The Lincoln cent series is one of the most collected U.S. coin series. Knowing which Valuable Lincoln Pennies By Year to watch for helps collectors and sellers prioritize searches and spot high-value finds.
How to identify Valuable Lincoln Pennies By Year
Start by checking the date and the mint mark on each penny. Dates and mint marks narrow the list of candidate years that commonly produce high value.
Next, inspect the coin’s condition, signs of errors, and unusual features. Small strikes, doubled dies, and wrong-planchet errors often create real value.
Key features to inspect
- Date clarity and mint mark (D, S, or no mark).
- Doubling on the date or lettering — look for doubled die obverse.
- Color and composition for error planchets (for example, 1943 copper vs. steel).
- Wear, scratches, and any cleaning that reduces grade and value.
Top Valuable Lincoln Pennies By Year
Some Lincoln penny years and varieties routinely command higher prices. Below are commonly sought types and why they matter.
1909 VDB and 1909-S VDB
1909 introduced the Lincoln cent. The initials VDB (designer Victor David Brenner) appear on some 1909 reverses and make those coins scarce.
The 1909-S VDB is especially scarce and desirable in higher grades.
1914-D
The 1914-D is a low-mintage Denver issue and is valuable especially in well-preserved condition. Many collectors prize this date for its relative rarity.
1922 Plain and 1931-S
The 1922 plain (no mint mark) and the 1931-S are scarce in higher grades. These dates often appear on lists of key dates for Lincoln cents.
1955 Doubled Die Obverse
The 1955 doubled die obverse is a famous error that shows strong doubling on the date and Liberty. High-grade examples can sell for significant sums.
1943 Copper Errors
Most 1943 cents were struck on steel planchets for wartime copper conservation. A few 1943 copper cents were struck in error and are extremely rare and valuable.
Condition, grading, and how value changes
Condition is the biggest variable after rarity. The same date can be worth a few dollars in worn condition or thousands in mint state.
Learn basic grading terms: Good (G), Fine (F), Extremely Fine (EF/XF), About Uncirculated (AU), and Mint State (MS). Professional grading can validate high-value coins.
Practical grading tips
- Look at hairlines on Lincoln’s cheek and the wheat or shield details on the reverse.
- Check for cleaning marks, which lower value even when a coin looks shiny.
- Use a magnifier and consistent light to confirm doubled dies and planchet errors.
Real-world example: A copper 1943 find
A local collector bought a large mixed lot of cents from an estate sale and sorted them by date. Among hundreds of steel 1943 cents he found one with the warm color of bronze.
He sent the coin to a professional grading service. The piece was confirmed as a 1943 copper error and later sold at auction to a private collector. The discovery shows how routine sorting and attention to color can uncover major finds.
Where to buy, sell, and verify Valuable Lincoln Pennies By Year
Buy and sell through reputable coin dealers, auction houses, and established online platforms. For rare dates and errors, professional grading and third-party certification increase buyer confidence and final price.
Local coin clubs and shows are also useful for identification and networking with experienced collectors who can offer quick informal appraisals.
Steps to verify and sell
- Document the coin with clear photos of both sides and close-ups of the date and any anomalies.
- Get a third-party grading opinion for high-value coins (PCGS, NGC, ANACS).
- Choose a reputable sales channel: auction, dealer consignment, or private sale.
The Lincoln cent was first issued in 1909 to honor Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person on the obverse.
Practical checklist for finding high-value Lincoln pennies
- Sort by date and mint mark when you get a roll or lot.
- Immediately set aside coins with unusual color, doubling, or weak/missing mint marks.
- Use a magnifier and good light to inspect potential doubled dies and planchet errors.
- For any potentially valuable coin, obtain certification before selling.
Knowing which Valuable Lincoln Pennies By Year to look for reduces guesswork and focuses effort on the dates that matter. Regular inspection of your coins, plus a basic understanding of grading and errors, can turn a casual hobby into successful collecting or selling.
