Is That Lincoln Penny in Your Pocket Worth Nearly $1 Million? Discover the 7 Rarest!

The Lincoln penny has been an important part of American money since 1909. While most pennies are worth just one cent, some rare Lincoln pennies are worth a lot more—up to nearly $1 million! These special coins are popular among collectors because of things like minting mistakes, unique materials, or being made in small numbers. Let’s look at seven of the rarest Lincoln pennies that could turn your regular pocket change into something really valuable.

1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny

The 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny is one of the most famous rare pennies. It was made in small amounts and has the initials “VDB” (for its designer Victor David Brenner) on the back. Only 484,000 of these coins were created at the San Francisco Mint. Because of its history and limited production, high-quality versions of this penny can be worth over $100,000.

2. 1914-D Lincoln Penny

Next is the 1914-D Lincoln penny, which was minted in Denver. Only about 1.2 million of these coins were made. Its age and rarity make it very sought after by collectors. In perfect condition, a 1914-D Lincoln penny can sell for up to $200,000.

3. 1922 No D Lincoln Penny

The 1922 No D Lincoln penny is a unique mistake coin. It was produced at the Denver Mint but some of these pennies were made without the “D” mint mark. This was the only year that Lincoln pennies were made without this mark. Well-kept examples of the 1922 No D penny can be worth between $30,000 and $75,000.

4. 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny

The 1955 Double Die Lincoln penny is famous for its noticeable double date and lettering, which you can easily see. Because of its unique features, high-quality uncirculated versions can sell for more than $100,000. It’s one of the most popular error coins among collectors.

5. 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny

In 1943, most pennies were made from steel because there was a shortage of copper during World War II. However, a few copper planchets accidentally got mixed in, leading to the very rare 1943 Copper Lincoln penny. With very few known to exist, these coins have sold for as much as $1 million at auctions!

6. 1969-S Double Die Lincoln Penny

The 1969-S Double Die Lincoln penny is a more recent error coin that shows clear doubling on its date and writing. Because counterfeit versions exist, it’s important for collectors to check for authenticity. Verified high-grade coins can be worth over $50,000.

7. 1972 Double Die Lincoln Penny

Finally, the 1972 Double Die Lincoln penny also has noticeable doubling on phrases like “In God We Trust” and “Liberty.” While it’s not as rare as the 1955 or 1969-S versions, a well-preserved 1972 penny can still be valued at around $15,000.

Rare Lincoln Pennies Table

Coin Name	Year	Approx. Mintage	Unique Feature	Estimated Value
1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny	1909	484,000	Designer’s initials “VDB”	$100,000+
1914-D Lincoln Penny	1914	1.2 million	Low mintage	$200,000+
1922 No D Lincoln Penny	1922	Unknown	No mint mark (error)	$75,000+
1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny	1955	Standard	Doubled date and lettering	$100,000+
1943 Copper Lincoln Penny	1943	Very few	Struck on copper planchet	$1,000,000+
1969-S Double Die Lincoln Penny	1969	Standard	Prominent doubling	$50,000+
1972 Double Die Lincoln Penny	1972	Standard	Doubling on inscriptions	$15,000+

Conclusion

The Lincoln penny series includes some of the most iconic coins in American history, especially with rare varieties like these that can be worth a lot of money. From minting errors to limited production, each of these rare Lincoln pennies shows how interesting and unpredictable coin minting can be. If you happen to find any of these coins, it could mean you have a valuable treasure worth a small fortune!

DEC HOME

FAQ’S