Rare Pennies Worth Collecting in 2025
Why Lincoln Wheat Pennies Are Highly Sought After
Lincoln Wheat Pennies, minted from 1909 to 1958, remain one of the most collected U.S. coins. Their historical significance, unique mint errors, and rare key dates make them valuable in the numismatic market. Some pennies that once circulated as common pocket change are now worth thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of dollars.
If you’re a collector or investor looking for valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies, this guide covers the 10 rarest and most valuable coins you should know about in 2025.
📘 Download the full guide: Numismatics Handbook — A +135-page resource on US coin collecting.
1. 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Penny – The Holy Grail of Wheat Pennies
The 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Penny is one of the most famous key date coins in U.S. history. It was the first year of the Lincoln cent series, and only 484,000 coins were minted before the V.D.B. initials (for designer Victor David Brenner) were controversially removed from the reverse.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Extremely low mintage (under 500,000)
- Highly sought after by collectors
- Pristine MS-65 Red specimens can fetch $100,000+
💰 Value Estimate (2025):
- Good (G-4): $700+
- Mint State (MS-65 RD): $80,000+
2. 1914-D Lincoln Penny – A Rare Key Date
The 1914-D penny is another key date with a mintage of only 1,193,000 coins. Many were heavily circulated, making high-grade examples incredibly rare.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Low survival rate – most were heavily used in circulation
- Scarce in uncirculated condition
💰 Value Estimate (2025):
- Good (G-4): $250+
- Mint State (MS-65 RD): $35,000+
3. 1922 No D Lincoln Penny – The Mint Error That Became Legendary
The 1922 “No D” Lincoln Penny is a famous minting error from the Denver Mint, where the “D” mintmark was accidentally omitted on some coins.
Why It’s Valuable:
- It’s the only Lincoln penny where the Philadelphia Mint didn’t produce the coin, making the lack of a mintmark an error.
- In high grades, this penny sells for huge premiums.
💰 Value Estimate (2025):
- Fine (F-12): $700+
- Mint State (MS-65 RD): $40,000+
4. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny – One of the Most Dramatic Errors
The 1955 Doubled Die Penny is arguably the most famous mint error in U.S. history. The doubling on the obverse (most visible in “LIBERTY” and the date) makes it highly collectible.
Why It’s Valuable:
- One of the most dramatic doubling effects on any U.S. coin
- Scarce in high grades due to heavy circulation
💰 Value Estimate (2025):
- Fine (F-12): $1,500+
- Mint State (MS-65 RD): $40,000+
5. 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny – A $1 Million Coin
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to steel cents to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a few 1943 Lincoln pennies were mistakenly struck in copper planchets, creating one of the rarest U.S. coins.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Fewer than 20 confirmed examples exist
- The most expensive Lincoln penny ever sold at $1.7 million
💰 Value Estimate (2025):
- Any grade: $100,000+
- MS-63 RD or higher: $1,000,000+
6. 1944 Steel Lincoln Penny – Another Ultra-Rare Error
The 1944 Steel Penny is the opposite of the 1943 Copper Penny. When the Mint returned to using copper in 1944, a small number of steel planchets were accidentally used.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Only 25-30 known examples
- Rare in any grade
💰 Value Estimate (2025):
- Fine (F-12): $10,000+
- Mint State (MS-65): $125,000+
7. 1931-S Lincoln Penny – Low Mintage Key Date
The 1931-S penny had a low mintage of only 866,000, making it one of the toughest dates in the Wheat Penny series.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Low production numbers compared to other 1930s pennies
- Many were hoarded, keeping higher-grade specimens in existence
💰 Value Estimate (2025):
- Good (G-4): $100+
- Mint State (MS-65 RD): $7,500+
8. 1926-S Lincoln Penny – A Hidden Gem
With a mintage of 4.5 million, the 1926-S penny doesn’t seem rare at first, but very few high-grade examples exist due to poor striking quality.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Hard to find in MS-60+ grades
- Most circulated examples are worn, making high-grade pieces expensive
💰 Value Estimate (2025):
- Good (G-4): $15+
- Mint State (MS-65 RD): $12,000+
9. 1972 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny – A More Modern Rarity
The 1972 Doubled Die Obverse Penny is a later-era error with significant doubling, most noticeable in the word “LIBERTY” and the date.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Easier to find than the 1955 Doubled Die but still scarce
- Sharp doubling effect makes it a collector’s favorite
💰 Value Estimate (2025):
- Fine (F-12): $50+
- Mint State (MS-65 RD): $1,500+
Want to discover even more rare and valuable coins? Check out our list of the Top 10 Most Valuable U.S. Coins to Look for in 2025, where we cover key finds worth thousands—or even millions—of dollars! 👉 Read: Top 10 Most Valuable U.S. Coins to Look for in 2025
10. 1992 Close AM Lincoln Penny – A Subtle Yet Valuable Rarity
The 1992 Close AM penny is a modern variety where the A and M in “AMERICA” are closer together than usual due to a die variation.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Overlooked by many collectors, but demand is growing
- Fewer than 500 known examples
💰 Value Estimate (2025):
- Fine (F-12): $200+
- Mint State (MS-65 RD): $3,500+
Want to discover even more rare and valuable coins? Check out our list of the Top 10 Most Valuable U.S. Coins to Look for in 2025, where we cover key finds worth thousands—or even millions—of dollars!
Final Thoughts: Why Rare Lincoln Pennies Are a Smart Investment
Lincoln Wheat Pennies are one of the most accessible and profitable areas of numismatics. Whether you’re coin roll hunting, checking your pocket change, or buying certified pieces from dealers, these coins can yield massive returns over time.
If you’re ready to start collecting rare pennies, make sure to:
✅ Learn how to spot valuable coins
✅ Check change for errors and key dates
✅ Watch our Youtube Channel
✅ Store coins properly to maintain their value
Want to take your numismatic journey further? Check out our complete guide on stacking gold and silver and grab your exclusive Stacker’s Gear at goldsilvermerch.com.
FAQs: Most Valuable & Rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies
1. What are the most valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies to look for in 2025?
The most valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies include the 1909-S V.D.B., 1943 Copper Penny, 1955 Doubled Die, 1922 No D, and 1944 Steel Penny. These rare coins can be worth thousands to over a million dollars depending on condition.
2. Why are some Lincoln Wheat Pennies worth so much?
Wheat Pennies become valuable due to low mintage, minting errors, historical importance, or high demand from collectors. Rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies in uncirculated condition can command premium prices at auction.
3. How do I know if I have a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny?
Check the date, mint mark, and look for known errors. Key dates like 1914-D or the 1909-S V.D.B., and errors like doubled dies or steel strikes, are signs you may have a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny.
4. Are all Lincoln Wheat Pennies valuable?
Not all are highly valuable, but most are collectible. Common Wheat Pennies from the 1940s and 1950s are typically worth a few cents to a few dollars unless they’re in mint state or feature rare errors.
5. How much is a 1909-S V.D.B. Wheat Penny worth?
In 2025, a 1909-S V.D.B. penny in good condition starts around $700, while high-grade examples can exceed $80,000. It’s one of the most valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies ever minted.
6. What is the 1943 Copper Penny and why is it so rare?
The 1943 Copper Penny was an accidental strike during WWII when most pennies were made of steel. Only a few copper versions escaped the mint, making it one of the rarest Lincoln Wheat Pennies—valued at $100,000 to $1 million+.
7. Where can I sell rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies?
You can sell them to certified coin dealers, through online auctions, or at coin shows. Make sure the coin is authenticated and graded if it’s one of the most valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies.
8. Should I get my rare Wheat Pennies graded?
Yes. Having your valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies graded by PCGS or NGC ensures authenticity, determines market value, and helps when selling or insuring the coin.
9. Can I still find valuable Wheat Pennies in circulation?
Yes—especially through coin roll hunting. Rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies like the 1955 Doubled Die and even older key dates still occasionally show up in bank rolls or estate collections.
10. What’s the best way to start collecting valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies?
Start by learning key dates and errors. Build a checklist, study coin values, and begin searching pocket change, coin rolls, or buying certified coins from reputable dealers. Focus on the most valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies for long-term investment.
