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Lincoln Penny Value Chart by Year and Mint: Ultimate Collector Guide 2026

Lincoln Penny Value Chart by Year and Mint: Ultimate Collector Guide 2026

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Introduction

The Lincoln penny, first issued in 1909 to commemorate Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday, remains one of the most collected U.S. coins today. From the classic Wheat reverse (1909–1958) to the Memorial reverse (1959–2008), the Bicentennial designs (2009), and the modern Shield reverse (2010–present), values vary dramatically based on year, mint mark (P for Philadelphia/no mark, D for Denver, S for San Francisco), condition, and rare varieties or errors. Whether you’re a beginner sorting through pocket change or an advanced collector building a date-and-mint set, this Lincoln penny value chart by year and mint guide highlights key dates, semi-key issues, major errors, and approximate values in 2026. Prices reflect recent auction trends and dealer guides for average circulated to gem uncirculated conditions—always get rare pieces professionally graded by PCGS or NGC for accurate valuation.

Lincoln Penny Eras & Key Value Factors

  • Wheat Cents (1909–1958): Copper composition; values soar for low-mintage San Francisco issues, key dates like 1909-S VDB, and wartime errors.
  • Memorial Cents (1959–2008): Zinc or copper-plated zinc; modern errors like doubled dies drive premiums.
  • Bicentennial & Shield Cents (2009–present): Four 2009 reverses plus ongoing Shield design; special 2026 Semiquincentennial editions add future interest.

Condition matters hugely—Red (RD) luster boosts values far above Brown (BN) or Red-Brown (RB). Mint errors (doubled dies, wrong planchets) can multiply worth exponentially.

Lincoln Penny Value Chart Highlights by Year & Mint Mark

Here are standout years and mint marks with approximate 2026 values (in USD) across common grades:

  1. 1909-S VDB The legendary first-year key date with designer’s initials on reverse—lowest mintage in series. Good: $500–$700 | Fine: $700–$900 | Extremely Fine: $1,000–$1,500 | Uncirculated MS-65 RD: $2,000–$5,000+ (top examples exceed $10,000).
  2. 1914-D Ultra-low Denver mintage makes this a classic key. Good: $150–$300 | Fine: $400–$600 | Extremely Fine: $1,000–$2,000 | MS-65 RD: $5,000–$20,000+.
  3. 1922 No D (Plain) Die abrasion error missing the D mint mark—strong reverse examples prized. Good: $300–$600 | Fine: $800–$1,500 | Extremely Fine: $3,000–$10,000 | MS-65: $20,000–$50,000+.
  4. 1931-S Second-lowest mintage Wheat cent. Good: $40–$60 | Fine: $60–$80 | Extremely Fine: $100–$150 | MS-65 RD: $300–$800+.
10 Most Valuable State Quarters 2026 – Rare Coins Still in Circulation
  1. 1943 Bronze (Copper) Error – All Mints Wartime steel cents accidentally struck on bronze planchets—the ultimate rarity. 1943 (P): $100,000–$400,000+ | 1943-D: $500,000–$2,000,000+ | 1943-S: $200,000–$1,000,000+.
  2. 1944 Steel Error – Especially 1944-S Reverse wartime mistake on steel planchet. Circulated: $10,000–$100,000 | MS-65: $200,000–$1,000,000+.
  3. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Bold doubling on date and lettering—one of the most famous errors. Fine: $800–$1,200 | Extremely Fine: $1,500–$2,500 | MS-65 RD: $5,000–$30,000+.
  4. 1972 Doubled Die Obverse Strong doubling visible to naked eye. MS-65 RD: $300–$1,000+ (higher for exceptional examples).
  5. 1983 Doubled Die Reverse Prominent doubling on reverse lettering. MS-65: $200–$600+.
  6. 1992 Close AM & 1999 Wide AM Varieties Transitional reverse lettering errors (AM close or wide). Circulated: $50–$500 | MS-65+: $1,000–$10,000+ depending on variety.

For modern Shield cents (2010+), most trade near face value unless high-grade proofs or 2026 Semiquincentennial specials emerge with collector demand.

Conclusion

Building a Lincoln penny collection by year and mint mark offers endless fascination—whether chasing elusive Wheat cent keys like the 1909-S VDB and 1914-D, hunting wartime bronze/steel errors, or tracking modern doubled dies. Values in this Lincoln penny value chart shift with market trends, so monitor auctions and price guides regularly. Start by checking your change for unusual dates or mint marks, use a loupe for doubling, and never clean coins (it reduces value). For serious pieces, professional grading unlocks maximum worth. In 2026, Lincoln pennies remain accessible yet full of hidden gems—happy collecting!

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