The Lincoln Penny, one of the most iconic coins in U.S. history, is beloved by collectors and investors alike. While most Lincoln Pennies are worth only a few cents, certain rare versions have achieved astronomical values at auction.
Some of these rare pennies have surpassed $500,000 in value due to their unique features, historical significance, or minting errors.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 6 Lincoln Pennies that have broken the $500,000 barrier, shedding light on why they’re so valuable and what makes them stand out among other coins.
1. 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny – $1.7 Million
The 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny is perhaps the most famous of the rare Lincoln Pennies, and for good reason. The U.S. Mint switched to producing pennies made of steel in 1943 due to wartime copper shortages, but a small number of copper pennies were mistakenly struck in that year. These rare copper pennies are highly prized by collectors.
Key Features:
- Mint Year: 1943
- Mintage: Only a few known to exist (about 10).
- Value: In 2010, a 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny sold for a record-breaking $1.7 million at auction.
- Condition: Coins in excellent condition can fetch millions, especially those graded MS-64 or higher.
This penny is one of the most sought-after U.S. coins due to its unique composition and rarity. Its sale price has made it a symbol of what can happen when rare minting errors occur.
2. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny – $1.1 Million
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny is another legendary coin that commands an astronomical price. The “VDB” stands for the initials of the designer, Victor David Brenner, who created the Lincoln portrait featured on the coin.
Due to public outcry over the inclusion of his initials, the U.S. Mint stopped minting the coin after only 484,000 were produced, making it a rare and highly collectible item.
Key Features:
- Mint Year: 1909
- Mintage: 484,000 coins.
- Value: The highest-quality 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny has been known to fetch more than $1 million at auction.
- Condition: Coins with higher grades like MS-65 or better are most valuable.
This coin is considered one of the most important coins in American numismatics, partly because it was the first coin to feature the Lincoln portrait and sparked a national conversation about the inclusion of the designer’s initials.
3. 1922 No D Lincoln Penny – $900,000
The 1922 No D Lincoln Penny is an example of a rare minting error. The Denver Mint accidentally left off the “D” mintmark, making it a highly sought-after coin by collectors who seek out unique and rare minting mistakes. The coin’s error makes it one of the rarest and most valuable of all Lincoln Pennies.
Key Features:
- Mint Year: 1922
- Mintage: Approximately 7.16 million coins produced, but only a small percentage lacked the “D” mintmark.
- Value: The 1922 No D Lincoln Penny has been sold for as much as $900,000 in top-grade condition.
- Condition: High-grade examples (MS-65) are the most valuable.
Collectors prize this coin not just for its rarity but also for the intriguing mistake that led to its creation. The error makes it an extraordinary find for numismatists.
4. 1931-S Lincoln Penny – $600,000
The 1931-S Lincoln Penny is one of the rarest pennies ever produced, with a mintage of just 866,000. Because of its low production, many of these coins were lost or destroyed over time, which makes surviving examples particularly valuable.
The 1931-S is one of the most famous rarities in the Lincoln series, and coins in uncirculated condition can fetch a small fortune.
Key Features:
- Mint Year: 1931
- Mintage: 866,000 coins.
- Value: In 2014, a well-preserved 1931-S Lincoln Penny sold for $600,000.
- Condition: The coin’s value skyrockets when in MS-65 or better condition.
Because of its low mintage, the 1931-S Lincoln Penny is highly sought after by collectors looking for rare, high-quality examples of this famous coin.
5. 1914-D Lincoln Penny – $700,000
The 1914-D Lincoln Penny, struck at the Denver Mint, is another coin that regularly surpasses $500,000 in auction sales.
With a relatively low mintage of just 1.19 million coins, this penny is one of the most valuable and sought-after of the series. High-quality examples of this coin, particularly in MS-65 or better grades, can bring in a significant amount of money.
Key Features:
- Mint Year: 1914
- Mintage: 1.19 million coins.
- Value: Top-grade examples have sold for up to $700,000.
- Condition: The higher the grade, the more valuable the coin, with MS-65 coins being the most desirable.
The 1914-D Lincoln Penny is highly regarded by collectors due to its low mintage, which makes it one of the most valuable coins in the Lincoln series.
6. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny – $500,000
The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny is another example of a minting error that resulted in a highly valuable coin.
The double die error caused the date and inscription to appear doubled on the coin, making it one of the most notable errors in the history of U.S. coinage.
Key Features:
- Mint Year: 1955
- Mintage: 1955 Pennies were widely produced, but only a few displayed the doubling error.
- Value: The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny has sold for as much as $500,000, particularly when found in high-grade condition.
- Condition: Coins in mint condition with sharp details are the most valuable.
This error coin is a favorite among collectors because of its dramatic design flaw and its place in the history of U.S. coinage.
Top 6 Lincoln Pennies That Surpassed $500,000
| Coin | Mint Year | Mintage | Key Features | Auction Value (Highest) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny | 1943 | Few known to exist | Copper penny mistakenly struck in 1943 | $1.7 Million |
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny | 1909 | 484,000 | Initials “VDB” on coin | $1.1 Million |
| 1922 No D Lincoln Penny | 1922 | 7.16 million | Minting error (no “D” mintmark) | $900,000 |
| 1931-S Lincoln Penny | 1931 | 866,000 | Low mintage, rare find | $600,000 |
| 1914-D Lincoln Penny | 1914 | 1.19 million | Low mintage, Denver Mint | $700,000 |
| 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny | 1955 | Widely produced | Doubling error in the date | $500,000 |
The Lincoln Penny has a long history of fascinating coins, many of which have surpassed $500,000 at auction due to their rarity, minting errors, or historical significance.
From the legendary 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny to the famous 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny, these rare coins have become highly prized collectibles. If you ever find yourself in possession of one of these rare pennies, it might just be worth a small fortune.
FAQs
Why is the 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny so valuable?
The 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny is valuable because it was a mistake during the minting process. While most 1943 pennies were made from steel due to wartime copper shortages, a few were accidentally struck in copper, making them extremely rare.
What is the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny?
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny is one of the most sought-after coins due to its low mintage and the inclusion of the designer’s initials, “VDB.” Only 484,000 coins were minted, making it a rare find.
How much is a 1922 No D Lincoln Penny worth?
A 1922 No D Lincoln Penny, due to its minting error (lack of the “D” mintmark), can be worth up to $900,000 depending on its condition.
What makes the 1914-D Lincoln Penny valuable?
The 1914-D Lincoln Penny is valuable because of its low mintage of just 1.19 million coins, making it one of the rarest pennies in the Lincoln series.