Since over 100 years ago, Lincoln Cents have been an interesting piece of American history. Although most of these pennies remain in normal circulation, some of the rarest varieties are worth a fortune due to their scarcity and immense historical value.
To everyone’s surprise, these rare coins can be worth thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of dollars, making them an exciting find for coin collectors and enthusiasts. Here are three Lincoln Cents that may be worth almost $600,000 and could very well be lurking in your loose change.
1. 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent – A Historical Minting Error
Why It’s Valuable:
The 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent is the most famous error coin in the history of American numismatics. During 1943, America was at war with World War II and the Mint substituted copper with zinc-plated steel to save copper for the war effort. However, a small number of copper planchets somehow found their way into production.
These rarest of copper pennies are highly coveted and have sold for astronomical prices at auction.
Key Features:
- Struck in 1943 but incorrectly made of copper instead of steel
- Very sought after because it was minted by mistake
- Prices at auction exceed $250,000
2. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent – A Collector’s Delight Error
Why It’s Valuable
The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent is another treasure of U.S. minting history. The error, on the obverse (heads) side, doubles the date and lettering. The dramatic and striking doubling makes it easy to identify and very valuable.
Key Features:
- Dramatic doubling of the date and lettering on the obverse
- One of the most famous error coins
- Sells for over $100,000 in mint condition
3. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent – The Original Lincoln Penny
Why It’s Valuable:
This is a collector’s gem. The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent was among the first to ever include Abraham Lincoln’s face, sculpted by Victor David Brenner. The designer’s initials, “VDB,” appear in the back. With a low production run, this cent is a serious collector’s item.
Key Features:
- Does have “VDB” initials on the back
- Part of the first issue of Lincoln Cents
- Higher-grade specimens can sell for $200,000 or more
Valuable Lincoln Cents Summary Table
| Coin | Year | Scarcity Level | Estimated Value | Distinctive Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent | 1943 | Extremely Rare | $250,000+ | Mistakenly made from copper during WWII |
| 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent | 1955 | Rare | $100,000+ | Visible doubling on the obverse side |
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent | 1909 | Rare | $200,000+ | First edition Lincoln Cent with VDB initials |
Final Thoughts
Finding one of these rare Lincoln Cents in your change could be a life-altering windfall. Coins like the 1943 Copper Cent, 1955 Doubled Die Cent, and 1909-S VDB Cent are not simply coins made of metal—they’re coins of American history with mind-boggling value.
So the next time you’re sorting through your change, take a closer look—you might discover a hidden treasure for the thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. To collectors and investors alike, such coins are hidden gems to find.
FAQ’s
Q. How do I know I have a 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent?
A. Search for anomalous doubling of the date and inscriptions on the back of the coin. Doubling is least apparent on the letters “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
Q. Are these coins still being circulated?
A. While unlikely, there is always some possibility that they would be in circulation or stashed away in retired coin jars or collectors’ collections.
Q. Why 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is so rare?
A. It was produced with low mintage and was one of the earliest to be seen on Lincoln Cents bearing designer Victor David Brenner’s initials on the back side. Both of these characteristics make them extremely collectible.
Q. Why is the 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent worth so much?
A. The cent is worth a lot of money because it was accidentally made of copper in a year in which pennies were supposed to be made of steel. It is extremely rare, and therefore extremely sought after by collectors.
Q. How much are these coins worth today?
A. They range in value from several thousand dollars, depending on the grade of the coin and its availability, to as much as $600,000.