If you’re a fan of Abraham Lincoln or enjoy collecting coins, then the Lincoln cent is a must-have in your collection. First introduced in 1909 to mark the 100th anniversary of President Lincoln’s birth, the Lincoln penny has been produced in vast numbers. Over the years, its design has evolved, with the Lincoln Memorial design on the reverse appearing from 1959 to 2008.
While regular Lincoln Memorial pennies are typically worth just one cent, certain rarities can fetch hundreds, even thousands, of dollars, especially those that were produced with unique errors or in limited quantities. To help you get started on your hunt for valuable Lincoln pennies, here’s a list of the top 10 most valuable examples that could make a serious impact on your collection.
1. 1983-D Bronze Lincoln Penny – $1,400
In 1983, the U.S. Mint transitioned from producing copper pennies to zinc-core pennies with a copper coating due to rising copper prices. However, a few 1983-D bronze Lincoln pennies were mistakenly minted using the old copper planchets. These rare coins are highly prized, especially those in pristine condition. An MS67 or higher 1983-D bronze penny can sell for up to $1,400, making it one of the most valuable Lincoln Memorial pennies.
2. 1969 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny – $126,500
The 1969 Lincoln penny with a doubled die error is one of the most sought-after mistakes in coin collecting. The doubling is clearly visible to the naked eye, particularly around the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Only a handful of these coins exist in mint condition, with one graded MS64 fetching a stunning $126,500 in 2005. This error makes the 1969 doubled die Lincoln penny incredibly valuable to collectors.
3. 1981-S Type II Proof Lincoln Penny – $900 – $1,200
In 1981, two types of proof Lincoln pennies were struck: Type I and Type II. The difference lies in the clarity of the “S” mintmark. Type II pennies have a sharper, more distinct mintmark, making them rarer and more valuable. Proofs from 1981 with a Type II mintmark are especially prized, with examples ranging in value from $900 to $1,200 depending on their condition.
4. 1983 Doubled Die Reverse Penny – $7,050
Another doubled die error, the 1983 Doubled Die Reverse penny, features striking double images on the reverse of the coin. The doubling is particularly noticeable on the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and “ONE CENT.” The coin is especially rare in mint condition, and one MS68 graded example sold for $7,050 at auction, making this doubled die error one of the most valuable.
5. 1979-S Type II Proof Penny – $4,000
Similar to the 1981-S Type II proof penny, the 1979-S Type II Lincoln Memorial pennies also feature a sharper “S” mintmark. Although Type I pennies were more common, the Type II variants are rarer, which makes them more desirable to collectors. One 1979-S Type II proof penny was auctioned for as much as $4,000 due to its rarity and condition.
6. 1998 Wide AM Penny – $5,000
The 1998 “Wide AM” penny, struck with the reverse die intended for proof coins, is a notable error that creates a gap between the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA.” This error is unique to the 1998 circulation strikes, and examples with this error are highly sought after, particularly in higher grades. Coins graded MS67 or higher have sold for up to $5,000.
7. 1992 Close AM Penny – $25,850
In 1992, the U.S. Mint mistakenly used a die intended for the 1993 pennies, which caused the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” to appear much closer together. Known as the 1992 Close AM penny, this error is extremely rare, with only a few examples known to exist. The most valuable known example, graded MS67, was sold for $25,850 at a 2017 auction, making it one of the most valuable Lincoln pennies.
8. 1971-S Doubled Die Obverse Proof Penny – $3,220
The 1971-S Doubled Die Obverse proof penny features a doubled image on the obverse of the coin, especially around the inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Some examples of this coin have a strong doubling that is visible to the naked eye. Coins with higher grades, such as a PF67 cameo, have sold for up to $3,220, making this a highly coveted piece for collectors.
9. 1970-S Small Date Penny – $18,400
The 1970-S Small Date penny is a rare variety that has become highly collectible due to its unusual date size. The “Small Date” variety was struck in San Francisco, and its rarity has made it a prized coin among collectors. One of the most expensive examples, graded PF69 Deep Cameo, fetched an astounding $18,400 at auction, making it one of the top-value pennies of the 1970s.
10. 1960-D Over D Small Date Over Large Date Penny – $4,025
A distinctive error occurred in 1960 at the Denver Mint when the mintmark “D” was incorrectly punched over a previous “D” mintmark. Additionally, some of the 1960 pennies were struck with both a large date and small date on the same coin. This rare “Over D” error, featuring both a small and large date, can be worth as much as $4,025 in top condition. It’s one of the rarest and most valuable Lincoln pennies to find from the 1960s.
These rare and valuable Lincoln pennies demonstrate just how much attention certain minting errors, design changes, and unique conditions can attract from collectors. Whether you’re an experienced numismatist or just starting your coin collection, these examples are sure to inspire your next hunt for valuable coins! Keep an eye out for these exceptional pennies, as they could be hiding in your spare change.