8 High-Value Lincoln Pennies Worth Over $1.5 Million Combined

The Lincoln penny, one of the most iconic coins in U.S. history, was first minted in 1909 to commemorate President Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. Over time, these pennies have become a staple in coin collections. While most Lincoln pennies are worth just one cent, there are several rare varieties that have skyrocketed in value.

Some of these pennies are worth over $1.5 million combined due to their rarity, historical significance, and minting errors. In this article, we will explore eight high-value Lincoln pennies, providing detailed information about their unique characteristics, value, and how they became so highly sought after.

1. 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny

The 1943 Copper Lincoln penny is one of the most famous and valuable Lincoln pennies in the world. Due to a rare error during the minting process, a few copper pennies were mistakenly struck instead of the intended steel pennies in 1943. Only about 20 of these copper pennies are known to exist today. In 2019, one of these rare pennies sold for $1.7 million at a public auction.

Key Facts:

• Minting Year: 1943
• Material: Copper (mistakenly struck, as most were made of steel)
• Estimated Value: $1.7 million

2. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny

The 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny is one of the most coveted coins in the numismatic world. It features the initials “VDB” on the reverse, referring to the designer, Victor David Brenner.

The 1909-S VDB was originally intended to be released only in limited quantities, but its rarity and historical significance make it highly sought after. Pennies with the “S” mintmark from San Francisco are especially rare, and a 1909-S VDB in excellent condition can fetch upwards of $1.2 million.

Key Facts:

• Minting Year: 1909
• Mintmark: S (San Francisco)
• Designer: Victor David Brenner
• Estimated Value: $1.2 million

3. 1914-D Lincoln Penny

The 1914-D Lincoln penny is another rare gem in the world of coin collecting. The “D” mintmark indicates that this penny was struck at the Denver Mint, and its rarity is primarily due to the low mintage numbers in that year. Only a limited number were produced, and many of them were worn down quickly due to everyday use. In 2021, a well-preserved 1914-D Lincoln penny sold for $400,000.

Key Facts:

• Minting Year: 1914
• Mintmark: D (Denver)
• Estimated Value: $400,000

4. 1922 No D Lincoln Penny

The 1922 No D Lincoln penny is an example of a minting error that has caught the attention of coin collectors. The mint mistakenly left off the “D” mintmark from some 1922 pennies. These rare coins are highly prized by collectors and can command prices in the range of $300,000 to $500,000, depending on their condition.

Key Facts:

• Minting Year: 1922
• Mintmark: None (mistakenly omitted)
• Estimated Value: $300,000 – $500,000

5. 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny

The 1955 Double Die Lincoln penny is another famous error coin. During the minting process, the die that struck the penny was doubled, resulting in a noticeable doubling of the date and other elements of the design. Only a few of these coins exist, and one in excellent condition can be worth over $200,000.

Key Facts:

• Minting Year: 1955
• Error: Double Die (doubling of the date)
• Estimated Value: $200,000

6. 1969-S Double Die Lincoln Penny

The 1969-S Double Die Lincoln penny is a highly prized error coin with similar characteristics to the 1955 Double Die penny. The doubling on this penny is most noticeable in the word “LIBERTY” and the date. The 1969-S Double Die is extremely rare, with only a few examples known to exist. A specimen sold for nearly $350,000 in 2018.

Key Facts:

• Minting Year: 1969
• Mintmark: S (San Francisco)
• Error: Double Die
• Estimated Value: $350,000

7. 1931-S Lincoln Penny

The 1931-S Lincoln penny is rare due to a low mintage. During the Great Depression, many coins were not produced in large numbers, making the 1931-S one of the rarest Lincoln pennies. Well-preserved examples of this penny can be valued at more than $150,000.

Key Facts:

• Minting Year: 1931
• Mintmark: S (San Francisco)
• Estimated Value: $150,000

8. 1877 Indian Head Penny

Although not a Lincoln penny, the 1877 Indian Head penny is often included in discussions about high-value pennies. The 1877 Indian Head penny is incredibly rare, with only a few specimens in excellent condition still in existence. It is highly sought after by collectors and can easily fetch $1 million or more, making it one of the most valuable pennies ever minted.

Key Facts:

• Minting Year: 1877
• Material: Copper-nickel
• Estimated Value: $1 million+

Coin	Minting Year	Mintmark	Error or Rarity	Estimated Value
1943 Copper Lincoln	1943	None	Copper instead of steel	$1.7 million
1909-S VDB Lincoln	1909	S	VDB initials, rare mintmark	$1.2 million
1914-D Lincoln	1914	D	Low mintage, Denver mint	$400,000
1922 No D Lincoln	1922	None	Missing mintmark	$300,000 – $500,000
1955 Double Die Lincoln	1955	None	Double Die (doubled date)	$200,000
1969-S Double Die Lincoln	1969	S	Double Die, noticeable doubling	$350,000
1931-S Lincoln	1931	S	Rare low mintage	$150,000
1877 Indian Head	1877	None	Extremely rare, sought after	$1 million+

The value of rare Lincoln pennies can reach staggering amounts, sometimes even exceeding $1 million. These coins are prized not only for their historical significance but also for their rarity and the minting errors that make them so unique.

Collectors around the world continue to search for these high-value pennies, and some have paid record prices to add them to their collections. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, knowing these rare and valuable Lincoln pennies can help you identify potential treasures in your coin collection.

FAQs

1. What makes the 1943 Copper Lincoln penny so valuable?

The 1943 Copper Lincoln penny is valuable because it was mistakenly struck on copper planchets instead of the intended steel, making it incredibly rare. Only about 20 examples exist.

2. Why is the 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny so rare?

The 1909-S VDB penny is rare due to its limited production and the presence of the designer’s initials “VDB” on the reverse. The “S” mintmark further adds to its rarity.

3. How can I tell if my 1955 penny is a double die?

A 1955 double die penny will have noticeable doubling of the date and the word “LIBERTY.” It is most visible under magnification.

4. Are there any other Lincoln pennies worth significant amounts?

Yes, the 1914-D, 1922 No D, and 1969-S double die pennies are among the most valuable Lincoln pennies, with prices ranging from $150,000 to $350,000 depending on condition.

5. What is the best way to find rare Lincoln pennies?

To find rare Lincoln pennies, consider checking coin roll hunts, visiting coin shops, and attending auctions. Properly examining pennies for errors is crucial when identifying rare specimens.