The Lincoln penny—that humble copper coin in your pocket—can turn into real money. Some rare dates and errors sell for hundreds, even thousands of dollars. This easy-to-follow Lincoln penny value guide breaks down every year from 1909 to today. You’ll learn simple tricks to spot valuable pennies, current market prices, and a handy table so you can check your change in minutes.
Why the Lincoln Penny Still Excites Collectors in 2025
First minted in 1909 to honor Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday, the Lincoln penny is America’s longest-running coin design. Over 500 billion have been made, yet a tiny handful are worth a fortune because of:
- Low mintage (few coins struck that year)
- Mint errors (double dies, off-center strikes)
- High grade (MS-65 or better, almost perfect)
- Metal changes (wheat vs. memorial vs. shield backs)
Even beginners can find sleepers in rolls from the bank.
Lincoln Penny Value by Era: Wheat, Memorial, Shield
1909–1958: Wheat Pennies (The Classic “Wheat Cents”)
The front shows Lincoln; the back has two wheat stalks. These are the holy grail for pocket-change hunters.
Key Dates & Values (Red BU Grade)
| Year | Mint Mark | Mintage | Approx. Value (MS-65 Red) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | S | 484,000 | $1,200–$2,500 |
| 1914-D | D | 1.19 million | $300–$1,800 |
| 1922 No D | None | Error | $800–$25,000+ |
| 1931-S | S | 866,000 | $120–$400 |
| 1955 Doubled Die | None | Error | $1,000–$2,000 |
Pro Tip: Look for the tiny “VDB” initials on the 1909-S—it’s the famous one.
1959–2008: Memorial Pennies (Lincoln Memorial Reverse)
The back switched to the Lincoln Memorial building. Most are worth face value, but a few errors pop.
Hot Error Coins
| Error Type | Year | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1969-S Doubled Die | 1969-S | $35,000–$75,000 |
| 1972 Doubled Die | 1972 | $300–$1,500 |
| 1984 Doubled Ear | 1984 | $150–$400 |
| 1990 No S | 1990 | $3,000+ (proof only) |
Easy Check: Hold the coin at an angle under a light. Doubling shows as ghost images on “LIBERTY” or the date.
2009–Today: Shield Pennies (Modern Union Shield)
Four special 2009 designs marked Lincoln’s 200th birthday. The regular shield series started in 2010.
2009 Bicentennial Pennies
| Design | Mint Mark | Value (MS-65) |
|---|---|---|
| Birth & Early Childhood | P/D | $5–$15 |
| Formative Years | P/D | $5–$20 |
| Professional Life | P/D | $5–$15 |
| Presidency | P/D | $5–$20 |
Modern errors are rare, but wide AM vs. close AM spacing on 1998–2000 coins can add $20–$50 in high grade.
How to Grade Your Lincoln Penny in 3 Simple Steps
- Check the color – Bright red = top dollar; brown = common.
- Look for wear – Sharp wheat lines or Memorial steps = higher grade.
- Use a 10x loupe – Spot tiny scratches or contact marks.
Free Tools: Download the PCGS Photograde app or use ANA grading standards online.
Where to Sell Your Valuable Lincoln Penny
- Local coin shops – Instant cash, but lower offers.
- eBay – Set your price; use “sold” filters to check real values.
- Heritage Auctions – Best for $500+ coins; they take 15–20% fee.
- Pocket change rolls – Buy $25 boxes from your bank; hunt 1909–1958 dates.
Quick Lincoln Penny Value Cheat Sheet (Average Retail, MS-63)
| Year | Common Value | Rare Version |
|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | $800 | $2,500+ |
| 1931-S | $75 | $400 |
| 1955 DDO | $900 | $2,000 |
| 1969-S DDO | $40,000 | $75,000 |
| 1972 DDO | $250 | $1,500 |
Values update daily—check PCGS CoinFacts or NGC Price Guide.
Start Hunting Your Lincoln Penny Fortune Today
Grab a roll of pennies from the bank tonight. Focus on pre-1959 wheats and any coin that looks “off.” One 1922 No D or 1955 Doubled Die can pay for a vacation. Keep this Lincoln penny value guide bookmarked, share it with friends, and turn spare change into serious cash.