The Lincoln cent has been in circulation since 1909 and hides many high-value pieces among common coins. This guide explains which Lincoln pennies by year are most collectible, how to spot important dates and errors, and practical next steps if you think you own a valuable coin.
Why certain Lincoln pennies by year are valuable
Value depends on rarity, mint mark, errors, and condition. Some years had low mintages or production changes that produced scarce coins.
Key drivers of value include mint marks (S, D), notable design changes, and off-metal strikes. Condition or grade multiplies value quickly — a rare date in mint state is worth far more than a worn example.
How to identify valuable Lincoln pennies by year
Start by examining the date and mint mark. The mint mark is a small letter below the date on most pennies and indicates where it was struck.
Use a loupe (10x) to inspect details like doubling, die cracks, or metal color. Compare signs of wear on the cheek and hairlines to judge grade roughly.
Essential quick checks
- Read the date and note any mint mark (no mint mark = Philadelphia).
- Look for doubled die patterns on the date and motto areas.
- Check metal color for bronze vs. steel (1943 example).
- Examine edges and fields for die cracks, repunched dates, or clear tooling marks.
Top valuable Lincoln pennies by year to know
Below are the most commonly sought years and varieties. Values change with grade, but these entries are the ones collectors watch for.
1909-S VDB
One of the classic rarities. The initials VDB (designer Victor D. Brenner) appear on the reverse. Minted in low numbers at San Francisco, this coin is highly prized.
- Why valuable: low mintage and early design initials.
- Typical market: tens of thousands for high grades; lower-grade examples still command strong premiums.
1914-D
A scarce Denver issue that often appears on value lists. A genuine 1914-D in decent condition can be surprisingly expensive.
1922 No D (Denver overpolish/weak mint mark)
Many 1922 cents were struck with weak or missing mint marks. The truly mint-markless 1922s and rare doubled varieties are valuable to specialists.
1943 Bronze or Copper Cents
Most 1943 cents were struck on steel due to wartime copper needs. A 1943 copper or bronze cent is a major rarity because it was struck on the wrong planchet and can fetch very high prices.
1955 Doubled Die Obverse
The 1955 doubled die with strong doubling on IN GOD WE TRUST and LIBERTY is one of the most famous modern errors. Collectors pay big premiums for clear examples.
Other key dates
- 1909-S and 1909-S VDB variations
- 1916 D and 1918/1919 key dates in lower grades
- 1969-S doubled die (less common but collectible)
Condition, grading, and realistic value ranges
Grade matters. Coin values vary dramatically between Good (G), Very Fine (VF), and Mint State (MS) grades. Even a scarce date in VF may be thousands lower than the same date in MS65.
If you think you have a valuable penny, avoid cleaning it. Cleaning destroys collector value. Instead, keep the coin in a flip or small plastic holder.
Practical steps to check and sell valuable Lincoln pennies by year
Follow a simple process to verify and, if appropriate, sell your coin.
- Use a magnifier and a trusted price guide (PCGS, NGC) to compare.
- Photograph the coin clearly from both sides and note any mint mark or doubling.
- Consider having the coin professionally graded if preliminary research suggests high value.
- Sell to reputable dealers, auction houses, or use certified platforms for graded coins.
Did You Know?
Real-world example: A coin found in a drawer
Case study: A homeowner found a 1943 bronze Lincoln cent in a jar of mixed coins while cleaning. The homeowner researched and discovered it was one of the rare off-metal strikes. After getting the coin graded, it sold to a specialist collector for a five-figure sum.
Lesson: Unusual color, weight, or a date that doesn’t match typical metal (like a brown 1943) is a reason to pause and research rather than spend or clean the coin.
Tips for beginner collectors
- Start by sorting circulated pennies by date and mint mark.
- Use an up-to-date price guide and learn basic grading terms.
- Join local coin clubs or online forums to get feedback before selling.
- Keep records and provenance if you acquire high-value pieces.
Final checklist when you find a suspect penny
- Do not clean the coin — cleaning reduces value.
- Document the find with photos and notes on where it was found.
- Compare with authoritative resources and consult a dealer or third-party grading service if it looks scarce.
- Consider professional grading for coins likely to be high value.
Knowing which Lincoln pennies by year are worth watching can turn ordinary change into a rewarding hobby or unexpected windfall. A careful eye, basic tools, and reliable references will help you separate common coins from collector treasures.