For most people, a penny is just a penny—but for collectors, certain mint marks can mean the difference between pocket change and a small fortune. A tiny letter beneath the date on a Lincoln penny can dramatically boost its value. These mint marks reveal where the coin was produced, and some variations are incredibly rare and desirable. Let’s take a closer look at a few Lincoln pennies with special mint marks that are worth thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of dollars.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
This penny features the initials VDB (for designer Victor David Brenner) and was minted in San Francisco, noted by the “S” mint mark. Only 484,000 were made before the initials were removed, making it one of the most famous and valuable pennies. High-grade examples can fetch $50,000 or more.
1914-D Lincoln Penny
Minted in Denver (indicated by the “D” mark), the 1914-D is one of the scarcest early Lincoln cents, with only 1.2 million struck. It’s a key date in the series, and collectors are willing to pay over $30,000 for well-preserved versions.
1922 No D Lincoln Penny
Here’s a rare case where a missing mint mark actually adds value. All 1922 Lincoln cents were made in Denver, but some were struck with no visible “D” due to die polishing errors. These “No D” pennies are highly prized and can be worth $15,000 to $25,000.
1931-S Lincoln Penny
Another valuable “S” mint mark penny, this one from San Francisco, had a low mintage of just 866,000. While not as rare as others, its limited supply and demand among collectors make it worth $100 to several thousand dollars depending on condition.
1944-D/S Lincoln Penny
This rare over-mint mark error occurred when a Denver “D” was struck over a San Francisco “S.” It’s one of the most desirable minting mistakes, and high-grade coins have sold for up to $10,000.
Check That Tiny Letter—It Might Be Worth Big Money
The value of a Lincoln penny often lies in that small mint mark beneath the date. Whether it’s an “S” from San Francisco, a “D” from Denver, or the lack of one altogether, these small details can make your penny worth a fortune. Always double-check your coins—you might just discover a rare treasure in your loose change.
FAQ’s:
1. What is a mint mark on a penny?
A mint mark is a small letter beneath the date that shows where the coin was made—usually “D” (Denver), “S” (San Francisco), or no mark (Philadelphia).
2. Which mint mark pennies are the most valuable?
Some of the most valuable are the 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, and 1922 No D Lincoln pennies.
3. How do I know if my penny has a rare mint mark?
Check coin reference guides or compare your coin to verified examples online. You can also consult a coin dealer or grading service.
4. Can a missing mint mark increase a penny’s value?
Yes, in rare cases like the 1922 No D, the missing mark is due to a minting error and can significantly increase value.
5. Should I keep or sell a penny with a rare mint mark?
If it’s authentic and valuable, you can choose to keep it as an investment or sell it through a reputable auction or dealer for top dollar.