Take a close look at the coins in your pocket – these old Lincoln coins can earn you millions!
We often don’t pay attention to the vintage cash in our handbags or pockets, however did you recognize that a few vintage Lincoln pennies from America can be worth crores of rupees these days?
Although wholesale of Lincoln coins are worth 1 cent, various special variants of coins – a printing company, unusual metal, or with limited mining – are so rarely paid for the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
If you want to know which Lincoln coins are special, how to identify them and how to sell them – then read.
Lincoln Penny History – At a Glance
Lincoln Penny revised the first coin in the first 1909 , to enjoy the anniversary of the US President Abraham Lincoln . This become the first US coin to feature a president.
The initial layout had Lincoln’s profile on the obverse and wheat ears at the reverse, which led to it being called the “Wheat Penny”.
Later in 1959, the Lincoln Memorial substituted the wheat layout.
The actual worth of these coins is in their rarity and errors in minting, for which they are a collector’s delight.
Which Lincoln coins cost millions?
Certain Lincoln pennies are so scarce that they fetched $1 million (approximately ₹8.3 crore). Some such examples follow:
1943 Copper Lincoln Penny

In 1943, copper was short because of the war, and most pennies that year were steel. But some coins were incorrectly printed with old copper – and because the error makes them very rare and valuable.
If you have a 1943 Copper Penny, it can be worth as much as $1 million!
1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
This coin is the first edition of the Lincoln Penny collection, which turned into made at the San Francisco (S) Mint. The initials “VDB” of the name of the clothier Victor David Brenner have been printed in this coin. However, later due to controversy, they were removed, making this coin even more special.
Its price can go up to $100,000+.
1922 No D Lincoln Penny
All the pennies of 1922 have been produced within the Denver (D) Mint, but the “D” mintmark turned into unnoticed on certain cash. These coins are called “No D Penny” and can fetch hundreds to lakhs of rupees.
1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny
The coin featured a printing blunders – i.e. The layout changed into printed twice in a barely shifted manner, due to which the date and letters look double.
Such double die pennies are very uncommon and their price may be from $10,000 to $50,000.
1970-S Small Date Lincoln Penny

In 1970, a small date for some coins was revealed on them – it is referred to as a short date variation. These cash are not high priced, but can still sell for $ 100 to $ 700 .
How to Identify Rare Lincoln Coins?
If you are wondering if you have such a coin, keep in mind the tips below:
1. Check the date and mintmark
- Look for special years like 1909, 1922, 1943, 1955.
- Pay attention to the mintmark like “S” (San Francisco) or “D” (Denver) on the bottom of the coin.
2. Look for minting errors
- Such as double die, missing mintmark, or overstrikes, etc.
- The 1955 double die penny is an example of this.
3. Check the metal
- If the 1943 penny is not magnetic, it may not be steel but rare copper.
4. Check the condition of the coin
- If the coin has no scratches, wear or stains, its value can increase even more. The more recent it appears, the greater demand there can be.
How do I sell such a rare coin?
If you suspect that you have a special Lincoln penny, you should not sell it without verification. Use the following steps:
1. Get your coin graded
Let a coin grader verify whether your coin is genuine or not. He will grade the condition of your coin, as well, which will give it a value estimate.
2. Pick the right platform
You can sell the coin through auction houses, online platforms (such as eBay), or local coin dealer.
3. Research the market
Look at the price of similar coins that have already been sold, so you can get an idea of what to expect for your coin.
4. Be careful while dealing
When talking to any dealer or collector, know the information and value of your coin before negotiating so that no one gives you a low price.
Conclusion: You may have a hidden treasure in your pocket
Lincoln Penny looks simple, but if it is of the right year, right mint and right condition, then it can become an opportunity for you to earn lakhs.
The next time you see coins in your pocket or piggy bank, check them carefully-everyone may be a proud owner of a rare and priceless coin!
FAQs
1. What makes Lincoln pennies so valuable?
Certain Lincoln pennies are rare due to minting errors, unique metals, or limited production, making them highly collectible and potentially worth thousands or even millions of dollars.
2. Why is the 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny worth $1 million?
It was mistakenly made from copper during a year when steel was used for pennies due to wartime needs, making it extremely rare and valuable.
3. What is special about the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny?
It features designer Victor David Brenner’s initials and was minted in limited quantities at San Francisco, making it highly collectible and worth over $100,000.