The Lincoln Penny. The Lincoln Penny was first issued in 1909 to commemorate Abraham Lincoln's 100th birthday. Lincoln is facing to the right because that was the direction he was facing in the photograph Victor David Brenner used to make his bas-relief for the penny.
What Are the Most Valuable Error Coins? The rarest mint error coins are extremely valuable, and you could be lucky enough to find one among your change. The 1969-S full doubled die obverse Lincoln penny is worth up to $35,000. On the side of the coin with Lincoln's head, everything but the S mint mark is doubled.
The Rare 1958 Doubled Die Lincoln Wheat PennyOne of the biggest and rarest errors for Wheat Pennies is the 1958 Doubled Die Error. Only three examples are known to exist, with only two being officially graded by PCGS, a third party grader. Doubling can be seen very clearly on the obverse of the coin.
According to USA Coin Book, a steel penny from 1943 in circulated condition is worth between 16 cents and 53 cents. However, Heritage Auctions sells 1943 steel pennies in pristine, uncirculated condition for more than $1,000.
This two-piece rare coin ensemble is the one-of-a-kind edge you've been missing. Designed by Victor Brenner in honor of Abraham Lincoln's 100th birthday, this piece depicts the first pennies to have an actual person printed on them.
The more common 1909 VDB cent was made in Philadelphia — with over 27 million minted, it's worth $12 to $25 in circulated grades.
However you see it, it's hard to deny that the 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent is one of most important coins in American numismatics. And not necessarily because it's the rarest coin, for it's certainly not A whopping 484,000 were made and Professional Coin Grading Service CoinFacts estimates some 50,000 still exist.
Here's a rundown of 10 of the most valuable pennies made since 1900:
- 1909-S Indian Cent. Image: USA CoinBook.
- 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent. 1909-S "VDB" Lincoln Wheat cent.
- 1914-D Lincoln Cent.
- 1922 Plain Lincoln Cent.
- 1931-S Lincoln Cent.
- 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent.
- 1944 Steel Lincoln Cent.
- 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent.
Voluntary Denied Boarding (airlines official term for being bumped) VDB.
Like the circulation-issued 2009 Lincoln pennies, these special edition coins aren't rare. Among these collectibles are San Francisco S-mint proofs and satin-finish collector Lincoln cents that were made with 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc — which was the same composition as the first Lincoln pennies in 1909.
CoinTrackers.com has estimated the 1914 D Wheat Penny value at an average of $281.00, one in certified mint state (MS+) could be worth $5,500. (see details) Total Produced: 1,193,000 [?]
Nearly 600 million pennies were struck in 1919. Here's a breakdown of 1919 Lincoln cent mintage figures by producing mint: 1919 no mintmark penny (Philadelphia Mint) — 392,021,000. 1919-D penny (Denver Mint) — 57,154,000.
Cost: $10 MillionThe most expensive coin in the world is the 1794/5 Flowing Hair Silver/Copper Dollar. Several expert Numismatic researchers believe that this was the very first silver coin to be minted and issued by the U.S Federal Government.
A circulated 1910 Lincoln cent from the Philadelphia Mint is worth anywhere from 25 cents in well-worn condition to $20 in uncirculated condition. A 1910-S penny is worth much more — about $12 in well-worn condition to more than $100 in uncirculated condition.
Some said that as Brenner had been paid for his design, what he did was strictly as a workman, and no recognition was needed. Others said that the letters were too prominent, and that few knew what the possibly cabalistic notation meant. Complaints were registered, and demands were made that the letters be dropped.
Most Valuable Wheat Pennies
- 1944 Steel Wheat Penny – $500,000.
- 1943 Copper Wheat Penny – $100,000.
- 1914 D Wheat Penny – $10,000.
- 1922 D Wheat Penny – $6,000.
- 1926 Wheat Penny – $4,000.
The 1959 penny with no mint mark is worth around $0.20 in uncirculated condition with an MS-63RB grade. The value is around $0.30 in uncirculated condition with a grade of MS-65RD. The 1959 D penny is worth around $0.50 in uncirculated condition with an MS-63RB grade.
The oldest coin still in circulation is the 10-centimes coin, produced by Federal Mint Swissmint (Switzerland) since 1879. The 10 centimes coins minted from 1879 onwards have had the same composition, size, design and are still legal tender and found in circulation.
If you find any 1959 penny in your pocket change, keep it! The only 1959 pennies worth more than 2 cents are: Those that contain rare errors or varieties. Those that have never been worn.
When the Lincoln wheat cents of 1958 were struck by the United States Mint, few individuals knew the coins would represent the end of a 50-year tradition.
CoinTrackers.com has estimated the 1958 Wheat Penny value at an average of 15 cents, one in certified mint state (MS+) could be worth $5.
