The Ultimate Guide to Valuable Lincoln Pennies By Year

How to Use This Guide

This guide lists the most valuable Lincoln pennies by year and explains how to identify and assess them. It focuses on practical steps collectors and sellers can follow, including quick checks and trusted resources.

Valuable Lincoln Pennies By Year: Top Dates to Watch

Certain Lincoln cents consistently attract higher prices. Look for these dates and varieties when you sort a collection or check pocket change.

• 1909 VDB and 1909-S VDB (designer initials on reverse)
• 1909-S Lincoln Cent (low mintage)
• 1914-D (Denver mint, scarce)
• 1922 Plain (no mint mark — a rare die state)
• 1931-S (low mintage, scarce high grade)
• 1955 Doubled Die Obverse (strong doubling on date and LIBERTY)
• 1969-S Double Die and some 1972 Doubled Dies (varieties collectors seek)
• 2009 Bicentennial issues and special errors (variety collectors value these)

Why these years matter

Low mintage, recognized die varieties, and major errors drive collector interest. Many of the coins listed above are rare in uncirculated condition, which raises their market price significantly.

Key Factors That Affect Value

Every Lincoln penny’s value depends on several predictable factors. Use this checklist to sort coins quickly.

• Date and mint mark: Certain year/mint combinations are scarce and command premiums.
• Condition and grade: Coins graded MS (Mint State) or with strong luster are worth much more than worn examples.
• Variety and errors: Doubled dies, repunched mint marks, and brockages can add value.
• Rarity and population: How many are known at a given grade affects price.
• Market demand: Popular varieties change in value with collector interest.

How to Inspect a Lincoln Penny

Quick, careful inspection helps you decide whether a coin is worth further study. Follow these steps with a loupe or magnifying glass.

1. Check the date and mint mark under good light. Some mint marks are tiny and easy to miss.
2. Look for doubling on the date and LIBERTY — a sign of doubled die obverse.
3. Examine the reverse for VDB initials on 1909 cents and for die cracks or repunched marks.
4. Assess wear: hairlines and scratches lower grade; original luster and sharp strike increase value.

Practical tips

• Use a white or neutral background to view coins; natural daylight is best.
• Compare suspected varieties to trusted photos from PCGS or NGC.
• If you think a coin is valuable, avoid cleaning it — cleaning usually reduces collector value.

Pricing and Where to Check Values

Use multiple resources to confirm a coin’s market value. Price guides provide fast estimates but auction results show real prices paid.

• Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) and Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) online price guides
• Robert Morris and the Guide Book of United States Coins (the Red Book) for historical retail values
• Live auction results on Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, and eBay completed listings for actual sale prices

How grade affects price

A 1914-D in Good condition has modest value, but the same date graded MS65 can be worth many times more. Always check certified auction results for high-grade sales when estimating value.

Case Study: Finding a Valuable Penny in Change

Jane, a casual collector, found a worn 1955 cent in a jar labeled “spare change.” She noticed heavy doubling on the date and the letters. After photographing the coin and comparing images online, she submitted it to a dealer for an opinion.

The dealer suggested professional grading. The coin was submitted to a major grading service and received a grade of MS62 (an authentic 1955 doubled die in uncirculated condition). Jane sold the coin through an auction house for a four-figure sum, far above face value and far beyond typical change value.

How to Sell or Protect Valuable Lincoln Pennies

If you find a potentially valuable Lincoln penny, follow these steps to protect and maximize value.

1. Don’t clean the coin. Cleaning can destroy surfaces collectors prize.
2. Photograph both sides with good lighting for documentation.
3. Get a second opinion from a reputable coin dealer or grading service before selling.
4. Consider professional grading for high-value coins — certification can unlock higher auction prices.
5. Use well-known auction houses or established dealers to reach serious collectors.

Final Checklist: Quick Identification Tips

• 1909 dates: check for VDB on reverse and S mint mark for rarity.
• 1955: inspect the obverse closely for doubling on the date and LIBERTY.
• 1922: look for a missing mint mark — the ‘plain’ 1922 is a known variety.
• Always compare to images from credible grading services before assuming value.

With careful inspection and reference to trusted guides, you can identify the Lincoln pennies that matter most. Keep this list handy when sorting through old coins — a rare cent can be worth far more than its face value.