Lincoln pennies, first introduced in 1909, have become an iconic part of American currency. While many of these coins are widely circulated, several editions are distinguished by errors, low mintage numbers, or unique features that make them highly sought after by collectors. In this article, we’ll explore eight of the most valuable Lincoln pennies and the key characteristics that contribute to their high market value.
Table of Contents
- 1955 Doubled Die
- 1922 No D
- 1943 Bronze
- 1944 Steel
- 1969-S Doubled Die
- 1972 Doubled Die
- 1992 Close AM
- 1999 Wide AM
- FAQs
1. 1955 Doubled Die
The 1955 Doubled Die penny is one of the most famous error coins in numismatics. This particular coin features doubled inscriptions, most notably on the date “1955” and the word “LIBERTY,” caused by a misaligned die during minting. With only about 20,000 to 24,000 coins produced, this penny is a rare find. Its value can range from $1,000 to $15,000, depending on its condition.
2. 1922 No D
In 1922, the Denver Mint struck Lincoln pennies, but some coins were accidentally released without a “D” mintmark, a result of die polishing. This anomaly, known as the 1922 “No D” penny, is highly coveted. Its value can vary dramatically, with lower-grade coins starting around $500, but in pristine condition, they can be worth over $20,000.
3. 1943 Bronze
Due to the need to conserve copper for wartime production, the U.S. Mint produced pennies in steel in 1943. However, a few leftover bronze planchets were mistakenly struck with the 1943 date, creating a rare coin. These 1943 bronze pennies are incredibly valuable, with auction prices reaching upwards of $1 million, making them one of the most expensive U.S. coins in existence.
4. 1944 Steel
In 1944, the U.S. Mint returned to using bronze for pennies, but some steel planchets from 1943 were still in circulation and used for minting that year. These 1944 steel pennies are rare, and depending on their condition, they can be worth between $75,000 and $100,000 or even more.
5. 1969-S Doubled Die
The 1969-S Doubled Die penny is another popular coin with collectors. It features doubling on the obverse inscriptions, including the date and the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST.” With fewer than 100 verified examples known to exist, these pennies are incredibly rare. High-grade specimens can fetch between $50,000 and $70,000 in auctions.
6. 1972 Doubled Die
The 1972 Doubled Die Obverse penny features noticeable doubling in the inscriptions, particularly in the phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the obverse. While not as rare as other doubled die coins, this penny still holds significant value, with uncirculated examples worth anywhere between $200 and $1,000.
7. 1992 Close AM
A die error in 1992 caused the “AM” in “AMERICA” on the reverse of some pennies to appear unusually close together. This distinctive “Close AM” variety is highly sought after, and high-grade examples of these pennies can sell for anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000.
8. 1999 Wide AM
In contrast to the 1992 Close AM, the 1999 Wide AM penny features noticeable spacing between the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA.” While this error is less rare, it still carries value. Uncirculated examples can fetch between $100 and $500.
Lincoln Penny Value Summary
| Year | Variety | Description | Value Range ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1955 | Doubled Die Obverse | Doubling of inscriptions and date | $1,000 – $15,000 |
| 1922 | No D (Plain) | Missing mint mark due to die error | $500 – $20,000+ |
| 1943 | Bronze Cent | Bronze planchet struck in 1943 | $100,000 – $1M+ |
| 1944 | Steel Cent | Steel planchet used after the war | $75,000 – $100,000+ |
| 1969 | Doubled Die Obverse S | Doubling on inscriptions and date | $50,000 – $70,000+ |
| 1972 | Doubled Die Obverse | Doubling on obverse inscriptions | $200 – $1,000 |
| 1992 | Close AM Reverse | Narrow “AM” spacing on reverse | $5,000 – $25,000 |
| 1999 | Wide AM Reverse | Wider “AM” spacing on reverse | $100 – $500 |
These rare Lincoln pennies not only represent significant moments in American coinage history but also offer a fascinating glimpse into the unexpected results of minting errors and low production numbers. For any collector, finding one of these valuable coins can be a rewarding discovery.
FAQs
What makes 1955 pennies valuable?
The 1955 Doubled Die penny is rare due to the misaligned die that caused doubled inscriptions, making it highly collectible.
What is the 1943 bronze penny worth?
The 1943 bronze penny can be worth more than $1 million due to its extreme rarity.
Why is the 1992 Close AM rare?
The 1992 Close AM penny is rare because of a die error that caused the “AM” in “AMERICA” to be struck closer together than usual.
What is the value of a 1922 No D penny?
The value of a 1922 No D penny ranges from $500 for lower grades to over $20,000 for coins in excellent condition.
How can I authenticate rare pennies?
To authenticate rare pennies, you should have them evaluated by a professional coin grading service that can verify their authenticity and condition.
