-state coins.
5. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
The 1955 doubled die shows bold doubling of the date and lettering on the obverse. It is one of the most recognizable doubled-die errors for US cents.
Look for clear doubling on the word LIBERTY and the date. Even worn pieces are sought after by error collectors and can bring strong premiums.
6. 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent
Most 1943 cents were struck in steel because wartime metal restrictions required it. Rare copper planchet strikes are highly collectible and command significant prices.
Do not attempt to test planchet metal with magnets alone; professional testing and grading are recommended. Auction results for authentic pieces have reached six-figure totals in notable cases.
7. 1944 Steel Lincoln Cent
After 1943, most cents returned to bronze, so any 1944 struck on leftover steel planchets is unusual. These steel-on-1944 dates are rarer than the normal bronze cent.
Steel pieces will be magnetic and lighter; look for the unusual gray steel look and confirm with a trusted dealer for provenance and slabbed certification.
8. 1909-S Lincoln Cent (Non VDB)
Distinct from the VDB variety, 1909-S non-VDB cents are also scarce and sought for date/mint completeness. They can appear similar to other 1909 variations.
Verify whether VDB appears on the reverse to correctly identify the variety. Condition will heavily influence price.
9. 1938 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
Certain 1938 doubled-die obverse varieties exist and show noticeable doubling of date and letters. These are of interest to specialists and error collectors.
Use magnification to inspect for doubling on LIBERTY and the date. Market demand and grade determine value, with higher-grade doubles bringing bigger premiums.
10. 1972 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
The 1972 doubled die obverse is another well-known modern error. It shows pronounced doubling on the date and motto and is frequently collected.
Because this error is more common than older rarities, prices are generally lower but still attractive for error-coin collectors seeking dramatic doubling.
Identification Tips for the Top 10 Rare Pennies of the Twentieth Century
Use these practical checks before assuming rarity: weight, magnet test, magnified inspection of date and mintmark, and comparison to reference photos. Weight and metal composition tests are essential for 1943/1944 anomalies.
Photograph both sides, avoid cleaning, and document provenance if possible. Send suspected high-value coins to a grading service for confirmation.
Some rare pennies of the twentieth century are valuable because they were struck on the wrong planchet or have doubled dies. Even a single error can make a common-date coin highly sought after.
Small Case Study: A Found 1943 Copper Cent
A collector found a non-magnetic 1943 cent in a jar of family coins and suspected it was copper. After professional testing and grading, the coin sold at auction for a six-figure sum.
This example shows the importance of not cleaning a suspect coin and getting proper authentication before selling or insuring it.
Quick Checklist Before You Sell or Grade
- Do not clean the coin — cleaning reduces value.
- Compare photos to reference guides and error databases.
- Check for mintmarks, doubling, and unusual metal with non-destructive tests.
- Use a reputable grading service for high-value items.
Final Thoughts on the Top 10 Rare Pennies of the Twentieth Century
These ten varieties represent important and collectible anomalies from the 1900s. They reward careful inspection and knowledge of minting history.
Start with careful identification and consult experts when values may be significant. Proper documentation and certified grading will maximize sale potential and collector confidence.