The 5 Most Expensive Lincoln Pennies Ever – Is One Hiding in Your Change?

Lincoln pennies, which have been in circulation since 1909, are among the most iconic coins in the United States. While they are commonly seen as just 1-cent coins, some rare Lincoln pennies are worth far more than their face value. In fact, certain Lincoln pennies can be worth thousands, even millions of dollars, depending on their rarity, condition, and unique features. If you’re wondering whether you might have a rare and expensive Lincoln penny hiding in your pocket change, keep reading. This article will highlight the 5 most expensive Lincoln pennies ever and help you understand why these coins are so valuable.

What Makes Lincoln Pennies Valuable?

Before we dive into the top 5 most expensive Lincoln pennies, it’s important to understand what makes these coins so valuable. Most Lincoln pennies are worth just 1 cent, but there are certain factors that can increase a penny’s value significantly:

1. Rarity: The rarer the penny, the more valuable it becomes. Some pennies were made in limited quantities or had special minting errors, making them harder to find.
2. Condition: Pennies in excellent condition are worth more. Coins that have been well-preserved without scratches or damage are more desirable to collectors.
3. Minting Errors: Some Lincoln pennies were minted with mistakes, such as double-strikes, off-center designs, or missing features. These error coins are often worth more than regular pennies.

Now, let’s explore the top 5 most expensive Lincoln pennies ever!

Top 5 Most Expensive Lincoln Pennies

These rare Lincoln pennies are considered the Holy Grail for coin collectors. The prices listed below can vary based on the condition of the coin, but these are the top 5 that have fetched the highest prices at auctions.

Coin Type	Description	Estimated Value
1943 Copper Lincoln Penny	A mistake penny made of copper instead of steel during World War II.	$1,700,000+
1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny	A rare 1909 penny with the designer’s initials on the reverse.	$1,200,000+
1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny	A coin with a double strike, giving the image a blurry, doubled effect.	$400,000+
1914-D Lincoln Penny	A rare penny with the “D” mintmark, known for being hard to find.	$250,000+
1922 Plain Lincoln Penny	A penny with no mintmark on a coin that should have one, making it rare.	$250,000+

1. 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny

The 1943 Copper Lincoln penny is perhaps the most famous and valuable penny in the world. During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to making pennies from steel instead of copper to conserve metal for the war effort. However, a small number of 1943 pennies were mistakenly struck in copper, making them extremely rare. Only a few of these copper pennies exist today, and they can fetch over $1.7 million at auction, depending on their condition.

2. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny

The 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny is another highly sought-after coin. The “VDB” on the reverse stands for the initials of the coin’s designer, Victor David Brenner. The 1909-S VDB was minted in very small quantities, and the “VDB” was initially removed from the coin after complaints. As a result, this penny is highly valuable to collectors. In good condition, this coin can be worth up to $1.2 million.

3. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny

The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln penny is famous for its minting error. During production, the die used to strike the coin was doubled, causing a blurry, “doubled” effect on the image of Lincoln and the lettering. This error makes the 1955 Doubled Die penny very valuable. Depending on the condition, it can be worth upwards of $400,000.

4. 1914-D Lincoln Penny

The 1914-D Lincoln penny is another rare coin, primarily because it was minted in Denver in limited numbers. The “D” mintmark refers to the Denver Mint, and this penny is known for being especially hard to find in good condition. The 1914-D penny is worth about $250,000 or more, depending on its grade.

5. 1922 Plain Lincoln Penny

The 1922 Plain Lincoln penny is a rare version of the 1922 coin that was struck without a mintmark. Normally, pennies from 1922 have a “D” mintmark, but a few were accidentally minted without it. These “plain” coins are valuable to collectors and can be worth around $250,000.

How to Identify Valuable Lincoln Pennies

Identifying a valuable Lincoln penny is not always easy, but there are some key things to look for:

• Check the Year: Some years, like 1909, 1914, 1922, and 1943, are known for having rare versions of the Lincoln penny.
• Look for Minting Errors: Look closely for double strikes, blurry images, or missing mintmarks. Errors can make a coin much more valuable.
• Examine the Condition: The better the condition, the more valuable the penny. Coins that have no scratches or wear are worth more.
• Look for Special Features: Certain pennies, like the 1909-S VDB or the 1943 copper penny, have special features that make them stand out. If you find a penny with these features, you may have a rare coin!

Where to Sell Your Rare Lincoln Pennies

If you think you have a rare Lincoln penny, there are several ways to sell it:

1. Coin Dealers: You can sell your rare coins to professional coin dealers who can appraise them.
2. Online Auctions: Websites like eBay are popular places to sell rare coins. Be sure to take clear photos and provide detailed information about the coin.
3. Coin Shows: Attend a coin show where collectors and dealers gather to buy and sell coins. You may be able to find a buyer who is willing to pay a premium for your rare Lincoln penny.

Conclusion

While most Lincoln pennies are worth just 1 cent, some rare coins can fetch hundreds of thousands, even millions, of dollars. The 1943 copper penny, 1909-S VDB penny, and 1955 Doubled Die penny are among the most valuable, but many other rare pennies can also be worth a lot. If you find a penny that seems unusual or old, take a closer look—it could be worth a small fortune! Remember to have your coins professionally appraised to get an accurate value.

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