Most Valuable Lincoln Pennies in Your Pocket Change

Why check for valuable Lincoln pennies in your pocket change

Lincoln pennies were minted continuously since 1909 and circulated widely, so rare examples still turn up in day-to-day change. Knowing which dates, mintmarks, and errors to watch for can turn a routine coin into a surprising find.

This guide explains the most valuable Lincoln pennies hiding in your pocket change and gives practical steps to inspect, authenticate, and sell them.

Top valuable Lincoln pennies to look for in pocket change

Not every old penny is valuable, but a few specific dates and errors command strong collector interest. Check for these when sorting coins.

1909-S VDB

The 1909-S with VDB initials is one of the earliest Lincoln cents and is scarce. Look for the VDB initials on the reverse at the bottom, near the wreath. In circulated condition this coin can still be worth substantially more than face value.

1914-D Lincoln Cent

The 1914-D from the Denver mint had a low mintage and is a sought-after date for collectors. The “D” mintmark on the obverse (below the date) is the key identifier. High-grade examples are especially valuable.

1922 No D (Plain)

Some 1922 cents were struck without the Denver mintmark, creating the “1922 Plain” variety. These coins are valuable when authentic and properly identified. Check the area below the date closely for any mintmark trace or polishing marks.

1943 Copper Lincoln Cent

A small number of 1943 cents were struck on copper planchets by mistake; most 1943 cents are steel with zinc coating. A genuine 1943 copper is rare and highly prized. If you find a heavy, brownish 1943 cent, stop handling it and seek authentication.

1955 Doubled Die Obverse

The 1955 doubled die obverse shows a strong doubling of the date and the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” This doubling is obvious to the naked eye and is a classic error collectors actively seek.

How to inspect Lincoln pennies in your pocket change

Follow this quick checklist when you sort coins from your pocket, wallet, or coin jar.

• Work on a clean, flat surface with good light and a loupe (5x–10x magnification).
• Separate Lincoln cents by date first—older dates (pre-1960) are worth closer inspection.
• Check for mintmarks: small letters near the date (D, S) change value significantly.
• Look for obvious errors: doubled devices, off-center strikes, or wrong-color planchets (e.g., 1943 copper).
• Compare suspect coins to reference photos from a reputable site or guidebook.

Simple tools that help

A loupe, soft cotton gloves, magnified coin photographs, and a reference guide or phone app are enough for a first pass. Avoid cleaning coins—cleaning can reduce value.

Grading basics that affect value for Lincoln pennies

Condition (grade) often determines price more than date alone. Grading categories range from Poor to Mint State, with clear steps in between like Good, Fine, Very Fine, and Extremely Fine.

A well-preserved 1914-D or 1909-S VDB can be worth dramatically more than the same date in low grade. For errors, visibility and preservation of the error strongly influence value.

Where to get Lincoln pennies authenticated and sold

If you find a promising coin, follow these steps for authentication and sale.

1. Document the find with clear photos showing obverse and reverse.
2. Take the coin to a trusted local coin dealer or coin show for initial feedback.
3. For high-value candidates, submit to a major third-party grading service (PCGS, NGC) for authentication and grading.
4. Sell through reputable channels: auction houses, dealer consignment, or major online auction platforms that support graded coins.

Common pitfalls and quick tips for pocket-change hunters

• Don’t clean or polish suspect coins; cleaning often reduces collector value.
• Use two different light angles to spot doubling or re-punched mintmarks.
• Be cautious with alleged “inverted” or altered mintmarks—fraudulent alterations occur.
• Keep a log of found coins with photos and dates to track turns and outcomes.

Real-world example: a pocket-change find and the steps taken

A shopper discovered an odd-looking 1955 penny while paying for groceries. The date and lettering appeared doubled, so they photographed the coin and took it to a local coin dealer.

The dealer confirmed visible doubling and advised sending the coin to a third-party grading service. After authentication and grading, the owner sold the coin through a reputable auction house. The process—document, authenticate, grade, sell—maximized the coin’s market value.

Final checklist before you sell a valuable Lincoln penny

• Verify the coin’s authenticity through a reputable grader for high-value pieces.
• Keep coins handled minimally and stored in inert holders or coin flips.
• Compare recent auction results for your exact variety and grade to set realistic expectations.
• Choose a selling channel that matches your coin’s value and rarity.

Regularly checking pocket change can be rewarding if you know what to look for. With a loupe, a reference guide, and cautious handling, you may discover a valuable Lincoln penny hiding in plain sight.