Imagine stumbling upon a small treasure in your pocket change—a valuable Lincoln Cent worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Rare pennies to collect, each with a fascinating history, occasionally circulate unnoticed. For bullion enthusiasts, finding these coins can be just as thrilling as securing a great deal on precious metals. From dramatic minting error coins to scarce varieties, these valuable coins in circulation are out there waiting to be discovered. In this guide, we’ll highlight 12 of the most valuable Lincoln Cents and show you how to find rare coins that could add a surprising boost to your collection or portfolio.
The Top 12 Lincoln Cents to Watch For
1. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Cent
During World War II, copper was conserved for the war effort, and the U.S. Mint produced pennies from steel. However, a few 1943 pennies were accidentally struck on bronze planchets. If your 1943 penny doesn’t stick to a magnet, you may have found a 1943 bronze penny worth over $100,000!
2. 1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
This doubled die penny features prominent doubling on “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date. These valuable coins in circulation are highly sought after by collectors and can fetch tens of thousands of dollars in pristine condition.
3. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Wheat Cent
One of the most famous error coins, the 1955 doubled die cent, displays dramatic doubling on “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date. Even well-worn examples can be worth $1,000 to $2,000, making them a staple for coin collecting for beginners and experts alike.
4. 1972 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
The 1972 doubled die penny features similar errors as the 1955 version, with doubling on key inscriptions. Depending on its grade, this doubled die penny can sell for $100 to $1,000, making it one of the top rare coins in the U.S.
5. 1992 Close “AM” Lincoln Cent
his valuable pocket change coin features the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” nearly touching on the reverse. High-grade examples of this coin have sold for up to $25,000, a dream find for how to find rare coins guides.
6. 1944 Steel Lincoln Wheat Cent
After the U.S. Mint returned to bronze planchets in 1944, a few leftover steel planchets from 1943 were mistakenly used. With fewer than 30 examples known, these valuable Lincoln Cents can fetch upwards of $75,000.
7. 1999 Wide “AM” Lincoln Cent
The opposite of the Close AM, the 1999 Wide AM penny has a noticeable gap between the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA.” This rare penny to collect can bring in over $500 in top condition.
8. 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent
Look for the thinner and more compact date on the 1970-S Small Date penny. These coins are valuable coins in circulation and can be worth several hundred dollars, depending on their grade.
9. 1983 Doubled Die Reverse Lincoln Cent
This doubled die penny features noticeable doubling on the reverse in “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” High-grade examples can be worth around $300, making them one of the best coins for collectors.
10. 1998 Wide “AM” Lincoln Cent
Similar to the 1999 Wide AM, this coin features a gap between “A” and “M” on the reverse. While less valuable, it’s still worth up to $50 in excellent condition and is a great find for coin collecting for beginners.
11. 1960 Small Date Lincoln Cent
This penny has a smaller, more compact “6” in the date. In uncirculated condition, these rare pennies to collect can reach values of up to $50.
12. 1995 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
The 1995 doubled die penny shows clear doubling on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” While more common than earlier varieties, it still holds value, ranging from $20 to $50 in high grade and making it a staple for grading rare coins.
How to Confirm Your Find
If you think you’ve found one of these valuable Lincoln Cents, verify its authenticity with professional grading services like Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) or Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). Expert grading can confirm its condition and provide an accurate valuation. This step ensures you’re getting the most out of your coin and avoids potential pitfalls in the collectible coin market.
Pocket Change Meets Bullion Hunting
Rare Lincoln Cents are a testament to the unexpected treasures hidden in everyday life. Whether you’re searching for the best deals on bullion coins or scrutinizing your pocket change for a 1943 bronze penny worth a fortune, the thrill of discovery is what makes collecting so rewarding. Next time you’re on the hunt, take a closer look at your pennies—your next rare find could be just a coin jar away.
Happy hunting, and may your discoveries lead to exciting stories and valuable additions to your collection!