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Top 6 Most Valuable Lincoln Pennies and What Makes Them Special

Published

1 month ago

February 8, 2025

Kelly

Top 6 Most Valuable Lincoln Pennies and What Makes Them Special

Lincoln pennies, minted since 1909, are among the most collected coins in the United States.

While many circulate as everyday currency, certain varieties and errors have become highly sought after by collectors due to their rarity and unique characteristics.

In this article, we explore the top six most valuable Lincoln pennies and the factors that contribute to their exceptional worth.

1. 1943-D Bronze Lincoln Cent

In 1943, the U.S. Mint transitioned from copper to zinc-coated steel planchets for penny production to conserve copper for wartime needs.

However, a few bronze planchets from the previous year remained and were accidentally struck with 1943 dies.

The 1943-D Bronze Lincoln Cent is particularly rare, with only one known example, making it the most valuable Lincoln penny.

2. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent

The 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent features a noticeable doubling of the date and inscriptions on the obverse.

This error occurred during the die-making process, resulting in a coin with a doubled appearance. Due to its rarity and the clear visibility of the doubling, this coin is highly prized among collectors.

3. 1944-S Steel Lincoln Cent

In 1944, the U.S. Mint returned to using copper planchets for penny production.

However, a small number of steel planchets from 1943 were mistakenly used, resulting in the 1944-S Steel Lincoln Cent. With only two known examples, this coin is extremely rare and valuable.

4. 1922 No D Lincoln Cent

The 1922 No D Lincoln Cent is a unique error coin. In 1922, only the Denver Mint produced pennies, and all should have a ‘D’ mint mark.

However, due to a die error, some coins were struck without the mint mark, making them highly collectible.

5. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent

The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent is renowned for its strong doubling on the obverse, particularly on the date and inscriptions.

This error occurred when the die was misaligned during the striking process, resulting in a coin with a doubled appearance. Its distinctiveness and rarity make it a coveted piece among collectors.

6. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent

The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is notable for the designer’s initials, ‘VDB,’ located on the reverse between the wheat stalks.

Due to public outcry over the prominence of the designer’s initials, the Mint removed them from the design, making this coin particularly rare and valuable.

Top 6 Most Valuable Lincoln Pennies

Coin Name	Year	Mint Mark	Notable Features	Rarity Level	Estimated Value
1943-D Bronze Lincoln Cent	1943	D	Struck on a bronze planchet instead of steel during wartime.	Extremely Rare	Up to $840,000
1969-S Doubled Die Obverse	1969	S	Exhibits clear doubling on the date and inscriptions.	Rare	Up to $126,500
1944-S Steel Lincoln Cent	1944	S	Struck on a steel planchet instead of copper due to leftover 1943 planchets.	Extremely Rare	Up to $373,750
1922 No D Lincoln Cent	1922	None	Struck without a mint mark due to a die error; only Denver Mint produced pennies that year.	Rare	Up to $57,500
1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent	1955	None	Features strong doubling on the obverse, especially on the date and inscriptions.	Rare	Up to $32,400
1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent	1909	S	First Lincoln cent with designer’s initials; removed due to public outcry.	Rare	Up to $10,000

While most Lincoln pennies are common and circulate widely, certain varieties and error coins have become highly valuable due to their rarity and unique characteristics.

Collectors and enthusiasts should be vigilant when examining their collections, as possessing one of these rare pennies can be both a rewarding and profitable endeavor.

FAQs

What makes the 1943-D Bronze Lincoln Cent so valuable?

Its value stems from its rarity; it’s the only known example of a 1943 penny struck on a bronze planchet, making it a unique piece in numismatic history.

How can I identify a 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent?

Look for noticeable doubling on the date and inscriptions on the obverse. The doubling is often visible to the naked eye, especially on the numbers and letters.

Why is the 1944-S Steel Lincoln Cent so rare?

Only two examples are known to exist, making it one of the rarest Lincoln pennies. This rarity is due to the accidental use of leftover 1943 steel planchets in 1944.