Some of the most valuable treasures in America may be hiding in plain sight—inside your pocket. The Lincoln Penny, an iconic piece of U.S. coinage since 1909, has several rare versions that are now worth a small fortune. While most are worth only a cent, a few exceptional editions have skyrocketed in value due to their rarity, minting errors, and historical significance. Here are four rare Lincoln pennies that could be worth as much as $200,000 each.
1. 1931-S Lincoln Penny – One of the Scarcest in the Series
The 1931-S Lincoln Penny stands out as one of the rarest in the entire Lincoln cent series. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, this penny had a very limited mintage of just 866,000 coins, making it highly desirable for collectors.
Why it’s so valuable:
- Ultra-low mintage: Fewer coins produced means fewer available today.
- Collector demand: Long sought after by serious numismatists.
- Top-condition value: If the coin is in uncirculated or mint state, its value can climb to $200,000 or more.
- Graded appeal: Coins certified by PCGS or NGC with high grades significantly increase in market value.
If you have old coins passed down through family, the 1931-S should definitely be one to watch out for. Even worn examples are worth hundreds.
2. 1909-S VDB Penny – The Original Lincoln Cent With Controversial Initials
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny is arguably the most famous of all Lincoln cents. This coin marked the debut of Lincoln’s portrait on U.S. currency and was designed by Victor David Brenner. His initials, “VDB,” appeared prominently on the reverse, which sparked controversy, leading the U.S. Mint to halt its production.
Why it commands a premium:
- Extremely limited production: Only 484,000 coins were minted before the design was changed.
- Historical importance: It was the first-ever Lincoln cent, adding to its cultural value.
- Design rarity: The “S” mintmark (San Francisco) combined with the “VDB” initials makes this coin unique.
- Market value: In top-graded condition, this coin can sell for $150,000 to $200,000.
To check if you have one, flip a 1909 penny and look for “VDB” at the bottom of the reverse. If it also has an “S” mintmark below the date, you may be holding a coin worth more than most cars.
3. 1922 Plain Lincoln Penny – A Rare Minting Mistake
Most Lincoln pennies from 1922 carry a “D” mintmark for Denver. However, due to a die error during production, a small batch of these pennies was released without the mintmark, resulting in the 1922 Plain Lincoln Penny.
Why collectors love it:
- Rare error coin: No mintmark means it’s a mistaken release, which is highly valued in numismatics.
- Small known quantity: While over 7 million 1922 pennies were made, only a tiny fraction are the Plain variety.
- Strong demand: Error coins are favorites among collectors and auction houses.
- High-value sales: Pristine specimens have sold for up to $200,000 at major auctions.
Error coins like this one prove that even minting flaws can turn ordinary coins into legendary finds.
4. 1914-D Lincoln Penny – A Denver Mint Rarity
The 1914-D Lincoln Penny is another elusive find for collectors. With a mintage of just 1.19 million, it’s one of the lowest production runs among early 20th-century Lincoln cents.
Why it stands out:
- Low production numbers: Particularly rare in high grades.
- Denver mintmark: The “D” below the date confirms its origin.
- Historical context: Minted during the pre-WWI era, adding vintage appeal.
- Market worth: Depending on the coin’s grade, values range from $1,000 to $150,000, with exceptional examples nearing the $200,000 mark.
This penny is often misidentified, so if you come across a 1914 Lincoln cent, double-check for the small “D” mintmark.
Why These Pennies Are Worth a Fortune
The value of rare pennies hinges on three key factors:
- Rarity – Coins with low mintage numbers or unique variations are more valuable.
- Condition – Coins graded as Mint State (MS-65 or higher) fetch the highest prices.
- Collector Demand – Historical importance, design flaws, or limited production all increase desirability.
Think You Have One? Here’s What to Do
If you suspect you’ve found one of these rare Lincoln cents:
- Don’t clean the coin – Cleaning can damage the surface and reduce value.
- Store it safely – Use a non-PVC coin holder or a soft cloth pouch.
- Get it graded – Submit it to a trusted grading service like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) for authentication and official valuation.
Final Thoughts: Change That Could Change Your Life
In the world of numismatics, even a small copper coin can hold incredible value. The 1931-S, 1909-S VDB, 1922 Plain, and 1914-D Lincoln Pennies are proof that treasure can lie in your spare change. Whether passed down through generations or tucked away in an old jar, these coins represent a blend of American history and collector passion.