Top 3 Lincoln Pennies Worth
💭 Did You Know a Penny Can Be Worth Over $30,000?
Most Lincoln pennies are worth exactly one cent. However, a small number of rare varieties have sold for $10,000 to well over $30,000 at major U.S. auctions. 🤯
What makes this even more exciting is that some of these coins are still discovered in old jars, inherited collections, bank rolls, and everyday change.
Below are the top three Lincoln pennies every collector hopes to find, explained clearly and step by step. 👇
🥇 #1 — 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent (The Holy Grail)
💰 Value: $10,000+ (AU condition and higher)
🔎 Why This Penny Is So Valuable
- Only 484,000 coins minted in San Francisco
- Features designer initials “V.D.B.” (Victor David Brenner)
- Initials were removed shortly after release, making this version scarce
- Highly desirable in original red or lustrous condition
✅ How to Identify It
✔ Small “S” mintmark below the date
✔ “V.D.B.” initials at the bottom of the reverse rim
✔ Sharp wheat ears and minimal wear
📈 Recent Sale: $14,400 (PCGS AU58, 2023)
🥈 #2 — 1914-D Lincoln Cent (Low Mintage Key Date)
💰 Value: $20,000–$30,000+ in Mint State
🔎 What Makes It Special
- Only 1.19 million coins minted in Denver
- Most were heavily circulated
- Mint State examples are extremely rare
- “Full Red” coins are among the rarest Lincoln cents ever produced
📊 Grading & Value Guide
| 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)
🥉 #3 — 1922 “No D” Lincoln Cent (The Missing Mintmark)
💰 Value: $30,000+ in Mint State
🔎 Why There’s No “D”
In 1922, pennies were struck only in Denver. Due to over-polished dies, some coins were produced with the “D” mintmark completely erased.
Only a limited number of genuine examples exist today.
✅ How to Identify a Real One
✔ Weak obverse details (from worn dies)
✔ Strong, well-defined wheat ears on reverse
✔ Correct weight: 3.11 grams (solid copper)
📈 Recent Sale: $32,900 (PCGS MS64BN, 2024)
🔍 Where Can You Still Find These Rare Pennies?
🪙 Old Bank Rolls – Especially from the 1930s–1950s
🏠 Estate Sales & Inherited Collections – Many wheat cents go unnoticed
🏦 Coin Shops & Coin Shows – Ask about overlooked “sleepers”
💡 True Story:
A collector found a 1914-D penny in a $25 bank box and later sold it for $4,250. 🤑
📜 Authenticate Before You Sell (Very Important)
To protect your profit and avoid counterfeits:
⚖️ Weigh the Coin – Genuine copper pennies weigh 3.11 grams
🔍 Inspect Mintmarks – Use magnification
🏆 Get Certified – PCGS or NGC certification increases value
⚠️ Red Flags to Avoid
❌ Added or altered mintmarks
❌ Incorrect weight
❌ Cleaned or artificially toned surfaces
💸 Best Places to Sell Rare Lincoln 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 only) | ~12.9% |
💡 Seller Tip:
Include population data and PCGS/NGC certification numbers — serious buyers pay attention.
📬 Free Penny Evaluation (Expert Review)
Think you may have found a valuable Lincoln cent? Get a free evaluation from PennyVerse experts.
Send:
✔ Clear photos (front & back)
✔ Weight and condition details
✔ Visible mintmarks or anomalies
🎁 You’ll receive:
- Estimated value range
- Grading recommendations
- Selling strategy for maximum return
🔔 Final Thoughts: That Old Penny Could Change Everything
Rare Lincoln pennies aren’t just collector items — they’re hidden assets. 🪙
A single coin could be worth $30,000 or more, and many are still waiting to be discovered.
Before you ignore that old penny, take a closer look.
Your next great find could already be in your pocket. 🔎💰
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