Everyday change can hide surprising value.Top 10 Rare Lincoln Pennies Lincoln cents have been made since 1909 and a few rare varieties still turn up in circulation. This guide lists the top 10 rare Lincoln pennies you should check for, explains how to spot them, and gives practical steps if you find one.
How to use this guide to find rare Lincoln pennies
Read the short descriptions and look for the key identifiers for each coin. Keep expectations reasonable: most circulated examples are worth modest sums, while high-grade or authenticated pieces are worth more.
When in doubt, seek authentication from a reputable grading service before selling.
Top 10 rare Lincoln pennies still in circulation
1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
Look for the initials VDB on the reverse at the bottom. This San Francisco strike has a low mintage and is a classic key date for collectors.
- Identifier: VDB initials on reverse
- Mint: S (San Francisco)
- Why rare: Low mintage in first Lincoln cent year
2. 1914-D Lincoln Cent
This Denver-minted coin had a small production run. Even worn examples attract collector interest.
- Identifier: 1914 date and D mint mark on the obverse
- Why rare: Very low mintage for circulation strikes
3. 1922 No D Lincoln Cent (Plain)
Many 1922 cents show a weak D mint mark due to repunched dies, so a completely plain 1922 without a D is a notable variety.
Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued at 110 Million Still in Circulation
- Identifier: 1922 date with no visible D mint mark
- Why rare: Struck on a die without a mint mark or with it worn away
4. 1931-S Lincoln Cent
This San Francisco issue had limited mintage and often shows heavy wear because it circulated for many years.
- Identifier: 1931 date and S mint mark
- Why rare: Low survival rate in high grades
5. 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent
During World War II most cents were struck on steel to save copper. A 1943 copper cent was struck accidentally and is highly sought after.
- Identifier: 1943 date but appears bronze/copper colored
- Why rare: Struck on the wrong planchet during wartime
6. 1944 Steel Lincoln Cent
Most 1944 cents are bronze; a 1944 steel cent indicates an error where leftover steel planchets were used. These are extremely rare in circulation.
- Identifier: 1944 date with silver/steel color
- Why rare: Mistaken use of steel planchets after the war
7. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
One of the most famous modern errors. The doubling is visible on the date and the word INCOME (on older cents it is visible on LIBERTY and date).
- Identifier: Strong doubling on the date and obverse lettering
- Why rare: A die error at the mint produced dramatic doubling
8. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
Proof and business strike varieties exist; look for doubling on the obverse lettering and date. Only a small number were released into circulation.
- Identifier: Pronounced doubling on date and letters on obverse
- Why rare: Limited struck examples and few released
9. 1972 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
A less famous but still collectible doubled die. The doubling is visible on key obverse elements and is easier to spot under magnification.
- Identifier: Doubling on date, LIBERTY, or IN GOD WE TRUST
- Why rare: Die error with limited circulation examples
10. 1983 Doubled Die and Notable Varieties
Modern doubled die varieties exist and sometimes show up in circulation. Collectors value clear doubling and low-survival examples.
- Identifier: Double images on obverse lettering or date
- Why rare: Modern error varieties are limited and often collected
How to check your change for rare Lincoln pennies
Follow these quick, practical steps when scanning coins:
- Use a magnifier (10x loupe) to inspect letters and the date closely.
- Look for color differences—steel vs bronze—in 1943/1944 examples.
- Compare suspected finds to reference photos online before assuming value.
What to do if you find a rare Lincoln penny
Avoid cleaning the coin — cleaning can reduce value. Handle by the edges and place the coin in a small plastic flip or coin holder.
- Have the coin authenticated by a reputable service (PCGS, NGC, ANACS) before attempting to sell. Authenticat
