The Lincoln Memorial penny, minted from 1959 to 2008, is one of the most common U.S. coins.
However, some rare versions are worth thousands due to minting errors, design changes, or limited production. If you’re a collector—or just curious—these 10 valuable pennies are worth checking out!
1969-S Doubled Die Obverse
This error coin features dramatic doubling on the date and words like “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”.
- Value: Can sell for over $35,000 in top condition
- Why It’s Special: One of the most famous doubled die errors
- Collector Tip: Be careful—many counterfeits exist!
1970-S Small Date
The small date version of the 1970-S penny is rarer than the large date. Look closely at the “7”—it should be level with the other numbers.
- Value: Between $500 and $3,000, depending on condition
- Why It’s Special: A rare variety that collectors love
- Collector Tip: Use a magnifying glass to compare with a regular 1970-S penny
1983 Doubled Die Reverse
This doubled die error appears on the reverse side, especially in “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”.
- Value: $250 to $2,500, depending on grade
- Why It’s Special: One of the best-known 1980s error pennies
- Collector Tip: Use good lighting to spot the doubling
1992 Close AM
Most 1992 pennies have a wide gap between the A and M in “AMERICA,” but this rare version has the letters very close together.
- Value: $10,000+ in high grades
- Why It’s Special: This design was meant for proof coins but was accidentally used for regular pennies
- Collector Tip: Compare the “AM” spacing with a regular penny to spot the difference
1999 Wide AM
This coin is the opposite of the 1992 Close AM—the A and M in “AMERICA” are spaced farther apart than usual.
- Value: $200 to $1,500, depending on condition
- Why It’s Special: Another accidental design mix-up
- Collector Tip: Use a magnifier to check the spacing carefully
1972 Doubled Die Obverse
This penny has strong doubling on the date and words like “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”.
- Value: $1,000 to $2,500 in mint condition
- Why It’s Special: One of the most famous Lincoln penny errors
- Collector Tip: The doubling should be visible without a microscope
1960 Small Date
The 1960 penny came in two versions—small date and large date. The small date is much rarer.
- Value: $50 to $500, depending on condition
- Why It’s Special: One of the first small date varieties in U.S. coinage
- Collector Tip: The “6” is shorter and curves closer to the “0” in the small date version
1984 Doubled Ear
This error coin features doubling on Lincoln’s ear, making it one of the most interesting varieties.
- Value: $200 to $3,000 in high grades
- Why It’s Special: A unique and easy-to-spot doubling error
- Collector Tip: Look closely at Lincoln’s ear for a second, fainter outline
1995 Doubled Die Obverse
Although not as dramatic as other doubled die coins, this 1995 penny shows clear doubling on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”.
- Value: $50 to $1,500, depending on grade
- Why It’s Special: One of the most affordable doubled die pennies
- Collector Tip: Use a loupe (magnifying tool) to confirm the doubling
1971 Doubled Die Obverse
This penny has strong doubling on the date and inscriptions, similar to the 1969-S doubled die.
- Value: $500 to $3,000 in mint condition
- Why It’s Special: A classic doubled die error
- Collector Tip: Look for sharp, clear doubling—not just blurry text
What Makes Lincoln Memorial Pennies Valuable?
- Mint Errors: Coins with doubled dies, spacing issues, or metal mix-ups are rare and valuable.
- Low Mintage Varieties: Coins like the 1970-S Small Date were made in smaller numbers, making them harder to find.
- Condition: Uncirculated and Mint State coins sell for way more than worn-out ones.
- Collector Demand: The excitement of finding rare coins drives prices up!
How to Identify Valuable Pennies
- Use a Magnifier: Small details like doubling and letter spacing are hard to see with the naked eye.
- Check Mint Marks: Some rare varieties are specific to certain mints, like “S” for San Francisco or “D” for Denver.
- Compare with Known Varieties: Use coin guides to match your pennies with known valuable ones.
Tips for Collectors
- Get Coins Graded: Professional grading increases value and prevents fraud.
- Store Coins Properly: Use holders or albums to protect them from damage.
- Follow Market Trends: Keep up with auction results and price guides.
- Hunt in Coin Rolls: Rare pennies can still be found in circulation!
10 Most Valuable Lincoln Memorial Pennies – Quick Look
| Coin Name | Mint | Estimated Value | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse | San Francisco | $35,000+ | Dramatic doubling on obverse |
| 1970-S Small Date | San Francisco | $500 – $3,000 | Rare small date variety |
| 1983 Doubled Die Reverse | Philadelphia | $250 – $2,500 | Doubling on reverse inscriptions |
| 1992 Close AM | Philadelphia | $10,000+ | “AM” in “AMERICA” very close together |
| 1999 Wide AM | Philadelphia | $200 – $1,500 | “AM” in “AMERICA” spaced wider apart |
| 1972 Doubled Die Obverse | Philadelphia | $1,000 – $2,500 | Strong doubling on obverse |
| 1960 Small Date | Philadelphia | $50 – $500 | Rare small date variety |
| 1984 Doubled Ear | Philadelphia | $200 – $3,000 | Doubling on Lincoln’s ear |
| 1995 Doubled Die Obverse | Philadelphia | $50 – $1,500 | Doubling on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” |
| 1971 Doubled Die Obverse | Philadelphia | $500 – $3,000 | Strong doubling on obverse inscriptions |
Lincoln Memorial pennies may seem common, but some are worth thousands due to errors, low mintages, and unique designs.
Whether you’re an experienced collector or just starting out, checking your change could lead to an amazing discovery. Take a closer look at your pennies—you might already own a valuable one!
