When discussing rare Abraham Lincoln coins, it’s important to distinguish between Lincoln Cents (pennies) and other coins featuring Lincoln’s image.
Several Lincoln cents are considered rare and valuable due to errors, low mintage, or specific characteristics:
- 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent: This is arguably the most famous and sought-after Lincoln cent. Only 484,000 were minted with the designer’s initials “VDB” before they were removed due to controversy, making them instantly collectible. Prices for these coins range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on their condition. A high-grade example (MS67) sold for $175,000 in 2025.
- 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent: During World War II, pennies were supposed to be made of zinc-coated steel to conserve copper. However, a small number of bronze planchets were accidentally struck with 1943 dies, creating a significant error coin. These are extremely rare, with only around two dozen known examples. Even in low-grade condition, they are worth around $25,000 to $50,000. The 1943-D Lincoln Bronze Cent holds the record as the most expensive Lincoln penny sold, fetching $1.7 million in a private sale.
- 1944 Steel Lincoln Cent: The opposite error occurred in 1944 when some Lincoln pennies were mistakenly struck on leftover steel planchets from 1943 instead of the intended bronze alloy. These are also extremely rare and valuable.
- 1958 Doubled Die Obverse Cent: Only three examples of this error coin are known to exist, making it incredibly rare and highly prized by collectors. It exhibits doubling in the date and inscriptions on the obverse. One sold for $336,000 in 2018.
- 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Cent: This error coin exhibits doubling on the date and lettering on the obverse. Initially, the government believed these were counterfeit and confiscated several before acknowledging their authenticity. Uncirculated versions are extremely rare and valuable.
Beyond pennies, other coins featuring Abraham Lincoln can also be valuable, especially if they are from earlier issues or have unique characteristics. For example, a “rare Abraham Lincoln Dollar Coin 1861-1865” with a gold composition is advertised on eBay for $700, while another listing offers a “One Dollar Abraham Lincoln Gold Coin 1861-1865” for $25,000. It is important to note that without official verification, it is hard to assess the authenticity and potential value of these items.
It’s important to remember that a coin’s condition plays a major role in its value . Uncirculated coins in excellent condition are significantly more valuable than circulated ones. Additionally, errors and die varieties can drastically increase a coin’s worth.
Note: Be cautious of potentially fraudulent or overvalued listings when purchasing rare coins online. Always verify the authenticity and condition of a coin through reputable dealers or grading services like PCGS or NGC.
Which Lincoln coins are worth money?
1943-D Lincoln Bronze Wheat Penny — $2.3 million. …
1944-S Steel Wheat Penny — $1.1 million. …
1793 Strawberry Leaf Cent — $862,500. …
1943-S Lincoln Cent Struck on Bronze — $282,000. …
1909 VDB Matte Proof Lincoln Penny — $258,000. …
1958 Doubled Die Obverse Cent — $224,831. …
1856 Flying Eagle Cent — $172,500.
Is an Abraham Lincoln dollar coin worth anything?
The reverse has a lovely view of the Statue of Liberty and ‘United States of America’ as well as’ $1′. The coin was minted at different mints and today, a fair market resale value is between 5 and 20 usd in auction, on Ebay. Many sellers charge really high prices which in general are not achieve.
What Lincoln penny is worth $1000?
Great question! 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
If you have a low grade example in your collection, we will gladly pay around $1,000 for it while an average quality Uncirculated 1909-S VDB is currently worth around $2,000 to 3,000.