Most people don’t give a second thought to the pennies in their pockets—but collectors know better. Some Lincoln pennies, especially those minted in specific states and years, are now worth thousands, even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Whether it’s due to low mintage, historical errors, or unique variations, these coins have become hidden treasures in American currency. Here are three Lincoln pennies from certain states that could turn spare change into serious cash.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny – San Francisco Mint, California
This penny is often considered the holy grail of Lincoln cents. Minted in San Francisco in 1909, the coin features designer Victor D. Brenner’s initials (V.D.B.) on the reverse. With only 484,000 minted, its limited supply and historical significance make it highly desirable. A well-preserved 1909-S VDB penny can easily fetch $1,000 to $12,000, while uncirculated examples have sold for over $50,000.
1914-D Lincoln Penny – Denver Mint, Colorado
The 1914-D penny, produced at the Denver Mint, is another top prize for collectors. Only 1.2 million were made—a relatively low number compared to most Lincoln cents. Many were lost or worn down in circulation, making high-grade specimens extremely rare. Today, a 1914-D penny in fine condition can sell for $200 to $4,000, and top-condition coins have reached prices over $20,000.
1922 No D Lincoln Penny – Denver Mint Error
Here’s a penny that was minted in Denver—but due to a striking error, it doesn’t show the “D” mintmark at all. Known as the 1922 No D Lincoln Penny, this coin resulted from a worn die that failed to imprint the mintmark. The mistake makes this a true collector’s item. Depending on condition, this penny can be worth $500 to $30,000, with the rarest, cleanest examples going even higher.
Check Those Pennies—State Mintmarks Matter
Your everyday pocket change might hold more than face value. Lincoln pennies minted in San Francisco, Denver, and other select locations have become highly collectible due to their rarity, minting errors, or limited production runs. A simple “S” or missing “D” could be your ticket to a small fortune. Always check mintmarks and dates—you never know what treasure you might be holding.
FAQ’s:
1. Where can I find the mintmark on a Lincoln penny?
The mintmark is located just below the date on the obverse (front) of the coin. Common marks are “D” for Denver, “S” for San Francisco, and no mark for Philadelphia.
2. What makes the 1909-S VDB penny so valuable?
It was the first year of the Lincoln cent and had a very low mintage from the San Francisco Mint. The “VDB” initials add to its collectible value.
3. Why is the 1922 No D penny rare if it was made in Denver?
It’s a mint error—while it was struck in Denver, a worn die failed to imprint the “D” mintmark, making these coins uniquely rare.
4. Are pennies without a mintmark valuable?
Not always. No mintmark usually indicates a Philadelphia Mint coin, which is common. However, specific dates like the 1922 No D penny are valuable due to mint errors.
5. How can I tell if my penny is worth anything?
Check the date and mintmark, and inspect the coin’s condition. Use a magnifying glass to spot details, then compare it to known rare coins or consult a professional coin appraiser.