The Lincoln penny is the most collected U.S. coin series, spanning more than 115 years of history. While many pennies are worth only face value, certain key dates, mint errors, silver-era varieties, and high-grade coins can be worth hundreds, thousands, or even more.
This complete guide covers Lincoln penny values by year and mint, plus expert tips to help collectors identify valuable coins.
History of the Lincoln Penny
The Lincoln cent was first issued in 1909 to honor the 100th birthday of Abraham Lincoln. It has featured several reverse designs over the decades.
Lincoln Penny Reverse Designs
- 1909–1958: Wheat reverse
- 1959–2008: Lincoln Memorial
- 2009: Bicentennial designs (4 reverses)
- 2010–Present: Union Shield reverse
Lincoln Penny Mint Marks Explained
- P (Philadelphia): No mint mark (except 2017-P)
- D (Denver): Denver Mint
- S (San Francisco): Proof and early circulation issues
Mint marks significantly affect value, especially on early coins.
Lincoln Penny Value Chart by Year and Mint
Values are approximate and depend on condition, rarity, and market demand.
Wheat Pennies (1909–1958)
| Year | Mint | Variety | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1909 | P | VDB | $8 – $20 |
| 1909 | S | VDB | $700 – $3,000+ |
| 1914 | D | — | $200 – $2,500 |
| 1922 | P | No D Error | $500 – $12,000 |
| 1943 | P/D/S | Steel | $0.25 – $3 |
| 1943 | P | Bronze Error | $100,000+ |
| 1955 | P | Doubled Die | $1,200 – $15,000 |
Memorial Pennies (1959–2008)
| Year | Mint | Variety | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1969 | S | Doubled Die | $25,000 – $75,000 |
| 1970 | S | Small Date | $30 – $500 |
| 1982 | P/D | Copper | $2 – $15 |
| 1983 | P | Doubled Die | $100 – $7,000 |
| 1992 | D | Close AM | $500 – $3,000 |
Modern Lincoln Pennies (2009–Present)
| Year | Mint | Variety | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | P/D/S | Bicentennial | $1 – $5 |
| 2014 | P | Doubled Die | $50 – $300 |
| 2017 | P | First “P” mint mark | $1 – $5 |
| Modern | Any | MS68+ | $100 – $1,000 |
Most Valuable Lincoln Pennies Ever Sold
Top Rare Coins
- 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny – Over $1 million
- 1909-S VDB – One of the most famous key dates
- 1955 Doubled Die – Iconic error coin
- 1969-S Doubled Die – Extremely rare and valuable
Common Lincoln Penny Errors to Watch For
High-Value Error Types
- Doubled die obverse
- Off-center strikes
- Clipped planchets
- Wrong metal planchets
- Broadstrikes
Errors can turn a common penny into a valuable collectible.
How to Check If Your Lincoln Penny Is Valuable
Quick Checklist
- Check the date and mint mark
- Look for doubling with a magnifier
- Weigh copper vs zinc coins
- Inspect the AM spacing on the reverse
- Compare with verified examples
Collector Tips for Lincoln Pennies
Storage and Preservation
- Use Mylar flips or coin capsules
- Avoid cleaning coins
- Store in a dry environment
Professional Grading
- PCGS and NGC certification adds value
- Essential for rare or high-grade coins
Are Lincoln Pennies a Good Investment?
Lincoln pennies are ideal for:
- Beginner collectors
- Long-term investments
- Error and variety specialists
Key dates and major errors have shown strong price growth over time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the most valuable Lincoln penny?
The 1943 Bronze Lincoln penny is the most valuable, with auction prices exceeding $1 million.
Are any Lincoln pennies still worth face value?
Yes. Most modern circulation pennies are worth 1 cent, unless they have errors or high grades.
How do I know if my penny is copper or zinc?
- Copper pennies (pre-1982): 3.11 grams
- Zinc pennies (post-1982): 2.5 grams
Should I clean old Lincoln pennies?
No. Cleaning a coin can destroy its value permanently.