Many people pass through old cents without a second thought. With a few simple checks you can spot Lincoln pennies worth far more than face value.
Why Lincoln Pennies Matter
Lincoln pennies have been produced continuously since 1909, which created many collectible varieties and errors. Some of those variations are rare and can be found in everyday pocket change.
How to Spot Valuable Lincoln Pennies
Inspect coins in bright light and use a magnifier or smartphone camera to enlarge details. Look for unusual features like doubled letters, missing mint marks, or copper where it shouldn’t be.
Follow this quick checklist when you sort change:
- Year and mint mark readability
- Unusual doubling on letters or dates
- Color differences (bronze vs. steel)
- Die cracks, clips, or lamination errors
Top Lincoln Penny Varieties to Check
These are the most frequently valuable Lincoln pennies you might find in circulation. Each name is followed by key ID tips and a realistic value range for circulated examples.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
ID tips: Look for the initials VDB on the reverse at the bottom rim. The 1909-S VDB is rare because only a small number were minted.
Typical value: Hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on condition.
1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny
ID tips: Strong doubling on the date and the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” is obvious. Doubling is raised and looks like an offset second image.
Typical value: Several hundred dollars in worn condition; much higher for cleaner coins.
1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny
ID tips: Most 1943 cents were made from zinc-coated steel. A bronze 1943 is a major error. Bronze color and weight (about 3.11 g) will identify it.
Typical value: Thousands to tens of thousands depending on authenticity and grade.
1969-S Doubled Die Obverse
ID tips: Look for doubling on the date and inscriptions, especially on the letters in “LIBERTY.” Use magnification to confirm.
Typical value: Several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on wear.
Other Worth Checking: 1914-D, 1922 No D, and Proofs
1914-D and certain 1922 varieties can be valuable in circulated grades. Proof coins and mint sets sometimes slip into circulation and can carry higher values.
Practical Steps to Inspect Pocket Change
Use this step-by-step method for efficient sorting:
- Spread coins on a clean, flat surface and separate by color and date visibility.
- Use a magnifier and angled light to inspect rims, dates, and mint marks.
- Photograph suspicious coins for a closer look later or for online ID help.
- Weigh or test metal color when necessary (steel vs. bronze).
Grading Basics for Lincoln Pennies
Condition drives value. Grading terms you’ll see include Good (G), Fine (F), Extremely Fine (XF) and Mint State (MS). Even a small difference, like XF vs MS60, can change value dramatically.
For beginners, focus on sharpness of date and letters, and the presence of original luster. Avoid cleaning coins, which reduces value.
The Lincoln cent was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person. Abraham Lincoln’s portrait first appeared in 1909 to honor his 100th birthday.
Tools and Resources
Keep a few basic tools on hand: a 10x loupe, a soft brush, a scale for metal testing, and reference guides or apps. Online coin forums and auction sites help confirm rarity and market price.
Real-World Example
A cashier in Ohio found a worn 1955 doubled die cent while sorting tips. They photographed the coin and posted it on a collector forum. An experienced member confirmed the doubling and suggested grading; the coin later sold at auction for over $1,200.
This case shows how common-circulation finds can have real value with a bit of investigation.
When to Get Professional Help
If you find a likely high-value coin—such as a 1943 bronze or 1909-S VDB—consider third-party grading. A professional opinion confirms authenticity and often raises the market value.
Submit coins to reputable services (PCGS, NGC) for grading and encapsulation when the potential value justifies the fee.
Quick Tips Summary
- Check every old-looking penny, especially pre-1982 and pre-1960 years.
- Use bright light and magnification for date and letter inspection.
- Photograph and ask online communities if you’re unsure.
- Never clean or polish suspected valuable coins.
With consistent practice and careful inspection, valuable Lincoln pennies can be found among ordinary change. Keep your eyes open, use the right tools, and consult experts when you find something special.