3 Lincoln Cents Still in Circulation Today: Lincoln Cents have been a key part of U.S. currency for over a hundred years, and some of these pennies are now worth a small fortune. While millions of these pennies were produced over the decades, a few rare ones hold exceptional value. Often missed or forgotten in everyday change, certain Lincoln Cents are considered treasures for coin collectors and history enthusiasts alike.
In this article, we’ll look at three Lincoln Cents that are still in circulation and could be hiding in your pocket change. These valuable coins—the 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent, the 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent, and the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent—can fetch prices in the hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction, making them a fascinating part of U.S. coin history and highly coveted by collectors.
Overview of Three Rare and Valuable Lincoln Cents
| Coin | Year | Scarcity | Value | Unique Feature |
| 1943 Copper Cent | 1943 | Extremely Rare | $250,000+ | Made from copper instead of steel |
| 1955 Doubled Die Cent | 1955 | Rare | $100,000+ | Doubling error on the obverse |
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent | 1909 | Rare | $200,000+ | VDB initials on the reverse |
1. The 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent
One of the most legendary coins among collectors, the 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent, is a prime example of a minting error turned collectible treasure. In 1943, the U.S. Mint stopped using copper for pennies to save the metal for World War II efforts. Instead, pennies were made from zinc-coated steel, giving them a silver-colored appearance. However, by mistake, a few copper planchets (blanks) were used to create a handful of pennies that year.
These copper 1943 Lincoln Cents are incredibly rare and have become one of the most sought-after coins in U.S. history. Finding one of these pennies today would be a huge discovery, as they are worth over $250,000, with some even reaching higher prices at auction. Checking old pennies could be worth your time, especially for one of these elusive copper treasures!
2. The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
Another fascinating Lincoln Cent is the 1955 Doubled Die, one of the most famous error coins ever produced. This penny gained attention due to a noticeable doubling effect on the date and lettering on the obverse (heads) side. This “doubled die” error occurred during the minting process and resulted in a distinct doubling in the inscriptions, making the error easy to identify even with the naked eye.
The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent is a highly collectible coin, with values reaching over $100,000 in mint condition. It has become an iconic piece among collectors because of its uniqueness and the clarity of the doubling. As a result, this coin is both valuable and popular, making it a prized find if you happen to come across one in your spare change.
3. The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is one of the first Lincoln pennies minted and stands out as a special piece in U.S. coin history. It features the initials “VDB” on the reverse, representing its designer, Victor David Brenner. Initially, these initials were included on the coin’s design, but they were removed later in the year due to public controversy over their prominent placement. As a result, only a limited number of these 1909-S VDB pennies were produced, making them rare.
Today, this coin is highly prized by collectors, especially in excellent condition. The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent can be valued at over $200,000, depending on its condition. Its historical significance and rarity make it one of the most desirable coins for Lincoln Cent collectors, making it a valuable piece of American coinage history that might still be found in circulation.
Why These Coins Are So Valuable
- Unique Errors and Limited Production: Each of these Lincoln Cents holds value due to unique features or limited production. The 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent is a result of a rare error, while the 1955 Doubled Die Cent has an eye-catching doubling effect. The 1909-S VDB Cent’s rarity is due to its low mintage and the unique initials of its designer.
- High Demand from Collectors: These rare coins are highly desirable among numismatists and collectors. Their historical significance, combined with their rarity, keeps the demand high, often driving prices into the hundreds of thousands at auctions.
Collectors actively seek these coins, as each one tells a unique story tied to American history. The possibility of finding such a coin adds a bit of thrill, reminding us that these valuable items might still be lurking in everyday change.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent so valuable?
The 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent is rare because it was mistakenly minted in copper instead of steel during World War II, making it extremely valuable.
How can I identify a 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent?
The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent has distinct doubling in the date and letters on the front, making it easy to recognize.
Why is the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent so rare?
This coin is rare because it was one of the first Lincoln Cents produced, with a limited mintage and the designer’s initials “VDB” on the reverse.
How much can these Lincoln Cents be worth?
Depending on their condition, these Lincoln Cents can range from a few thousand dollars up to nearly $600,000.
Where can I sell rare Lincoln Cents?
Rare Lincoln Cents can be sold through auction houses, coin dealers, or online marketplaces that specialize in rare coins.
