Everyday cash can hide small treasures. Lincoln pennies are the most common U.S. coin, but a few rare varieties still turn up in wallets and coin jars. This guide shows ten rare Lincoln pennies you might find in circulation and how to check your change.
How to Check Your Change for Rare Lincoln Pennies
Look for unusual dates, mint marks, doubled features, or errors. Use a magnifying glass, good lighting, and a coin reference app or book to compare details.
Handle coins by the edges and keep them in plastic flips if you plan to preserve their condition. Even worn rare pennies can have value above face.
Top 10 Rare Lincoln Pennies Still in Circulation
Below are ten rare Lincoln pennies commonly sought by collectors. Each entry gives the key identifying features and a realistic value range for circulated examples.
1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
One of the most famous modern rarities, the 1909-S with designer Victor David Brenner’s initials (VDB) on the reverse is scarce.
- Identifying features: 1909 date, small S mint mark, VDB on reverse near rim.
- Value in circulation: typically several hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on condition.
2. 1909-S (without VDB)
The 1909-S without VDB is also scarce and often appears without the initials; it is more common than the VDB but still valuable.
- Identifying features: 1909 date, S mint mark, no VDB initials.
- Value in circulation: usually lower than VDB but often $50–$300 in worn grades.
3. 1914-D Lincoln Cent
The 1914-D is a key date for collectors. It has a small mintage and can be overlooked in bank rolls.
- Identifying features: 1914 date, small D mint mark on the obverse (below date).
- Value in circulation: commonly a few hundred dollars in worn condition.
4. 1955 Double Die Obverse
The 1955 double die shows obvious doubling of the date and inscriptions on the obverse. It is an error coin that circulates occasionally.
- Identifying features: pronounced doubling on LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date.
- Value in circulation: often $50–$500 depending on how clear the doubling is.
5. 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent
Most 1943 cents were struck in zinc-coated steel due to wartime copper shortages. Rare copper examples were struck in error and are highly valuable.
- Identifying features: bronze color instead of steel, 1943 date.
- Value in circulation: tens of thousands of dollars for authentic copper examples; authenticated pieces only.
6. 1972 Double Die Obverse
The 1972 doubled die shows clear doubling on the date and lettering. It’s less dramatic than 1955 but still collectible.
- Identifying features: doubling on the date and some letters of LIBERTY.
- Value in circulation: commonly $20–$200.
7. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse (Proof)
Although many 1969-S doubled dies are proofs, a circulation strike with similar doubling can appear. These are rare and should be inspected carefully.
- Identifying features: doubling on obverse lettering and date; S mint mark present.
- Value in circulation: varies widely; authenticated examples command higher prices.
8. 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial Varieties
In 2009 the U.S. Mint issued four reverse designs. Some errors and low-mintage varieties from that year can be valuable to collectors.
- Identifying features: unusual reverse designs (Birth and Early Childhood, Formative Years, Professional Life, Presidency).
- Value in circulation: most are face value, but certain mint errors or rare die varieties can fetch $50+.
9. 1983 Doubled Die Reverse
The 1983 doubled die reverse shows noticeable doubling on the wheat reverse or the Lincoln Memorial reverse on later issues. It can be found in pocket change.
- Identifying features: doubling of inscriptions on the reverse, especially UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
- Value in circulation: usually $10–$200 depending on clarity.
10. Key Mint Mark Errors (e.g., D over S)
Coins with repunched or overpunched mint marks (like a D over S) can appear when mint mark punches were misaligned. These errors often interest collectors.
- Identifying features: visible remnants of another mint mark under the main mint mark.
- Value in circulation: $20–$500 depending on rarity and clarity.
The 1955 doubled die was discovered by a coin dealer scanning circulated coins. It was widely publicized and remains one of the most recognized modern coin errors.
Practical Tips to Identify Rare Lincoln Pennies
Use these quick checks when sorting pennies:
- Check dates from 1909, 1914, 1943, 1955, 1969, and early 2000s closely.
- Look for mint marks S, D, and unusual punches or doubling.
- Compare suspicious coins with high-quality reference images online.
Real-World Example: Finding a 1955 Doubled Die
A teacher in Ohio found a 1955 doubled die in a jar of pennies saved by her class. She noticed the thick lettering on LIBERTY and compared it to online photos. After authentication by a local coin dealer, the coin sold for around $1,200 in circulated grade.
She used a basic magnifier and a catalog image to make the initial ID, then had the coin graded to realize its full value. The simple steps she followed are ones anyone can use.
When to Seek Professional Authentication
If you find a potential 1943 copper or a clear major error, get the coin authenticated by a reputable grading service. Authentication protects value and helps you sell confidently.
Smaller errors and doubled dies can be verified at local coin clubs or by experienced dealers before submitting to a grading service.
Checking your change takes only a few minutes and can be rewarding. Keep a magnifier and coin guide handy, and remember that even worn rare Lincoln pennies can be worth more than their face value.