The Lincoln cent, also known as the penny, is one of the most common coins in the United States. However, not all Lincoln cents are created equal. While most of these pennies are worth only one cent, some have a much higher value. In fact, a few rare and special Lincoln cents can be worth thousands of dollars, and in some cases, even hundreds of thousands. But how can you tell which pennies are worth more than face value? In this article, we will explore three specific Lincoln cents that are still in circulation today, yet are valued at nearly $600,000!
1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
The 1909-S VDB penny is one of the most famous and valuable Lincoln cents in history. It was released in 1909 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. The coin’s designer, Victor David Brenner, included his initials (VDB) on the reverse side, which caused a huge controversy at the time. The U.S. Mint eventually decided to remove the initials from the coin, making the 1909-S VDB one of the rarest Lincoln cents.
The 1909-S VDB penny is so rare that even one in good condition can be worth around $1,000. However, if you happen to come across one that is in mint or near-mint condition, it could be worth much more, reaching up to $600,000 or even more depending on the quality.
2. 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent
In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched from using copper to steel for producing pennies due to copper shortages during World War II. However, a few copper pennies were accidentally struck in 1943, and they are among the most valuable Lincoln cents today. These coins were never supposed to exist, which is why they are highly sought after by collectors.
A 1943 copper penny in good condition can fetch prices of around $200,000 to $300,000, and those in excellent or near-perfect condition can reach even higher values. The rarity of the 1943 copper penny is due to its mistake in production and the small number of surviving coins.
3. 1955 Double Die Lincoln Cent
The 1955 double die penny is another example of a coin that is worth much more than its face value. This particular penny was struck with a design that was accidentally duplicated, causing a “double” image to appear on the coin. This mistake resulted in a noticeable double strike on the year and the inscription “Liberty.”
The 1955 double die Lincoln cent is one of the most famous error coins, and it can be worth between $1,000 and $20,000, depending on the condition. However, coins in perfect condition with a sharp double strike can be valued even higher, sometimes reaching up to $600,000.
Table: Value Breakdown of Lincoln Cents
| Coin Name | Year | Rarity | Value Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent | 1909 | Rare (controversial design) | $1,000 – $600,000 |
| 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent | 1943 | Rare (production error) | $200,000 – $300,000 |
| 1955 Double Die Lincoln Cent | 1955 | Error coin with doubled design | $1,000 – $600,000 |
Conclusion
While most Lincoln cents are worth only one cent, there are some extremely rare exceptions that can fetch prices of hundreds of thousands of dollars. The 1909-S VDB, the 1943 copper penny, and the 1955 double die penny are some of the most valuable pennies still in circulation today. If you happen to find one of these rare coins, you could be holding onto a small fortune! Always remember that the condition of the coin, its rarity, and the specific error or design can significantly affect its value.
FAQ’s
1. What makes a 1909-S VDB penny valuable?
The 1909-S VDB penny is rare because it was one of the first Lincoln cents and featured the initials of the designer, Victor David Brenner, which caused controversy. The U.S. Mint removed the initials, making these pennies highly sought after by collectors.
2. Why is the 1943 copper penny so valuable?
The 1943 copper penny is valuable because it was a mistake in production. The U.S. Mint accidentally struck a few copper pennies during a time when they were supposed to be made from steel due to a shortage of copper during World War II.
3. How do I know if I have a 1955 double die penny?
You can identify a 1955 double die penny by looking for a noticeable double strike on the year and the word “Liberty.” This error happened when the coin was struck twice, causing a blurred and duplicated image.
4. How much is a 1955 double die penny worth?
A 1955 double die penny can be worth anywhere from $1,000 to $20,000 depending on the condition. In excellent or near-perfect condition, it could even be worth more.