Are you fascinated by the humble penny and ever wondered, “is a Penny Worth Money?” Beyond their face value of one cent, certain pennies, particularly Lincoln pennies, can be surprisingly valuable. As a monetary expert at money-central.com, I’m here to guide you through the exciting world of penny collecting and reveal how some of these seemingly insignificant coins can be worth a small fortune.
Lincoln pennies, easily recognizable with Abraham Lincoln’s portrait, have been a staple of US coinage since 1909. Initially minted to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth, these coins have undergone several design changes over the years. Notably, the Lincoln Memorial reverse design, used from 1959 to 2008, is a common sight. While your average circulated Lincoln Memorial penny might seem to be just that – a penny – certain specimens, especially those in uncirculated condition or with minting errors, can command prices ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars.
Identifying these “penny worth money” examples requires a keen eye and knowledge of key dates, mint marks, and error types. This comprehensive guide will illuminate the Lincoln Memorial pennies that are highly sought after by collectors and potentially lurking in your spare change. Let’s delve into the world of valuable pennies!
Discovering Lincoln Pennies Worth More Than Face Value (Quick Guide)
| Lincoln Penny Year | Lincoln Penny Error Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1959 | D Mule Lincoln Penny | $31,050 |
| 1960 | Small Over Large Date Lincoln Penny | $8,500 |
| 1961 | Re-Punched Mint Mark Lincoln Penny | $228 |
| 1962 | D Lincoln Penny, Struck Fragment | $1,000 |
| 1963 | D Lincoln Penny, Double Die Obverse | $209 |
| 1964 | No Mint Mark Lincoln Penny Struck On Clad Dime Planchet | $5,750 |
| 1965 | Broadstruck Wheel Mark Lincoln Penny | $1,800 |
| 1966 | Double Strike With Or Without Die Adjustment Lincoln Penny | $11,500 |
| 1967 | Double/Triple Strike Lincoln Penny | $900 |
| 1968 | DDR And DDO Lincoln Penny | $285 |
| 1969 | S Double Die Obverse Lincoln Penny | $126,500.00 |
| 1970 | S LD DDO Lincoln Penny Business Strike FS-101 | $24,150 |
| 1971 | DDO Lincoln Penny | $14,950 |
| 1972 | Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny | $14,400.00 |
| 1973 | Off-Center Lincoln Penny | $100.00 |
| 1974 | S Lincoln Penny With A Die Break | $184 |
| 1975 | Fold-Over Lincoln Penny | $1,495 |
| 1976 | Off-Center Lincoln Penny | $230 |
| 1977 | Double-Punched Mint Mark Lincoln Penny | $15 |
| 1978 | Struck On A Dime–Double Denomination Lincoln Penny | $1,035 |
| 1979 | D Lincoln Penny Struck On A Dime Planchet | $1,260 |
| 1980 | Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny | $715 |
| 1981 | Off-Center Lincoln Penny | $900.00 |
| 1982 | Double Die Lincoln Penny | $200 |
| 1983 | Doubled Die Reverse Lincoln Penny | $7,050 |
| 1984 | Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny | $3,900 |
| 1985 | No Mint Mark Lincoln Penny, Partial Plating | $550 |
| 1986 | Wide AM Lincoln Penny | $260 |
| 1987 | Off-Center Lincoln Penny | $150 |
| 1988 | Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny | $3,120 |
| 1989 | Struck On A Copper Planchet Lincoln Penny | $7,500 |
| 1990 | No-S Proof Lincoln Penny | $8,813 |
| 1991 | Die Chip Lincoln Penny | $100 |
| 1992 | Wide And Close AM Lincoln Penny | $5,000 |
| 1993 | D Lincoln Penny, Roosevelt Dime Reverse | $51,000 |
| 1994 | DDR Lincoln Penny | $2,050.00 |
| 1995 | No Mint Mark Lincoln Penny, Double Die Obverse | $5,000 |
| 1996 | Off-Center Lincoln Penny | $100 |
| 1997 | Missed Center Lincoln Penny | $100 |
| 1998 | Close AM Lincoln Penny | $4,500 |
| 1999 | Doubled- Die Lincoln Penny | $5,400 |
| 2000 | Doubled Die Lincoln Penny | $50 |
| 2001 | Doubled Die Lincoln Penny | $50 |
| 2002 | Off-Center Error Lincoln Penny | $150 |
| 2003 | Doubled Die Lincoln Penny | $50 |
| 2004 | Off-Center Lincoln Penny | $100 |
| 2005 | Off-Center Lincoln Penny | $100 |
| 2006 | Doubled Die Lincoln Penny | $100 |
| 2007 | off-center Lincoln Penny | $100 |
| 2008 | Off-Center Lincoln Penny | $100 |
| 2009 | Doubled Die Reverse Lincoln Penny | $50 |
| 2010 | Off-Center Lincoln Penny | $100 |
| 2011 | Off-Center Lincoln Penny | $100 |
| 2012 | Doubled Die Lincoln Penny | $125 |
| 2013 | Off-Center Lincoln Penny | $100 |
| 2014 | Off-Center Lincoln Penny | $100 |
| 2015 | Off-Center Lincoln Penny | $100 |
| 2016 | Off-Center Lincoln Penny | $100 |
| 2017 | Doubled Die Lincoln Penny | $70 |
| 2018 | Off-Center Lincoln Penny | $100 |
| 2019 | doubled die Lincoln Penny | $50 |
| 2020 | Off-Center Lincoln Penny | $150 |
| 2021 | Off-Center Lincoln Penny | $100 |
| 2022 | Off-Center Lincoln Penny | $100 |
| 2023 | Off-Center Lincoln Penny | $100 |
Unveiling the Top Valuable Lincoln Pennies: More Than Just Pocket Change
While most pennies are worth just one cent, certain Lincoln pennies stand out as valuable collectibles. These aren’t your everyday coins; they possess unique characteristics, minting errors, or historical significance that elevate their worth far beyond their face value. Let’s explore some of the most valuable “penny worth money” examples in greater detail.
1. The 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny: A Collector’s Holy Grail – Value: $126,500
1969 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny
The 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny is arguably the king of valuable Lincoln pennies. Its rarity and dramatic doubled die error make it a highly coveted item among numismatists. The “S” mint mark indicates it was struck at the San Francisco Mint. The doubling is strikingly visible, particularly in the inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”. This error occurred when the die used to strike the coins received a double impression during the hubbing process.
Interestingly, these valuable pennies weren’t widely recognized until the 1990s, decades after their minting. Despite the relatively late discovery, numerous examples have surfaced, suggesting more might still be out there waiting to be found. A 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny graded MS64 reached a staggering $126,500 at auction in 2005, highlighting its immense value. When examining your pennies, look closely for that distinct doubling – it could be your ticket to a significant windfall.
Explore the Fascinating History, Price Chart, and Error Varieties of the 1969 Lincoln Penny
2. 1992 Close AM Lincoln Penny: The Transitional Rarity – Value: $25,850
The 1992 Close AM Lincoln Penny is a fascinating example of a transitional error. In 1992, the US Mint used a die where the letters “AM” in “AMERICA” on the reverse were spaced apart (Wide AM). For the 1993 issue, they switched to a die with the “AM” letters closer together (Close AM). However, a few 1992 pennies were mistakenly struck with the Close AM die, which was intended for the following year.
This error makes the 1992 Close AM penny unique, as it represents a transitional design anomaly within the Lincoln penny series. This subtle difference, visible to the naked eye, has turned this penny into a major rarity. Only a handful of these 1992 Close AM pennies are known to exist, with the first discovery in 2006. A 1992 Close AM penny graded MS67 with a Red color designation sold for an impressive $25,850 at a Heritage Auction in 2017. Checking the spacing between “AM” in “AMERICA” on your 1992 pennies could reveal a hidden gem.
Delve Deeper into the History, Varieties, and Price Guide for the 1992 Lincoln Penny
3. 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Penny: Spotting the Subtle Difference – Value: $18,400
In 1970, the San Francisco Mint produced both circulation and proof Lincoln pennies. Coin collectors soon noticed variations in the date, with some pennies exhibiting a “Small Date” and others a “Large Date”. The 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Penny is the scarcer and more valuable of the two.
The distinction between the Small Date and Large Date versions can be subtle but crucial for identifying a valuable penny. On the Small Date variety, the top of the number “7” in the date aligns closely with the tops of the other digits (1, 9, and 0). In contrast, on the Large Date variety, the “7” sits noticeably lower than the adjacent digits. Another distinguishing feature is the word “LIBERTY,” which appears weaker on the Small Date and stronger on the Large Date. A 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Penny in proof condition, graded PF69 Deep Cameo, reached a remarkable $18,400 at auction, demonstrating the significant value associated with this variety.
Learn More About the 1970 Lincoln Penny: History, Varieties, and Value Chart
4. 1971-S Doubled Die Obverse Proof Penny: Doubling that Doubles the Value – Value: $3,220
1971-S Doubled Die Obverse Proof Penny
The 1971-S Doubled Die Obverse Proof Lincoln Penny is another sought-after error coin, particularly among proof coin collectors. Like the 1969-S example, this penny exhibits a doubled die error on the obverse (Lincoln’s side). The doubling is most noticeable in the inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”.
Two varieties of the 1971-S Doubled Die Obverse Proof Penny exist: one with weaker doubling and another with stronger, more pronounced doubling. The stronger doubled die variety is, unsurprisingly, more valuable. These proof pennies, struck in San Francisco (“S” mint mark), are already scarcer than regular circulation pennies, and the doubled die error further enhances their rarity and desirability. A 1971-S Doubled Die Obverse Proof Penny graded PF67 Cameo sold for $3,220 in 2005. For proof penny enthusiasts, this variety is a key addition to any collection.
Discover More About the 1971 Lincoln Penny: History, Error List, and Value Guide
5. 1983 Doubled Die Reverse Penny: Strong Doubling on the Reverse – Value: $7,050
The 1983 Doubled Die Reverse Penny showcases a dramatic doubled die error, but this time on the reverse (Lincoln Memorial side) of the coin. While doubled die errors occur across various Lincoln pennies, the 1983 example is known for its exceptionally strong doubling, easily visible to the naked eye.
The doubling is most prominent around the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and the denominations “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”. The clarity and strength of this doubling make the 1983 Doubled Die Reverse Penny a standout error coin. High-grade mint state examples are particularly difficult to find, further increasing their value. A 1983 Doubled Die Reverse Penny graded MS68 achieved an impressive $7,050 at auction. If you’re searching for error pennies, the 1983 doubled reverse is a prime target.
Explore the Detailed History, Price Chart, and Error Varieties of the 1983 Lincoln Penny
6. 1990 No-S Proof Penny: The Missing Mint Mark Mystery – Value: $20,700
1990 No S Proof Penny
The 1990 No-S Proof Penny is a unique and highly prized error coin. Proof coins are typically struck at the San Francisco Mint and carry an “S” mint mark. However, a small number of 1990 proof pennies were mistakenly struck without the “S” mint mark. This absence of the mint mark is what makes the 1990 No-S Proof Penny exceptionally rare and valuable.
The error occurred due to a mix-up in dies at the Mint. By 1985, mint marks were being applied to the working hub rather than individual dies. A mint state die, lacking the “S” mint mark and intended for regular circulation strikes, was accidentally used to strike proof coins. The US Mint reportedly destroyed many of these error coins, but a few survived, making them incredibly scarce. A 1990 No-S Proof Penny graded MS69 by PCGS fetched an impressive $20,700 at auction, solidifying its place among the most valuable Lincoln pennies. The lack of a mint mark on a 1990 proof penny is the key identifier for this valuable error.
Uncover the History, Rarity, and Value of the 1990 No-S Proof Lincoln Penny
7. 1998 Wide AM Penny: Proof Die Error on Circulation Strikes – Value: $5,000
The 1998 Wide AM Penny is an intriguing error resulting from the accidental use of a proof reverse die to strike circulation pennies. Normally, circulation strike Lincoln pennies from 1993 to 2008 exhibit a “Close AM” design in “AMERICA” on the reverse, with the letters “AM” close together. Proof coins from 1994 to 2008 feature a “Wide AM” design, with the letters “AM” noticeably spaced apart.
The 1998 Wide AM Penny error occurs when a proof reverse die, intended for proof coins and featuring the Wide AM spacing, was mistakenly used to strike circulation pennies. This resulted in 1998 circulation pennies with the Wide AM characteristic. While this error also occurred in 1999 and 2000, the 1998 Wide AM Penny is considered the rarest of the three years. A 1998 Wide AM Lincoln Penny graded MS68 can command prices of $5,000 or more. Carefully examine the “AM” in “AMERICA” on your 1998, 1999, and 2000 pennies – you might find a Wide AM error worth a significant sum.
Explore the 1998 Lincoln Penny: History, Error Varieties, and Collector Value
8. 1983-D Bronze Lincoln Penny: A Copper Composition Anomaly – Value: $1,400
The 1983-D Bronze Lincoln Penny stands out due to its unusual composition. In 1982, due to rising copper prices, the US Mint transitioned from making 95% copper pennies to copper-plated zinc pennies. The last primarily copper pennies were struck in 1982. Therefore, 1983 pennies were supposed to be made of zinc with copper plating.
However, a small number of 1983-D pennies (struck at the Denver Mint) were mistakenly produced using the older bronze (95% copper) composition. These 1983-D Bronze Lincoln Pennies are transitional errors and are significantly scarcer than their zinc counterparts. While all 1982 and earlier pennies are bronze, finding a genuine 1983-D bronze penny is a rare and valuable discovery. A red 1983-D Bronze Lincoln Penny in mint condition can be worth upwards of $1,400. Distinguishing a bronze 1983 penny requires careful examination and potentially weight testing, as zinc pennies are lighter than bronze pennies.
Dive into the History, Varieties, and Pricing of the 1983 Lincoln Penny
9. 1979-S Type II Proof Penny & 1981-S Type II Proof Penny: Mint Mark Variations – Values: $4,000 & $1,200 Respectively
1979 S Type II Proof Penny
The 1979-S and 1981-S Type II Proof Lincoln Pennies highlight the importance of mint mark variations in coin collecting. In 1979 and 1980, the San Francisco Mint used a Type I “S” mint mark punch, which resulted in a less defined “S”. In 1981, they modified the punch to a Type II, producing a clearer “S” with distinct serifs.
While most 1979 and 1980 proof pennies are Type I, approximately 10% of 1979 and 1981 proof pennies were struck with the Type II mint mark. These Type II varieties are scarcer and thus more valuable. The Type II “S” mint mark is characterized by its sharper, clearer appearance compared to the more rounded and less defined Type I. A 1979-S Type II Proof Penny can fetch around $4,000, while a 1981-S Type II Proof Penny is valued in the range of $900 to $1,200 for high grades. Careful examination of the “S” mint mark on 1979-S and 1981-S proof pennies can reveal these valuable Type II varieties.
Explore the 1979 Lincoln Penny Varieties, History, and Value Chart & Learn About the 1981 Lincoln Penny: Varieties, Errors, and Value Guide
10. 1960-D Small Date Over Large Date Penny: Repunched Mint Mark and Date – Value: $4,025
The 1960-D Small Date Over Large Date Penny combines two types of minting errors: a repunched mint mark and a date error. At the Denver Mint in 1960, workers initially punched the “D” mint mark in the wrong position. To correct this, they repunched the “D” in the correct location, resulting in a doubled “D” mint mark.
Furthermore, this variety also exhibits a Small Date over Large Date error. The dies were initially prepared with a Large Date, but then adjusted to strike Small Dates. Some pennies were struck with dies that still showed remnants of the Large Date underneath the Small Date. This combination of errors makes the 1960-D Small Date Over Large Date Penny a scarce and desirable collectible. A 1960-D Small Date Over Large Date Penny graded MS66 sold for $4,025 in 2008. Look for the repunched “D” mint mark and subtle doubling in the date to identify this valuable error penny.
Discover the History, Varieties, and Value of the 1960 Lincoln Penny
11. 1972 Doubled Die Obverse Penny: A Prominent and Valuable Error – Value: $14,000
1972 Doubled Die Penny
The 1972 Doubled Die Obverse Penny, specifically the Type 1 variety, is a well-known and valuable error coin. While numerous doubled die varieties exist for 1972 Lincoln pennies, the Type 1 is the most prominent and sought after. The doubling on the 1972 Doubled Die Obverse Penny is strong and easily visible, affecting all four digits of the date, “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “LIBERTY.”
This dramatic doubling makes the 1972 Doubled Die Obverse Penny readily identifiable and highly collectible. High-grade examples, particularly those graded MS67 and above, can fetch prices as high as $14,000. Even lower-grade brown examples can still be worth a substantial amount, in the range of $1,200 to $2,000. If you’re new to error coin collecting, the 1972 Doubled Die Obverse Penny is a good example to learn to identify due to its clear and prominent doubling.
Explore the History, Varieties, and Value Guide for the 1972 Lincoln Penny
Conclusion: Pennies with Potential – Is That Penny Worth Money?
While the Lincoln Memorial penny is no longer in production, billions remain in circulation, and many more are tucked away in drawers and coin jars. While most of these pennies are worth only their face value, as we’ve explored, a select few, distinguished by errors, varieties, and historical context, can be surprisingly valuable.
From the iconic 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse to the transitional 1992 Close AM, and the elusive 1990 No-S Proof, these “penny worth money” examples demonstrate that even the smallest denomination coins can hold significant monetary worth. Keep an eye out for doubled die errors, mint mark anomalies, and compositional oddities in your Lincoln pennies – you never know when you might stumble upon a hidden treasure in your pocket change. Happy coin hunting!
(Want to know if your pennies are worth more than face value? Consider a Free Coin Appraisal to unlock the potential value in your collection.)
