If you love Abraham Lincoln and want to collect pennies featuring him, you’re in for a treat! Lincoln Memorial pennies have been minted in huge numbers since 1959. While most of them are only worth face value, some rare and error coins can be worth thousands of dollars.
Knowing what to look for is key to finding valuable Lincoln Memorial pennies. This guide will help you observe the most valuable ones that could be hiding in your collection.
Table of Contents
- 1 1983-D Bronze Lincoln Penny
- 2 1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Penny
- 3 1981-S Type II Proof Lincoln Penny
- 4 1983 Doubled Die Reverse Penny
- 5 1979-S Type II Proof Penny
- 6 1998 Wide AM Penny
- 7 1992 Close AM Penny
- 8 1971-S Doubled Die Obverse Proof Penny
- 9 1970-S Small Date Penny
- 10 1960-D Over D Small Date Over Large Date Penny
- 11 Final Thoughts
- 12 FAQs
1983-D Bronze Lincoln Penny
In 1983, the U.S. Mint transitioned from 95% copper pennies to zinc pennies with a copper coating. However, a few bronze pennies were accidentally struck, making them rare and highly valuable.
- Mint Mark: Denver (D)
- Composition: Bronze (95% copper)
- Grade: MS67+
- Highest Sale Price: $1,400
Mint-condition versions, especially red-toned coins graded MS67 or higher, are particularly rare and valuable.
1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Penny
One of the most famous Lincoln Memorial penny errors, the 1969-S doubled die features clear doubling in “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
- Mint Mark: San Francisco (S)
- Error: Doubled die obverse
- Grade: MS64
- Highest Sale Price: $126,500
Fewer than 30 examples have been found, and mint-condition versions can fetch six figures at auction.
1981-S Type II Proof Lincoln Penny
The 1981-S Lincoln penny has two varieties: Type I (blurry mintmark) and Type II (clear mintmark).
- Mint Mark: San Francisco (S)
- Variety: Type II proof
- Grade: PF68+
- Highest Sale Price: $1,200
Only about 10% of 1981 proof pennies have the Type II mintmark, making them much rarer and more valuable than Type I.
1983 Doubled Die Reverse Penny
This error penny has strong doubling on the reverse, particularly on “ONE CENT,” “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Error: Doubled die reverse
- Grade: MS68
- Highest Sale Price: $7,050
The strong doubling makes this one of the most valuable doubled die pennies.
1979-S Type II Proof Penny
Similar to the 1981-S penny, the 1979-S proof penny has two varieties. Type II features a clearer mintmark, making it rarer.
- Mint Mark: San Francisco (S)
- Variety: Type II proof
- Grade: PR69
- Highest Sale Price: $4,000
Type II coins were struck later in the year and are much scarcer than Type I.
1998 Wide AM Penny
In 1998, the U.S. Mint mistakenly used a proof reverse die for some business-strike pennies, creating a noticeable gap between the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA.”
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Error: Wide AM reverse
- Grade: MS68
- Highest Sale Price: $5,000
While circulated examples are fairly common, mint-condition Wide AM pennies are extremely rare.
1992 Close AM Penny
Most 1992 pennies have a noticeable gap between the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA.” However, some were struck with the 1993 Close AM design.
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Error: Close AM reverse
- Grade: MS67
- Highest Sale Price: $25,850
This transitional error is extremely rare, with only a few examples known.
1971-S Doubled Die Obverse Proof Penny
The 1971-S proof penny exists in two varieties—one with weak doubling and one with strong doubling. The strong doubling variety is much more valuable.
- Mint Mark: San Francisco (S)
- Error: Doubled die obverse
- Grade: PF67 Cameo
- Highest Sale Price: $3,220
The best examples feature deep cameo contrast, increasing their value.
1970-S Small Date Penny
The 1970-S penny comes in two varieties: large date and small date. The small date variety is much rarer.
- Mint Mark: San Francisco (S)
- Variety: Small date
- Grade: PF69 Deep Cameo
- Highest Sale Price: $18,400
Collectors can distinguish the small date by looking at the number “7,” which aligns with the other digits.
1960-D Over D Small Date Over Large Date Penny
This unusual variety features both a repunched mintmark (D over D) and a date overstrike (small date over large date).
- Mint Mark: Denver (D)
- Error: Overdate and over-mintmark
- Grade: MS66
- Highest Sale Price: $4,025
Finding one in high grade is extremely difficult, making it valuable to collectors.
Final Thoughts
Lincoln Memorial pennies are a staple of coin collecting, and certain rare varieties can be worth thousands of dollars. If you come across any of these rare pennies, consider getting them graded—you might just have a hidden treasure in your collection!
FAQs
What is the most valuable Lincoln Memorial penny?
The 1969-S Doubled Die Penny is the most valuable, selling for $126,500.
Why are some Lincoln pennies worth so much?
Errors, minting mistakes, and rare varieties make certain pennies valuable.
How can I tell if my Lincoln penny is valuable?
Look for errors, rare varieties, and high-grade coins certified by professional graders.
What is a doubled die penny?
A doubled die penny has visible doubling caused by a misalignment in the die process.
Where can I sell rare Lincoln pennies?
You can sell valuable pennies at coin auctions, online marketplaces, and coin shops.
