Many Lincoln cents printed over the last century are still turning up in circulation. Some are ordinary, while others are true rarities worth inspecting closely.
How to inspect coins for rare Lincoln pennies
Start with a good light and a magnifier to read small details like mint marks and die errors. Check the date, the mint mark under the date, and the reverse for designer initials or doubled devices.
Use these quick checks when you find an older penny in change:
- Read the date and mint mark clearly before handling a worn coin.
- Look for doubled lettering or numbers on the obverse (front) and reverse (back).
- Note unusual colors or weight—these can signal wrong planchets or composition changes.
Top 10 rare Lincoln pennies still in circulation
Below are ten dates, varieties, and error types that collectors still seek. Each entry explains how to spot the coin and why it can be valuable.
1. 1909-S VDB
Look for 1909 with an S mint mark and the initials VDB on the reverse rim. This is one of the most famous early Lincoln cent rarities. Even heavily worn examples can be worth a lot; uncirculated specimens command much higher prices.
2. 1909 VDB (Philadelphia)
The 1909 Philadelphia with VDB on the reverse is scarce in high grades. Identify it by the VDB initials at the bottom of the reverse and assess condition carefully—value rises sharply with preservation.
3. 1914-D
This Denver-minted 1914 is prized and often missed because the D mint mark can be weak. Check the date and the D under the year; cleaned or heavily worn examples lose value but still attract collectors.
4. 1922 No D (Plain)
In some 1922 cents the D mint mark is missing or very faint due to a filled die. A plain 1922, especially on a Denver-struck planchet, can be scarce. Compare the mint mark area closely under magnification.
5. 1931-S
The 1931-S is one of the tougher San Francisco Lincoln cents. It’s often found worn but retains collector interest; original surfaces and rim detail increase value quickly.
6. 1955 Double Die Obverse
Look for obvious doubling on the date and the words IN GOD WE TRUST and LIBERTY. The 1955 doubled die is one of the best-known modern errors and can be worth hundreds or more depending on grade.
7. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse
Some 1969-S cents show noticeable doubling on the obverse; most examples are from proof sets but a few circulation strikes exist. Any clear DDO (doubled die obverse) example is worth close inspection.
8. 1972 Doubled Die Varieties
Several 1972 doubled die varieties exist—look for doubled letters on LIBERTY and the date. Values vary by the strength of doubling and overall condition.
9. 1982 Bronze Cents
1982 was a transition year from bronze to zinc-coated steel (and later zinc with copper plating). Bronze cents dated 1982 exist and are of interest to collectors. Test weight or consult a coin guide if color looks copper rather than zinc-gray.
10. Off-center and Clipped Planchet Errors
Error coins such as off-center strikes, clipped planchets, or coins struck on the wrong metal can appear in circulation. These are judged by the percent of the design missing and the neatness of the clip; values range widely by severity.
Practical tips when checking your change
Be systematic: separate older coins by date and mint mark into piles. Photograph suspected rarities and compare with online guides before handling or cleaning—do not clean coins, as cleaning reduces collector value.
- Carry a small loupe (10x) to examine doubling, mint marks, and die cracks.
- Use coin reference sites or a printed guide that shows doubled die examples and mint mark locations.
- If you think a coin is valuable, consider professional grading before sale.
Did You Know?
The Lincoln cent design has been used since 1909, and small die and composition changes over the decades created many collectible varieties. Some of the most valuable cents show slight production quirks that were not noticed at the mint.
Case study: Finding a valuable cent in change
A casual shopper once discovered a 1955 doubled die in a handful of coins from a register. After verifying the doubling with a photograph and an online forum, they sold the example through an auction site. The sale netted far more than face value, demonstrating that careful inspection can pay off.
When to get professional help
If a coin appears to be an expensive rarity or a strong error example, avoid cleaning and seek a second opinion. Professional coin dealers and grading services can authenticate and grade the coin, which helps in getting fair market value.
Use reputable coin shops or certified graders (PCGS, NGC) for high-value pieces. Small purchases and minor errors can be sold locally once you understand market value.
Final checklist before selling or grading
- Do not clean or polish the coin.
- Photograph both sides under good light.
- Compare to known examples using reliable references.
- Ask for multiple opinions if the value seems high.
Checking your change is easy and can be rewarding. Keep a loupe in your wallet and a quick guide on your phone—every now and then, you might find a small piece of numismatic history.
