Most Lincoln pennies are only worth a cent… but some rare varieties have sold for $10,000 to $30,000+ at major auctions! 
These coins are highly prized by collectors because of their scarcity, history, and condition. The best part? They might still be hiding in your pocket change, coin jar, or old family collection.
Here are the Top 3 most valuable Lincoln cents every collector dreams about 
1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
Value: $10,000+ in AU Condition
Why It’s Valuable
- Only 484,000 coins minted at the San Francisco Mint
- Features designer initials “V.D.B.” (Victor David Brenner), later removed due to controversy
- Rare in higher grades, especially with original red luster
What to Look For
- Small “S” mintmark beneath the date
- “V.D.B.” initials at the bottom of the reverse
- Sharp wheat ears with minimal wear
Recent Sale: $14,400 (PCGS AU58, 2023)
1914-D Lincoln Cent
Value: $20,000–$30,000 in Mint State (MS65RD)
What Makes It Special
- Low mintage of just 1.19 million coins
- Most were heavily circulated—making Mint State examples extremely rare
- Full “red” mint luster versions are nearly impossible to find
Grading & Value
- MS65RD → $20,000–$30,000
- MS63RB → $8,000–$12,000
- AU55BN → $2,500–$4,000
Record Sale: $28,200 (PCGS MS65RD, 2022)
1922 “No D” Lincoln Cent
Value: $30,000+ in Mint State
The Mystery of the Missing Mintmark
- Mint error caused by over-polished dies that erased the Denver “D”
- Only 7 known examples in true Mint State
- Considered an essential rarity for Lincoln set collectors
How to Identify
- Weak obverse details (from die polishing)
- Strong, full wheat ears on the reverse
- Correct weight: 3.11g (copper)
Recent Sale: $32,900 (PCGS MS64BN, 2024)
Where Can You Find These Rare Pennies?
Old Bank Rolls → Especially from the 1930s–1950s
Estate Sales & Auctions → Untouched coin jars and inherited collections
Coin Shops → Ask about overlooked “sleepers” in inventory
Fun Fact: A 1914-D in VF20 was pulled from a $25 bank box and later sold for $4,250!
Authenticate Before You Sell
To avoid fakes and maximize value:
Weigh the Coin → Should be 3.11g for copper- Check Mintmarks under magnification
Get Certified by PCGS or NGC (higher selling price guaranteed)
Red Flags to Watch Out For:
Added or altered mintmarks
Incorrect weight (likely counterfeit)
Artificial cleaning or toning
Where to Sell Your Valuable Pennies
| Value Range | Best Marketplace | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| $10,000+ | Heritage Auctions | ~15% |
| $5,000–$10,000 | Stack’s Bowers | ~10% |
| Under $5,000 | eBay (certified only) | 12.9% |
Seller Tip: Mention coin population reports in your listing—serious collectors pay attention!
Free Penny Evaluation (Get Expert Feedback!)
Think you’ve found a rare Lincoln cent? Send a photo for free evaluation
Email: wheat@pennyverse.info
Subject Line: “RARE WHEAT CENT”
You’ll receive:
Free condition analysis
Market value estimate
Grading & selling recommendations
