Lincoln Penny Treasures In 1983 the U.S. Mint ceased production of copper coins and began manufacturing them with a fewer expensive zinc core, clad with only a very thin layer of copper. Actually, however, a few pennies from 1983 were mistakenly produced from the older bronze composition, making them very rare.
Why is this coin valuable?
- It’s a transitional error; that is to say, it was struck using an old material by mistake.
- It’s rare; very few 1983 bronze pennies still exist.
- High-quality specimens have sold for about $1,400.
Coin Details:
Year Mint Composition Value
1983 Denver (D) Bronze $1,400+
If you ever find a 1983 penny that feels heavier than usual, it could be one of these rare bronze errors!
1969 Doubled Die Penny
One of the rarest and most valuable Lincoln Memorial Pennies is the 1969 Doubled Die Penny. It means the error is rather clear since the words LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST certainly look doubled due to some misprint at the mint.
Why is this coin worth so much?
- Only a few dozen are known to exist, making it one of the rarest Lincoln pennies.
- The doubling error is easy to see, which makes it more desirable for collectors.
- One of these sold for a jaw-dropping $126,500 at an auction in 2005.
Coin Details:
Year Mint Error Type Value
1969 Philadelphia Doubled Die Obverse $126,500+
If you’re lucky enough to find one of these in great condition, you could be holding a six-figure coin in your hands!
1981-S Type II Proof Penny
The 1981-S Type II Proof Penny is among the most-valuable pennies, thanks to the moat various differences, but most provenance being the sharp additional mint mark “S,” the reliable version being faint at best.
Why is this coin collectible?
- Proof coins are special collector’s editions made with extra detail and shine.
- The sharper “S” mint mark makes this Type II version much rarer than the Type I.
- A well-preserved PF68 example has sold for $900 to $1,200.
Coin Details:
Year Mint Type Value
1981 San Francisco (S) Type II Proof $900 – $1,200
Check your proof sets carefully—you might find one of these rarer Type II versions!
1983 Doubled Die Reverse Penny
This 1983 penny has an error on the reverse side (back of the coin) where the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and “ONE CENT” appear doubled.
Why is it valuable?
- The doubling is very noticeable, making it a favorite among collectors.
- It’s rare, and high-grade examples have sold for over $7,000.
Coin Details:
Year Mint Error Type Value
1983 Philadelphia Doubled Die Reverse $7,000+
If you ever come across a 1983 penny with bold, doubled letters on the back, it could be worth thousands.
1992 Close AM Penny
This 1992 penny is special because of the spacing between the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA”. Normally, the letters are spaced apart, but on this rare version, the letters are almost touching.
Why is this coin so valuable?
- It’s a transitional error, which makes it very rare.
- There are very few known examples, making it highly sought after.
- One sold for an incredible $25,850 at auction.
Coin Details:
Year Mint Error Type Value
1992 Philadelphia Close AM $25,850+
A tiny difference in lettering turned this penny into a collector’s dream!
1971-S Doubled Die Obverse Penny
The 1971-S proof penny has noticeable doubling on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”.
Why is this coin valuable?
- It’s a proof coin, meaning it was made for collectors with extra sharp details.
- The doubling error makes it unique and more desirable.
- High-grade versions have sold for around $3,220.
Coin Details:
Year Mint Error Type Value
1971 San Francisco Doubled Die Obverse $3,220+
This coin is a favorite among collectors who love error pennies.
1970-S Small Date Penny
The 1970-S Small Date Penny looks almost identical to the Large Date version, but the numbers in the date are slightly different in size and alignment.
Why is this coin valuable?
- The Small Date version is much rarer than the Large Date.
- A PF69 Deep Cameo version has sold for an amazing $18,400.
Coin Details:
Year Mint Type Value
1970 San Francisco Small Date $18,400+
A small design difference can make a huge impact on a coin’s value!
Final Thoughts:
These Lincoln Memorial Pennies prove that even the smallest details can turn an ordinary penny into a rare and valuable collector’s item.
Some pennies were made with errors that make them unique.
Others are rare because they were made in small numbers.
All of them are worth much more than one cent!
FAQs
1. Which Lincoln pennies are the most valuable?
Some of the most valuable Lincoln pennies include the 1909-S VDB, 1943 copper penny, and 1955 doubled die penny.
2. How can I tell if my Lincoln penny is rare?
Check for key dates, mint marks, and errors such as doubling, missing details, or unusual metal compositions.
3. Where can I sell valuable Lincoln pennies?
You can sell them at coin dealers, online marketplaces like eBay, or at coin auctions.
4. Why are some Lincoln pennies worth thousands of dollars?
Rarity, minting errors, and historical significance can significantly increase a penny’s value.
5. What tools do I need to check my Lincoln pennies?
A magnifying glass, a digital scale, and a coin value guide can help identify rare and valuable pennies.