Lincoln Penny Value | Discover Their Worth (2025)

Coin Values Moving with Precious Metals: Up-Dated 6/17/2024: Gold $2320 | Silver $29.17


How to determine Lincoln Penny Value. Judging how much an old penny is worth follows a step by step approach.

Lincoln Penny Value | Discover Their Worth (1)

Steps Leading to Value:
  • Step 1: Date and Mintmark Variety – Identify each date and its mintmark variety.
  • Step 2: Grading Condition – Judge condition to determine grade.
  • Step 3: Special Qualities – Certain elements either enhance or detract from value

Date and Mintmark is first identified; each variety is listed separately on value chart. Next step is understanding condition and its grade. Compare your coin to grading images helping visualize differences in appearance and condition. Additional special qualities are then considered. Subtle and also distinct factors unique to Lincoln cents are studied helping recognize an accurate value.

Lincoln Penny Value
1909-1958
Condition of Coin
DateGoodFineExtremely
Fine
Uncirculated
Lincoln Penny Value Up-Dated2024
1909$1.07 $2.04 $6.00 $10
1909 VDB $4.38 $7 $12 $16
1909 S $62 $68 $110 $187
1909 S VDB$550 $675 $966 $1,066
1910 $0.35 $0.95 $3.97 $13
1910 S$7.00 $15 $43 $83
1911$0.52 $1.39 $5.87 $13
1911 D$3.67 $7.80 $51 $73
1911 S$17 $35 $61 $121
1912$0.80 $1.99 $12 $25
1912 D$5.00 $12.03 $57 $129
1912 S$10 $19 $59 $123
1913$0.52 $1.84 $18 $26
1913 D$1.65 $4.01 $44 $95
1913 S$5.00 $13 $42 $151
1914$0.60 $1.82 $16 $36
1914 D$70 $143 $593 $1,560
1914 S$10 $20 $75 $209
1915$1.53 $4.42 $39 $49
1915 D$1.67 $4.72 $27 $54
1915 S$8.50 $16 $62 $205
1916$0.12 $0.80 $6.28 $16
1916 D$0.65 $2.28 $13 $43
1916 S $0.97 $2.45 $22 $75
1917$0.12 $0.76 $3.75 $15
1917 D$0.65 $2.60 $28 $51
1917 S$0.57 $1.32 $12 $53
1918$0.12 $0.56 $3.32 $11
1918 D$0.65 $1.73 $14 $49
1918 S$0.65 $1.69 $9.38 $50
1919$0.12 $0.52 $1.32 $7
1919 D$0.63 $1.47 $10 $52
1919 S$0.57 $1.17 $4.94 $39
1920$0.08 $0.52 $2.25 $10
1920 D$0.53 $1.37 $12 $68
1920 S$0.48 $1.28 $13 $58
1921$0.48 $1.56 $9.50 $29
1921 S$1.25 $3.53 $31 $60
1922-No D$261 $367 $983 RARE
1922 D$10 $18 $37 $72
1923$0.28 $0.74 $5.14 $11
1923 S$3.98 $7.37 $36 $157
1924$0.08 $0.78 $3.99 $18
1924 D$19 $35 $88 $238
1924 S$1.07 $2.62 $29 $113
1925$0.08 $0.46 $2.38 $8
1925 D$0.60 $2.19 $12 $55
1925 S$0.78 $1.91 $11 $131
1926$0.08 $0.46 $1.56 $9
1926 D$0.90 $2.62 $14 $65
1926 S$6.50 $10.40 $31 $153
1927$0.08 $0.74 $1.56 $7
1927 D$0.55 $1.58 $6.07 $34
1927 S$0.63 $1.95 $12 $59
1928$0.08 $0.46 $1.37 $6
1928 D$0.62 $1.28 $5.48 $23
1928 S$0.65 $1.45 $8.50 $59
1929$0.08 $0.43 $1.65 $5
1929 D $0.53 $1.00 $4.57 $18
1929 S$0.42 $1.41 $4.98 $20
1930$0.04 $0.48 $1.19 $3
1930 D$0.27 $0.72 $1.65 $8
1930 S$0.38 $0.76 $1.19 $6
1931$0.57 $0.93 $3.25 $12
1931 D$2.50 $5.11 $11 $28
1931 S$14 $48 $69 $92
1932$0.98 $2.47 $4.88 $13
1932 D$1.15 $1.95 $3.14 $13
1933$0.87 $1.99 $5.09 $11
1933 D$2.00 $3.90 $12 $16
1934$0.04 $0.25 $0.53 $5
1934 D$0.04 $0.28 $1.08 $8
1935$0.04 $0.18 $0.42 $6
1935 D$0.04 $0.31 $0.63 $10
1935 S$0.04 $0.51 $0.84 $11
1936$0.04 $0.21 $0.35 $2
1936 D$0.04 $0.19 $0.54 $3
1936 S$0.04 $0.26 $0.73 $3
1937$0.04 $0.13 $0.33 $2
1937 D$0.04 $0.28 $0.46 $2
1937 S$0.04 $0.31 $0.54 $2
1938$0.04 $0.11 $0.24 $3
1938 D$0.04 $0.31 $0.52 $3
1938 S$0.04 $0.17 $0.34 $3
1939$0.04 $0.06 $0.14 $2
1939 D$0.04 $0.20 $0.51 $3
1939 S$0.03 $0.21 $0.37 $2
1940$0.02 $0.06 $0.23 $1.74
1940 D$0.02 $0.22 $0.36 $1.54
1940 S$0.03 $0.22 $0.26 $2.02
1941$0.02 $0.07 $0.20 $1.92
1941 D$0.02 $0.14 $0.32 $2.40
1941 S$0.03 $0.24 $0.34 $2.70
1942$0.02 $0.08 $0.16 $1.50
1942 D$0.02 $0.08 $0.16 $1.90
1942 S$0.03 $0.17 $0.40 $4.00
1943 Zinc$0.18 $0.38 $0.63 $2.25
1943 D Zinc$0.18 $0.38 $0.63 $2.76
1943 S Zinc$0.23 $0.40 $0.85 $5.10
1944$0.02 $0.02 $0.04 $1.56
1944 D$0.02 $0.02 $0.04 $1.22
1944 S$0.03 $0.03 $0.05 $1.86
1945$0.02 $0.02 $0.04 $1.78
1945 D$0.02 $0.02 $0.04 $1.54
1945 S$0.03 $0.03 $0.05 $1.24
1946$0.02 $0.02 $0.04 $1.33
1946 D$0.02 $0.02 $0.04 $1.24
1946 S$0.03 $0.03 $0.05 $2.98
1947$0.02 $0.02 $0.04 $3.30
1947 D$0.02 $0.02 $0.04 $1.26
1947 S$0.03 $0.03 $0.05 $1.64
1948$0.02 $0.02 $0.04 $1.78
1948 D$0.02 $0.02 $0.04 $2.30
1948 S$0.03 $0.03 $0.05 $2.34
1949$0.02 $0.02 $0.04 $2.38
1949 D$0.02 $0.02 $0.04 $2.28
1949 S$0.03 $0.03 $0.05 $3.74
1950$0.02 $0.02 $0.04 $2.94
1950 D$0.02 $0.02 $0.04 $1.34
1950 S$0.03 $0.03 $0.05 $1.74
1951$0.02 $0.02 $0.04 $3.04
1951 D$0.02 $0.02 $0.04 $1.24
1951 S$0.03 $0.03 $0.05 $2.08
1952$0.02 $0.02 $0.04 $2.08
1952 D$0.02 $0.02 $0.04 $0.94
1952 S$0.03 $0.03 $0.05 $2.10
1953$0.02 $0.02 $0.04 $1.08
1953 D$0.02 $0.02 $0.04 $0.84
1953 S$0.03 $0.03 $0.05 $1.84
1954$0.02 $0.02 $0.04 $1.36
1954 D$0.02 $0.02 $0.04 $0.90
1954 S$0.03 $0.03 $0.05 $0.90
1955$0.02 $0.02 $0.04 $1.20
1955 DLB DIE****$1,317 $2,313
1955 D$0.02 $0.02 $0.04 $0.67
1955 S$0.03 $0.03 $0.05 $0.77
1956$0.02 $0.02 $0.04 $0.65
1956 D$0.02 $0.02 $0.04 $0.68
1957$0.02 $0.02 $0.04 $0.65
1957 D$0.02 $0.02 $0.04 $0.62
1958$0.02 $0.02 $0.04 $0.60
1958 D$0.02 $0.02 $0.04 $0.60

Above are wholesale coin values. Dealer's price lists and auction results for each date and mint of Lincoln cents are averaged with various mark-up factors figured in. They reflect closely what you would expect to receive when selling.

Variations in value occur subject to subtle grading points, collector demands and dealer needs.

Step 1: | Date and Mintmark Combination

Identify variety of Lincoln cent. Philadelphia, the main mint along with branch mints Denver and San Francisco struck wheat cents. Mintmarks were used to identify the mint striking the coin.

No Mintmark Under Date: Philadelphia Mint Struck the Coin

Lincoln Penny Value | Discover Their Worth (2)

Over the course of the wheat penny series (1909 to 1958). Philadelphia, the nation's primary mint struck 14 Billion wheat cents. Additionally, all engraving of the dies used for Lincoln cents were crafted there. Each branch mint received coinage dies yearly as adjustments to date and mintmarks were made.

Large quantities produced is reflected in abundant supplies known today. Popularity of hobbist forming collections is supporting strong values.

D Mintmark Under Date: Denver Mint Struck the Coin

Lincoln Penny Value | Discover Their Worth (3)

As a new branch mint at the time, Denver coined fewer wheat cents than Philadelphia. First year of cent mintage with a "D" mintmark is 1911.

Many dates of Denver wheat cents are considered elusive in all grades of condition. Early era (1909 to1933) examples are especially sought by collectors. These Denver mint coins are an important variety to identify.

S Mintmark Under Date: San Francisco Mint Struck the Coin

Lincoln Penny Value | Discover Their Worth (4)

San Francisco mint is known for its typically low mintages of wheat cents per year. Total production of all years (1909 to 1958) of the wheat series is 2.75 Billion "S" mintmark pennies. Followed by Denver with a total of 9 Billion and Philadelphia's 14 Billion cents.

An "S" mintmark is a first indication of a generally higher value coin. San Francisco Lincoln pennies hold a special fascination with collectors. A wide range of values are represented on the chart, including a significant number of key dates, identity is important.

Step 2: | Judge Condition to Identify Grade

Accurately judge Lincoln penny condition by comparing your coin to images, visualizing its grade. Higher condition means all the difference to collectors and dealers. Value is directly tied to grade.

Lincoln Penny Value | Discover Their Worth (5)

Uncirculated Grade:

Lincoln Penny Value | Discover Their Worth (6)

Absence of wear defines the Uncirculated - Mint State grade. These are the top condition coins. Uncirculated condition examples are avidly sought by collectors.

All freshly minted cents are imparted with "mint luster" a shimmer that rotates along the surface as a coin is titled under a light. Inspect the upper most points of the design looking for any signs of wear. A smoothing of the surface, result of wear, is noticeable as a disruption of mint luster. A side-affect to wear is a dulling of the shimmer.

Extremely Fine Grade:

Lincoln Penny Value | Discover Their Worth (7)

Light wear is visible to the entire coin in Extremely Fine grade. All major design elements remain, noticeable is a small degree of flatness to high profile areas. Lincoln's hair is fully defined, just small disconnected flat spots. Lines to his coat are all separated from the shirt, and bowtie remains distinct.

Fine Grade:

Lincoln Penny Value | Discover Their Worth (8)

Moderately worn with ample detail remaining defines a coin in Fine grade. All major elements are separate and bold. Lincoln's coat is flattened along the shoulder and lapel. Hair is worn and areas of flatness are now beginning to connect. His ear is distinguishable from surrounding hair. Beard at chin has remaining detail with a roundness to profile.

Good Grade:

Lincoln Penny Value | Discover Their Worth (9)

Wear has removed the majority of detail to Lincoln's hair and coat. Cheek and jaw are now one smooth area with little definition. Portrait is still bold with ample detail visible within the shirt.

Lettering along the rim is often faint, however must remain. A pleasing brown to light brown color of pennies is appealing to collectors in this grade, with many early dates showing premium value.

Viewing different grades side by side helps visualize details separating different conditions. Use a single light source when viewing and often a magnifying glass is helpful to bring detail closer.

Judging condition of pennies is partially subjective; degrees of wear and appearance cover the complete range of - new - to worn smooth. After viewing the coin, you develop an opinion, a dealer or collector grading the coin have their own opinions... and they can all differ slightly.

Grading Lincoln Wheat Pennies is a detailed look at defining condition, assigning a grade and how to determine Lincoln penny value. Along with the video, close-up images help you quickly recognize and separate premium pennies. Descriptions bring out the subtle details involved.

Advanced grading by professionals is recommended for the higher value $100+ coins. Collectors and dealers consider PCGS and NGC as leaders in coin grading services. They both authenticate and grade your coin. The small fee you pay provides assurance you understand and receive the full value of your coin. Visit an introductory page to Coin Grading Services

Step 3: | Special Qualities Enhancing Value

Visual appeal contributes to values of Lincoln Wheat pennies in many ways. How a coin “looks” in total is first to notice, followed by closer examination. Qualities of eye appeal are demonstrated by comparing high to low appeal.

Even Color | Discolored

Lincoln Penny Value | Discover Their Worth (10)

One common fault of copper is a tendency to discolor. Both examples are worn, one stands out as superior because of a nice even toned coloration. A natural look, of age and condition.

Strong Strike | Weak Strike

Lincoln Penny Value | Discover Their Worth (11)

Millions of pennies were struck of most varieties of wheat cents. Not all received a strong, full impression during the striking process. Evidence of weakness is visible and contrasted with a complete striking of "ONE CENT". Faded lettering detracts, also notice the curving of the letters close to the rim. A strong impression is favored.

Nice Surface | Large Nick

Lincoln Penny Value | Discover Their Worth (12)

Small nicks and marks are the norm of a circulated coin. Many are diminished by the smoothing involved with wear. A large deep mark stays with the coin. In a main focal area, a noticeable mark visually detracts. Appeal to a collector is lowered, along with potential value.

Popularity Supports Lincoln Penny Value

Underlying support is critical to value in any coin series. Lincoln cents are a series enjoying strong demand by collectors. Their interest and collecting preferences form the basis to how much each coin is worth.

Lincoln Penny Value | Discover Their Worth (13)

Among 20th century US coins, collecting Lincoln cents places just behind the Peace Dollar series as a favorite with collectors. A study of Registry Set totals identifies popularity of each series by numbers of collectors involved in actively assembling collections. Popular Coin Series is an insight into the coin hobby and US coins by denomination and series.

From the beginning of the Lincoln cent introduction in 1909 an interest to collect the series was strong. By 1958, the conclusion of the series, a notable pattern emerged to values and availability of the dates and mintmarks. Collectors began to recognize two major eras, the first 1909 through 1933 featuring elusive coins and higher value.

A second era 1934 through 1958 is notable for abundance of coins and lower value. Interestingly, a third small sub-group dated 1934 to 1943 is beginning to emerge in value. Choice circulated examples of this sup-group; specifically those in Extremely Fine grade, are developing a strong premium over lesser grades. All adding to the fascination of collecting wheat pennies.

Combining the many themes to collecting Lincoln pennies with a wide range of affordability draws a diverse collecting interest.

From one year to the next Lincoln penny value never stands still. New collectors take up the hobby. Seasoned collectors continually improve their collections. New varieties of over-dates, double-dies, or something different is always discovered and sparking interest in wheat pennies.

Keep in touch with coin values, return to update your Lincoln penny value.

References

US Treasury. History of the Lincoln Cent.https://www.treasury.gov/about/education/Pages/lincoln-cent.aspx
US Mint. US Mint Reports.https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/publisherdetail/51

Coin Values | CoinStudy Articles

Date by Date
In Depth Lincoln Penny Value
Early Era 1909 to 1933

1909

1915

1921

1927

1910

1916

1922

1928

1911

1917

1923

1929

1912

1918

1924

1930

1913

1919

1925

1931

1914

1920

1926

1932

1933

Date by Date
In Depth Lincoln Penny Value
Second Era 1934 to 1958

1934

1940

1946

1952

1935

1941

1947

1953

1936

1942

1948

1954

1937

1943

1949

1955

1938

1944

1950

1956

1939

1945

1951

1957

1958

Coin Value Guide | How to Value a Coin Collection

A step by step method combined with the coin value online guide identifies how to value a coin collection. Discover how much your box of old coins is worth.

Penny Values | Rare Pennies Have Outstanding Values

Coin values listed. From the earliest Half and Large cents, to Indian head pennies to the popular Wheat pennies of 1909 to 1958. Match your coins to images identifying correct series. Follow a step by step process to accurate value on charts. Some of these old pennies have amazing values.

Selling Wheat Pennies and Receiving the Highest Price

Separate your old wheat pennies into the main value groups - different decades, mintmarks, rare dates and importantly condition. Preparing and selling wheat pennies for the best value is possible.

Printable Coin Values Worksheet

List your coins and record their values. Should you decide to sell... use the worksheet as a packing slip when sending coins through the mail to dealers. It indicates you have done your coin values homework.

Old US Penny Values are Rising

Coin values are determined by using the grading images to judge condition then checking the date and values on the charts provided. Discover all the rare varieties, dates and mintmarks.

Coin Values Discovery finds Lincoln Penny Value and...

All old US coin values. The home page is an excellent index, quickly leading to the major coin series. From Cents to Gold.

Lincoln Penny Value | Discover Their Worth (2025)

FAQs

Lincoln Penny Value | Discover Their Worth? ›

A 1958-dated Lincoln cent mistakenly made with doubling in some letters of the design has sold for a record $1,136,250. It was owned by a New York City collector who died soon after consigning his pristine condition coins to be sold at auction. He spent his life procuring the absolute best-of-the-best Lincoln cents...

What years of Lincoln pennies are valuable? ›

Ten Amazing Lincoln Cents Worth A Lot of Money
  • 1992 Close-AM Lincoln Cent. Image: Stack's Bowers / CoinWeek.
  • 1960 Small Date (left). 1960 Large Date (right).
  • 1922 Plain D Lincoln cent.
  • United States 1914-D Lincoln cent.
  • 1944 Steel Cent.
  • 1955 Doubled Die Cent.
  • 1969-S Doubled Die cent.
Jan 2, 2024

What 1958 penny is worth $1,000,000? ›

A 1958-dated Lincoln cent mistakenly made with doubling in some letters of the design has sold for a record $1,136,250. It was owned by a New York City collector who died soon after consigning his pristine condition coins to be sold at auction. He spent his life procuring the absolute best-of-the-best Lincoln cents...

How can I find out what my penny is worth? ›

One way is to check for errors from the minting process. Coins with mistakes, such as a double die or missing letters, can be worth significantly more than their regular counterparts. Another way is to look for specific years known to be scarce or have low mintage numbers.

What year is penny worth $50,000? ›

The 1959-D wheat penny is one of the most controversial mule coins ever. It's worth $50,000!

Why is the 1999 penny worth so much? ›

However, one exception is the 1999 “Wide AM” penny. In this case, the “AM” in “AMERICA” on the reverse side of the penny is spaced wider than usual. These pennies are relatively rare, and while they won't fetch thousands, they can still be worth up to $5 in uncirculated condition.

Why is the 1983 penny so valuable? ›

The U.S. made about 7.7 billion pennies in 1983, but only about 5,000 of them are known to have been made with this doubling error, James McCartney, director of numismatics at Stack's Bowers Galleries, tells CNBC Make It. The rarity of these misprinted pennies are what make them more valuable than ordinary pennies.

Why is a 1982 penny worth so much? ›

One reason these coins are so valuable has to do with what they are made of. As GOBankingRates previously reported, any penny minted before 1982 contains 95% copper. Copper pennies are a relatively common find in a penny roll, which lowers their value.

Why is a 1958 penny rare? ›

The Lincoln penny was produced for many years, and is still being produced to this day. With that being said, there are a number of different types of Lincoln pennies that have been produced over the years. The 1958 Lincoln is especially valuable because it was the last year the Wheat Penny design was used.

Is there anything special about a 1948 penny? ›

For collectors, older versions of the Lincoln penny are highly sought after, and the 1948 Lincoln is one of those coins. On the obverse side of the 1948 Lincoln you will find the detailed image of Abraham Lincoln in the center.

What are the key dates for Lincoln pennies? ›

Key-Date issues of the Lincoln cent series include the 1909-S V.D.B., the 1909-S, the 1914-D and the 1931-S. Semi-Key Dates, in great demand but not among the scarcest issues, include the "S" mint mark Lincolns of 1910-1915 as well as the 1924-D and 1926-S cents.

How do I appraise my penny? ›

The actual process of coin appraisal involves examining factors such as the coin's age, condition (grade), rarity, historical significance, and demand in the collector's market – the appraiser may consider recent auction results and market trends to arrive at a valuation.

What is the rarest year to find a penny? ›

It is believed that only around 20 bronze 1943-D pennies were released from each of the San Francisco and Philadelphia Mints. Even more scarce, the Denver Mint allegedly only produced one bronze 1943-D penny, which makes it the rarest known one-cent coin across the globe.

What is the rarest Lincoln penny? ›

1943 Lincoln Cent Struck on Bronze Alloy

The 1943-S version of this coin struck at the San Francisco Mint is the most rare version of this penny, with only six known examples in existence. The highest amount ever paid for a 1943 bronze cent was $82,000 in 1996.

Why is a 1959 penny worth so much? ›

The 1959 Lincoln Memorial Penny has several known errors that make certain coins highly sought after by collectors. One common error is the double die obverse, where the letters and date appear doubled. Another error is off-center strikes, where the coin's design is not centered properly.

Which 1982 D penny is rare? ›

But the 1982 D 3.11 gm SMALL DATE is extremely rare. So far only two specimens have been found, and have sold at auction for close to $35,000. I have a 1982 D small 2 penny which weighs 3.1 grams.

What 1983 penny is worth $15000 today? ›

There's a rare 1983 copper penny (a 1983-D penny) worth $15,000 -- you could find one in your pocket change! Here's what to look for + Other rare copper pennies.

What to look for in the 1982 and 1983 pennies? ›

For the 1982-S, look for one that weighs 2.5 grams, as all currently known weigh 3.11 grams struck in the traditional solid copper alloy with a Large Date. Look for a 1983-S that weighs 3.11 grams in the sold copper alloy, as all should have been struck on the 2.5 gram copper-plated zinc planchets.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Ms. Lucile Johns

Last Updated:

Views: 5667

Rating: 4 / 5 (61 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ms. Lucile Johns

Birthday: 1999-11-16

Address: Suite 237 56046 Walsh Coves, West Enid, VT 46557

Phone: +59115435987187

Job: Education Supervisor

Hobby: Genealogy, Stone skipping, Skydiving, Nordic skating, Couponing, Coloring, Gardening

Introduction: My name is Ms. Lucile Johns, I am a successful, friendly, friendly, homely, adventurous, handsome, delightful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.