The world of coin collecting is full of surprises, and one of the most exciting finds for collectors is rare Lincoln pennies. These small copper coins, featuring the iconic image of Abraham Lincoln, have become valuable treasures over time. But why are some of these pennies worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars? Let’s take a look at the 9 most valuable Lincoln pennies and understand what makes them so special.
1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
The 1909-S VDB penny is highly sought after by collectors. When the U.S. Mint introduced the Lincoln cent in 1909, the initials of the designer, Victor David Brenner, were included on the coin. However, due to complaints about the initials being too prominent, the Mint decided to remove them.
Pennies from the San Francisco mint with the initials “VDB” on the back are extremely rare, as only 484,000 were made. This penny can fetch between $700 and $1,500 at auctions, depending on its condition.
2. 1909-S Lincoln Penny
Another 1909 penny from the San Francisco mint is the 1909-S Lincoln cent. After the Mint removed Brenner’s initials, a smaller quantity of these coins was produced—around 1.8 million. These pennies are valuable because of their low mintage, and they’re worth around $100 to $300 today.
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3. 1909-S Over Horizontal S Lincoln Penny
Mint errors can make coins highly collectible, and the 1909-S Over Horizontal S penny is a prime example. This error occurred when the mint mark was punched incorrectly, resulting in a repunched mint mark (RPM).
Despite attempts to fix the error, the “S” remained slightly visible in a horizontal position under the corrected “S”. This error makes the penny worth between $80 and $270.
4. 1914-D Lincoln Penny
The 1914-D penny, minted in Denver, is another rare coin. Although over a million were made, many were lost or heavily circulated, making well-preserved examples very valuable. This penny is often faked or altered, so collectors must be cautious when purchasing it. Genuine 1914-D pennies can range from $200 to $2,500.
5. 1917 Double Die Lincoln Penny
The 1917 Double Die penny is famous for its minting error. Double die coins occur when the coin’s image is stamped twice, leading to noticeable doubling of features. On the 1917 penny, you can see this doubling on the words “In God We Trust” and the date “1917.” This rare coin can sell for as much as $5,000 in pristine condition.
6. 1922 No D Lincoln Penny
The 1922 No D penny is unique because it lacks the usual “D” mint mark for Denver. During the minting process, the “D” was accidentally left off, creating a rare variety that collectors love to find. These coins are hard to come by, and their value can reach up to $20,000 for those in the best condition.
7. 1931-S Lincoln Penny
The 1931-S penny, minted during the Great Depression, is another rare Lincoln cent. With only 866,000 made, this penny is known for its low mintage. It was the last Lincoln penny minted in San Francisco until 1935, and it holds significant value among collectors. Prices for this coin range from $70 to $150.
8. 1944-D D Over S Lincoln Penny
The 1944-D penny is another example of a repunched mint mark. This time, the penny was originally intended to be stamped with an “S” mint mark, but a “D” was mistakenly used. The error was corrected, but the mistake is still visible upon close inspection. This variety is worth between $50 and $280.
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9. 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny
Known as the “King of Lincoln Cent Varieties,” the 1955 Double Die penny is famous for its strong doubling, especially on the words “In God We Trust,” “Liberty,” and the year “1955.” The doubling is so clear that no magnifying glass is needed to see it. This rare penny is highly sought after, and prices range from $1,000 to $1,800 depending on the coin’s condition.
Conclusion:
Collecting rare Lincoln pennies is an exciting hobby, especially when you know what to look for. From minting errors like double dies and repunched mint marks to low-mintage coins, these pennies have become valuable over time. If you happen to have any of these 9 rare Lincoln pennies in your collection, you could be sitting on a small fortune! So, grab a magnifying glass and start searching – you never know what treasures you might uncover.