Many rare Lincoln pennies still appear in everyday change. Knowing which dates and errors to look for can turn a pocketful of cents into a surprising find.
How to Spot Rare Lincoln Pennies Still in Circulation
Start by checking the date, mint mark, and obvious errors on the coin. Use a magnifier to inspect doubling, missing mint marks, or unusual metal color.
Look for these common signs of rarity:
- Clear doubled lettering on the obverse or reverse
- Odd metal color (copper vs. steel in 1943/1944 coins)
- Missing or misplaced mint marks
- Low-mintage years and proof-like strikes
Top 10 Rare Lincoln Pennies Still in Circulation
Below are ten Lincoln pennies that collectors watch for when checking change. Each entry includes identification tips and a basic value range for well-worn examples.
1. 1909-S VDB Rare Lincoln Penny
Look for the 1909 date with an S mint mark and VDB initials on the reverse rim. This is one of the most famous scarce Lincoln cents in circulation.
Value: worn examples start high; mint state coins are worth substantially more.
2. 1909-S Lincoln Penny
Without the VDB, the 1909-S remains scarce because of low San Francisco production. Check the S mint mark below the date.
Value: variable by condition, often collectible even in circulated grades.
3. 1914-D Lincoln Penny
The Denver-minted 1914 has a low mintage. Inspect the date and the small D mint mark on the obverse near the rim.
Value: circulated pieces are collectible and can be worth several hundred dollars if well preserved.
4. 1922 No D Lincoln Penny (Plain 22)
These 1922 cents often show a faint or missing D mint mark due to a hubbing issue. Many appear as plain 22 without a visible D on the reverse.
Value: plain 22 coins in circulation are scarce and attract collector interest.
5. 1931-S Lincoln Penny
The 1931-S had low production and is harder to find in circulation. Look for the S mint mark and crisp date on the obverse.
Value: circulated examples are sought after and worth more than face value.
6. 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny
Most 1943 cents are steel due to wartime copper shortages. If you find a 1943 that is brown or reddish, it may be one of the very rare copper strikes.
Value: extremely high for authentic 1943 copper coins; authenticated pieces sell for thousands.
7. 1944 Steel Lincoln Penny
Conversely, most 1944 cents are copper. A 1944 coin that is gray or magnetic could be a leftover steel strike and is very rare.
Value: genuine 1944 steel cents command strong prices after authentication.
8. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny
The 1955 doubled die shows pronounced doubling on LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST. The doubling is most visible in the date and the word LIBERTY.
Value: even worn examples are desirable and often sell for hundreds to thousands depending on condition.
9. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny
This doubled die was struck at San Francisco and often shows doubling on the obverse lettering. It’s scarce in circulation but occasionally turns up.
Value: authenticated examples are valuable, especially in higher grades.
10. 1972 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny
The 1972 doubled die shows doubling on the obverse, mainly on LIBERTY and the date. Some circulated examples are available to find in jars or pockets.
Value: modest to high, depending on visibility of the doubling and overall wear.
Practical Tips for Checking Your Change
Set aside a small workspace with good light and a magnifier. Sort pennies by date into a tray or flat surface so you can scan quickly.
Follow these steps when you spot a candidate:
- Examine under magnification and note mint marks and doubling.
- Compare with reliable online images or a coin guide.
- If it looks rare, consider having it authenticated by a reputable grading service.
Not all rare-looking coins are valuable. Many errors are common die varieties or post-mint damage. Authentication by a professional adds credibility and value.
Real-World Example
A teacher in Ohio found a 1943 copper Lincoln penny while sorting a jar of change. At first she thought it was a tarnished steel cent, but under a loupe the copper color and correct weight told a different story.
After authentication her coin sold to a collector for several thousand dollars. The quick check with a magnet and a magnifier saved the find from being spent.
When to Get a Coin Graded
Seek professional grading when the coin is a likely match for a known rare date or error. Grading protects buyers and sellers and often increases market value.
Use established services and ask for a written appraisal if you plan to sell. Photographs and condition notes will help sell online if graded authenticity is confirmed.
Final Checklist Before Selling or Keeping
- Confirm the date and mint mark with a loupe
- Test metal type gently with a magnet for 1943/1944 possibilities
- Compare to trusted coin guides or auction records
- Get professional authentication for high-value candidates
Checking your change is simple and can be rewarding. With a few tools and a bit of knowledge, you can spot many rare Lincoln pennies still circulating today.
