The world of coin collecting is full of surprises, and one of the most popular items sought after by collectors is the Lincoln penny. Over the years, these seemingly simple coins have increased in value due to their rarity and historical significance.
While most people may overlook the penny in their pocket change, some rare Lincoln pennies are worth a small fortune, with some even reaching millions of dollars at auctions. In this article, we’ll explore five rare Lincoln pennies that collectors are eager to get their hands on – one of which recently sold for a staggering $2 million!
1. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny
The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny is one of the most famous rare coins in American history. This penny features a striking error where the word “Liberty” and the date “1955” appear doubled. This was due to a misalignment of the die during the minting process. As a result, it has become one of the most sought-after coins by collectors.
Key Facts:
- Minting Error: The die misalignment caused the doubling effect.
- Rarity: Only a few examples are known to exist.
- Value: Depending on its condition, it can range from $1,000 to over $30,000 in pristine condition.
2. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny is a highly coveted coin due to its low mintage and the controversy surrounding it. The initials “VDB” were placed on the reverse of the penny by the coin’s designer, Victor David Brenner.
However, they were quickly removed after complaints, making this penny one of the most sought-after in the series. The 1909-S VDB was minted in San Francisco, and because of its short run, it is considered a rarity.
Key Facts:
- Minting Location: San Francisco (S).
- Controversy: The initials “VDB” were removed shortly after production.
- Value: This penny can fetch anywhere from $800 to over $100,000, depending on its condition.
3. 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny
The 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny is an anomaly in the series because, during that year, the U.S. Mint was producing pennies out of steel to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a few copper pennies were accidentally minted, making them extremely rare. These pennies are highly sought after, and one of them recently sold for nearly $2 million at auction!
Key Facts:
- Minting Error: The U.S. Mint accidentally used copper planchets instead of steel.
- Rarity: Only around 20 to 30 are known to exist.
- Value: Depending on the coin’s condition, it can range from $100,000 to over $2 million. A 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny recently sold for $2 million at auction.
4. 1922 Weak D Lincoln Penny
The 1922 Weak D Lincoln Penny is a rare coin that was minted with a faint “D” mintmark. This occurred due to a worn-out die used to mint the coins, which led to a weak imprint of the “D” on the reverse of the penny. Because of this, the 1922 Weak D is highly sought after by collectors, with only a few examples in good condition.
Key Facts:
- Minting Error: Weak “D” mintmark due to a worn die.
- Rarity: Only a few coins are in mint condition.
- Value: The value can range from $500 to $10,000, with higher prices for those in better condition.
5. 1970-S Double Die Lincoln Penny
The 1970-S Double Die Lincoln Penny is a rare coin that features a doubling error on the “Liberty” and “In God We Trust” inscriptions. This error occurred due to a misalignment of the die during the minting process. While this penny is not as rare as the 1955 version, it is still considered a valuable piece for collectors.
Key Facts:
- Minting Error: Doubling of inscriptions due to die misalignment.
- Rarity: Only a few hundred examples are known.
- Value: The value of this penny can range from $100 to $1,000, depending on its condition.
Rare Lincoln Pennies Table
| Coin Name | Year | Minting Error | Rarity | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln | 1955 | Double die error on “Liberty” & “1955” | Few examples known | $1,000 to $30,000 |
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln | 1909 | Initials “VDB” removed after complaints | Low mintage, high demand | $800 to $100,000 |
| 1943 Copper Lincoln | 1943 | Minted with copper instead of steel | Very few exist | $100,000 to $2,000,000 |
| 1922 Weak D Lincoln | 1922 | Weak “D” mintmark | Few coins in good condition | $500 to $10,000 |
| 1970-S Double Die Lincoln | 1970 | Doubling of “Liberty” & “In God We Trust” | Few hundred examples | $100 to $1,000 |
The world of rare Lincoln pennies is filled with extraordinary finds, and the five coins highlighted in this article are among the most valuable and collectible. Whether due to minting errors, low mintage, or historical significance, these pennies have become prized possessions for collectors and investors alike.
The most recent sale of a 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny for $2 million underscores the immense value some of these coins can hold. If you’re a coin collector or simply someone who enjoys exploring rare treasures, keep an eye out for these valuable pennies – they could be hiding in your pocket change!
FAQs
Why is the 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny so valuable?
The 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny is valuable because it was accidentally minted with copper instead of steel, making it extremely rare. Only a few examples exist, and one recently sold for $2 million.
What makes the 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny so special?
The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny is special due to the double impression of the word “Liberty” and the date “1955,” which occurred due to a minting error. It is one of the most famous error coins.
How do I know if I have a rare Lincoln penny?
To determine if you have a rare Lincoln penny, look for specific minting errors like doubling, weak mintmarks, or unusual features such as those found in the 1909-S VDB or 1943 Copper pennies. Consulting a professional numismatist is a good idea for verification.
Can I find rare Lincoln pennies in pocket change?
While it is rare, some rare Lincoln pennies, such as the 1970-S Double Die or the 1955 Doubled Die, could potentially be found in pocket change. However, most of these coins are very hard to come by and are highly sought after by collectors.
How much is a 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny worth?
The value of a 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny depends on its condition, but it can range from $800 to over $100,000 for coins in excellent condition. The higher the grade, the more valuable it is.
