Top 3 Lincoln Pennies
💭 Did You Know Some Pennies Are Worth Thousands?
Most Lincoln cents are worth only a single cent — but a few rare varieties have fetched $10,000 to over $30,000 at major auctions. 🤯
These coins are treasures because of their scarcity, historical importance, and pristine condition — and yes, they can still be found in everyday change or old family coin jars!
Here are the Top 3 Most Valuable Lincoln Pennies every collector dreams of finding 👇
🥇 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
💰 Value: $10,000+ (in AU condition)
🔎 Why It’s Valuable
- Only 484,000 coins were struck at the San Francisco Mint
- Features designer initials “V.D.B.” (Victor David Brenner) — removed soon after release
- Highly sought-after in red or original luster condition
✅ What to Look For
- Small “S” mintmark beneath the date
- “V.D.B.” initials at the bottom reverse rim
- Sharp wheat ears and minimal wear
📈 Recent Sale: $14,400 (PCGS AU58, 2023)
🥈 1914-D Lincoln Cent
💰 Value: $20,000–$30,000 in Mint State (MS65RD)
🔎 What Makes It Special
- Low mintage of 1.19 million coins from Denver
- Most circulated heavily — Mint State examples are extremely rare
- “Red” mint luster versions are nearly impossible to find
💡 Grading & Value Range
| Grade | Color | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| MS65RD | Full Red | $20,000–$30,000 |
| MS63RB | Red-Brown | $8,000–$12,000 |
| AU55BN | Brown | $2,500–$4,000 |
📈 Record Sale: $28,200 (PCGS MS65RD, 2022)
🥉 1922 “No D” Lincoln Cent
💰 Value: $30,000+ in Mint State
🔎 The Mystery of the Missing Mintmark
This rare Denver issue suffered from over-polished dies, which completely erased the “D” mintmark. Only a few perfect examples survive.
✅ How to Identify It
- Weak obverse (due to die wear)
- Strong, crisp wheat ears on the reverse
- Correct weight: 3.11 grams (copper)
📈 Recent Sale: $32,900 (PCGS MS64BN, 2024)
🔍 Where Can You Find These Rare Pennies?
🏦 Old Bank Rolls – Especially from the 1930s–1950s
🏠 Estate Sales & Inherited Collections – Hidden wheat cents often appear
🪙 Coin Shops & Shows – Ask about overlooked “sleepers”
💡 Fun Fact: A collector pulled a 1914-D in VF20 from a $25 bank box — later selling it for $4,250! 🤑
📜 Authenticate Before You Sell
To avoid fakes and protect your profit:
⚖️ Weigh It: Genuine copper pennies weigh 3.11 grams
🔍 Inspect Mintmarks: Use a magnifier for detail
🏆 Get Certified: Submit to PCGS or NGC — certified coins sell for more
⚠️ Red Flags to Watch Out For
❌ Added or altered mintmarks
❌ Incorrect weights (possible counterfeit)
❌ Artificial cleaning or color toning
💸 Where to Sell Your Rare Pennies
| Value Range | Best Marketplace | Approx. Fees |
|---|---|---|
| 💎 $10,000+ | Heritage Auctions | ~15% |
| 💰 $5,000–$10,000 | Stack’s Bowers | ~10% |
| 💵 Under $5,000 | eBay (certified coins only) | ~12.9% |
💡 Seller Tip: Mention population reports and PCGS/NGC certification numbers in your listings — serious collectors notice!
📬 Free Penny Evaluation (Expert Feedback)
Think you’ve found a rare Lincoln cent? Get a free evaluation from the PennyVerse experts 👇
📧 Email: wheat@pennyverse.info
📌 Subject Line: “RARE WHEAT CENT”
Send:
✔ Clear photos (front & back)
✔ Weight & condition details
✔ Any visible mintmarks
🎁 You’ll Receive:
- Free condition & value estimate
- Grading recommendations
- Selling strategy for maximum profit
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That old penny in your change could be worth $30,000 or more — start checking today! 🔎💰
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