Collectors and casual savers both find value in uncommon minting errors and low-mintage dates. This guide lists the top 11 rare pennies struck during the twentieth century and explains how to recognize and evaluate them.
Top 11 Rare Pennies of the Twentieth Century
Below are the most commonly cited twentieth-century Lincoln cents and notable errors that attract collector attention. Each listing includes how to identify the coin and what makes it rare.
1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
One of the most iconic scarce pennies, the 1909-S with designer initials VDB on the reverse is a key date for Lincoln cents.
- Identification: Look for VDB on the reverse at the bottom of the wreath.
- Why rare: Low mint output from the San Francisco mint combined with designer initials removed mid-year.
2. 1909-S Lincoln Cent (without VDB)
The 1909-S without VDB is also scarce and sought after by type collectors building full-date sets.
- Identification: San Francisco mintmark S on the obverse under the date.
- Why rare: San Francisco mintages were significantly lower that year.
3. 1914-D Lincoln Cent
This Denver-minted 1914 cent is a classic key date in circulated and uncirculated grades.
- Identification: D mintmark below the date on obverse.
- Why rare: Very low mintage for Denver and heavy collector demand.
4. 1922 No D Lincoln Cent (Plain)
The 1922 Plain (no D) is a widely recognized rarity caused by weak or missing mintmarks on some dies.
- Identification: No mintmark on the obverse where D should appear.
- Why rare: Many were overpolished or struck faintly, so well-preserved examples are scarce.
5. 1931-S Lincoln Cent
The 1931-S is another low-mintage San Francisco coin that is hard to find in higher grades.
- Identification: S mintmark under date.
- Why rare: Low mintage and high demand from date collectors.
6. 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent (Copper on Bronze Planchet)
During World War II the Mint switched to steel planchets for pennies, but a very small number of copper planchets were struck in 1943.
- Identification: Look for a brown/copper color with the 1943 date.
- Why rare: Most 1943 cents are steel; copper examples are extreme rarities and highly collectible.
7. 1944 Steel Lincoln Cents
Some 1944 cents were struck on leftover steel planchets, producing an unusual steel cent dated 1944.
- Identification: Steel (gray) appearance but dated 1944.
- Why rare: The vast majority of 1944 cents are bronze; steel strikes are errors and very scarce.
8. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse
The 1955 doubled die obverse is one of the most famous doubling errors of the twentieth century.
- Identification: Noticeable doubling on the date and the word LIBERTY on the obverse.
- Why rare: The doubling is strong and visually distinct, making it highly desirable to error collectors.
9. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse
A scarce doubled die from the San Francisco mint, this variant causes bold doubling on the obverse features.
- Identification: Check for doubled date and doubled profile elements on obverse.
- Why rare: Lower surviving populations in high grades and collector interest in striking varieties.
10. 1972 Doubled Die Obverse
Several 1972 doubled die varieties exist; the bold examples can command a premium.
- Identification: Strong doubling on lettering and date when examined under a loupe.
- Why rare: Not all doubled dies were widely distributed, so good examples are limited.
11. Other Notable Error Pennies
Beyond single-year keys, many one-off mint errors in the twentieth century draw collector interest.
- Examples include repunched mintmarks, off-center strikes, and broadstrikes.
- Why rare: Each error is unique and survival in collector-grade condition determines value.
How to Identify and Verify Rare Pennies
Use a 10x loupe, consistent light, and a clean non-reflective surface when inspecting cents. Focus on mintmarks, designer initials, doubling, and unusual metal color.
For serious finds, seek verification from reputable third-party grading services. Authentication protects value and provides buyer confidence when selling or insuring.
Quick Checklist for Inspecting a Potential Rarity
- Check the mintmark and date under magnification.
- Look for unusual metal color or surface anomalies.
- Compare to known reference photos from reliable catalogues.
- Consider third-party grading for high-value coins.
Case Study: 1943 Copper Find
A well-documented real-world example involves a 1943 copper Lincoln cent discovered by an ordinary collector in circulation. The coin appeared brown, not steel, and the collector suspected an error.
After contacting a dealer and sending the coin to an established grading service, the piece was authenticated as a genuine 1943 copper strike. It was later sold at auction for a seven-figure sum.
Key lessons: Always verify unusual color or mint errors, and use graded authentication before negotiating a sale.
Practical Tips for Collectors and Sellers
- Keep finds in coin flips or soft holders to avoid damage.
- Document provenance and any paperwork if the coin has been graded before.
- Get multiple opinions for very rare or high-value pieces.
- Use up-to-date price guides and recent auction results when estimating value.
Knowing the top 11 rare pennies of the twentieth century helps collectors focus inspection and acquisition efforts. Careful observation, verification, and proper storage are the steps that protect value and support successful collecting.
