You might have a fortune hiding in your pocket change! Some Lincoln pennies, those little one-cent coins with Abraham Lincoln’s face, are worth thousands or even millions due to rare errors or low production numbers. With the U.S. Mint making billions of pennies since 1909, a few stand out as true treasures. Here’s a look at five rare Lincoln pennies you should check for in your change, along with what makes them so valuable. Grab a magnifying glass and start hunting!
1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny: A Wartime Mistake
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to steel pennies to save copper, but a few 1943 pennies were accidentally made with bronze. Only about 20 exist, making them incredibly rare. If you find one, it could be worth up to $2.3 million in top condition, with even worn ones fetching $100,000 or more. To spot it, check if your 1943 penny doesn’t stick to a magnet—it should be copper, not steel. One sold for $840,000 at auction recently, proving its value.
1969-S Doubled Die Penny: A Clear Error
The 1969-S Lincoln penny with a doubled die error is a collector’s dream. The doubling is easy to see on the date, “LIBERTY,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST,” caused by a minting mistake in San Francisco. Only a few dozen are known, and they can sell for $25,000 to $100,000 depending on condition. Look for the “S” mint mark under the date and check for doubling with the naked eye. A mint-state example once fetched $126,500, so don’t skip this one.
1955 Doubled Die Penny: The King of Errors
Known as the “King of Lincoln Cent Errors,” the 1955 doubled die penny shows dramatic doubling on the date and words like “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” This error happened at the Philadelphia Mint, and about 20,000 were made, many entering circulation. Even in decent shape, these can sell for $1,000 to $15,000. The doubling is bold and visible without a magnifying glass, making it a fun find for collectors. Check your 1955 pennies carefully
1992 Close AM Penny: A Rare Design Mix-Up
In 1992, the Mint changed the reverse design of pennies, making the “AM” in “AMERICA” closer together starting in 1993. A few 1992 pennies, however, got the “Close AM” design meant for proofs, creating a rare error. Only a handful exist, and one sold for $25,850 in 2017. Look at the back of your 1992 penny if the “A” and “M” are almost touching, you might have a winner worth thousands.
1909-S VDB Penny: A Low-Mintage Gem
The 1909-S VDB penny is a key date due to its low mintage of just 484,000 and the designer’s initials, “VDB,” on the reverse. These initials caused a stir, so the Mint removed them soon after, making this coin a collector’s favorite. In average condition, it’s worth $25 to $35, but uncirculated ones can fetch thousands. Check for the “S” mint mark and “VDB” near the wheat stalks on the back.
| Penny | Key Feature | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1943 Bronze | Copper, not steel; doesn’t stick to magnet | $100,000–$2.3 million |
| 1969-S Doubled Die | Doubling on date, “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST” | $25,000–$100,000 |
| 1955 Doubled Die | Bold doubling on date, “LIBERTY” | $1,000–$15,000 |
| 1992 Close AM | “AM” in “AMERICA” nearly touching | Up to $25,850 |
| 1909-S VDB | “S” mint mark, “VDB” on reverse | $25–$3,000+ |
Tips to Find These Treasures
Check your change, coin jars, or old collections for these pennies. Use a magnifying glass to spot errors like doubling or unusual mint marks. If you think you’ve found one, take it to a reputable coin dealer or grading service like PCGS or NGC for authentication. Store coins in holders to protect them, as condition matters a lot. With a bit of luck, that penny in your pocket could turn into a big payday