Everyday change can hide surprising value. Lincoln cents minted over the last century include several rare dates and error varieties that still turn up in tills, jars, and pocket change.
Top 10 Rare Lincoln Pennies Still in Circulation — What to Look For
This guide lists ten rare Lincoln pennies you might find and explains the key features that signal value. Use simple tests like a visual inspection, magnet test, and weight check to narrow candidates before seeking an expert appraisal.
1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny
Look for the initials VDB on the reverse rim under the wreath. The 1909-S VDB is a key date with low mintage and high collector demand. Most examples show heavy wear if they circulated, so even worn pieces can be valuable.
2. 1914-D Lincoln penny
The 1914-D from Denver is a scarce key date. Inspect the date and the D mint mark carefully; collectors prize well-centered and lightly worn examples. This coin is one of the more commonly encountered classic rarities in circulation searches.
3. 1922 No D Lincoln penny
Some 1922 cents lack a visible D mint mark due to overpolishing or a weak strike, making the plain 1922 an important variety. If the coin shows no mint mark and has a softly struck appearance, it could be worth further study.
4. 1931-S Lincoln penny
The 1931-S is a San Francisco key date with low mintage and collector interest. Check for the S mint mark on the obverse below the date and watch for overall preservation. Circulating finds are uncommon but possible.
5. 1943 Copper Lincoln penny
Most 1943 cents were struck on steel planchets; genuine 1943 copper cents are errors and very rare. Use a magnet—steel cents stick to a magnet while copper does not. Any nonmagnetic 1943 cent should be handled carefully and authenticated.
6. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln penny
One of the most famous doubled dies, the 1955 DDO shows strong doubling of the date and the words IN GOD WE TRUST and LIBERTY. Doubling is obvious to the naked eye on good examples. This variety often turns up in circulated mixtures and is sought after by collectors.
7. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Proof Lincoln penny
While mostly a proof-coin rarity, occasionally examples slip into collections that were once mixed with circulation coins. Doubling is dramatic on the obverse. If you find a 1969-S with strong doubling, consider expert verification.
8. 1972 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln penny
The 1972 doubled die can show clear doubling on the date and lettering. Unlike some rarities, many examples exist in circulated grades, so it is possible to find one in everyday change. Look for distinct doubled letters on the obverse.
9. Repunched Mint Mark and Overmint Mark Errors
Several Lincoln cents show repunched mint marks (RPM) or overmint mark errors where the mint mark appears doubled or misplaced. These varieties are more common than major key dates and can add moderate premium value, especially when visible without magnification.
10. Die Crack and Off-Center Lincoln pennies
Planchet errors like off-center strikes or die cracks occur in many years and can be found in circulation. Even modest off-center strikes (5–20%) can be interesting to collectors, while more extreme errors command higher premiums.
How to Check Your Change for Rare Lincoln Pennies
- Inspect the date and mint mark with a loupe or smartphone macro photo.
- Use a magnet to separate steel 1943 cents from potential copper errors.
- Look for doubling, repunched mint marks, and unusual strike features.
- Compare suspected finds to verified images from reputable coin reference sites.
Quick Practical Tests
Weighing a suspected 1943 copper is useful: copper cents are heavier than steel. A magnet is the fastest field test; if the coin is attracted, it is steel. Doubling and VDB initials are visual checks you can do with a 10x loupe.
The VDB initials on the 1909 reverse are the initials of Victor D. Brenner, the coin’s designer. They were removed shortly after release and later returned in a smaller form on some coins, making original VDB examples notable finds.
Small Real-World Example
A part-time metal detectorist cleaned out a family coin jar and found a worn 1955 doubled die. After photographing the coin and consulting an online forum, the owner sold it through a dealer. The find—initially spotted with the naked eye—proved valuable after authentication.
When to Seek Professional Authentication
If you suspect a major rarity (for example, a 1943 copper or a 1909-S VDB), stop handling the coin and contact a reputable coin dealer or grading service. Proper authentication and grading protect value and ensure correct market pricing.
Summary: What to Keep an Eye On
In everyday change, the most realistic finds are doubled dies, repunched mint marks, and occasional early 20th-century dates in poor condition. Use the magnet test, visual checks, and reference photos to identify candidates, then seek professional help for major rarities.
Happy hunting—your next jar of pennies could hold something surprising.