If you love collecting coins, you’ve probably heard about the Lincoln Penny—especially the super rare ones that can be worth a fortune. One of the most famous is the 1931-S Lincoln Penny, but there are a few others that could make you a small fortune if you’re lucky enough to find one. Let’s break down these rare pennies and why they’re so valuable.
Table of Contents
1. The 1931-S Lincoln Penny – A Rare Gem
The 1931-S Lincoln Penny is one of the hardest to find in the entire Lincoln series. It was made at the San Francisco Mint (that’s what the “S” stands for), and very few were produced—only 866,000!
Why is it so valuable?
- Extremely low mintage – Fewer coins mean higher value.
- Great condition = big money – If it’s in perfect, uncirculated shape, it can sell for up to $200,000!
- Graded coins are worth more – Coins checked by experts (like PCGS or NGC) get higher prices.
If you ever find one in an old coin jar, get it checked—it could be worth a life-changing amount!
2. The 1909-S VDB Penny – The Designer’s Initials That Caused Drama
The 1909-S VDB is probably the best known penny. It was the original Lincoln Penny, and had initials on the back (VDB for Victor David Brenner) of designer. People didn’t like the initials, so the Mint took them off and well you get the original very rare.
Why is it so valuable?
- Only 484,000 were made – Super low supply!
- High-grade coins sell for huge money – A perfect one can hit $200,000.
- A piece of history – It was the very first Lincoln cent, making it extra special.
If you have an old 1909 penny, flip it over—if you see “VDB” at the bottom, you might be sitting on a goldmine!
3. The 1922 Plain Penny – The Missing “D” Mistake
The Plain 1922 Lincoln Penny is a really very scarce error coin. This one was struck at the Denver mint (which normally has a “D” on the coin) but some pennies were minted without the mintmark — hence making it an ultra rare.
Why is it so valuable?
- A minting mistake – No “D” means it’s an error, and collectors love errors.
- Only a few exist – Out of 7.16 million made, only a small number were missing the “D.”
- Top condition = big bucks – A flawless one can sell for up to $200,000.
This penny is a great example of how a small mistake can turn a coin into a treasure!
4. The 1914-D Penny – The Denver Rarity
The 1914-D Lincoln Penny is another rare coin because very few were made—only 1.19 million at the Denver Mint.
Why is it so valuable?
- Super low mintage – Fewer coins = higher demand.
- Denver Mint coins are special – The “D” mintmark makes it unique.
- Top-grade coins can hit $150,000+ – Some have even sold close to $200,000.
If you find a 1914 penny with a “D”, hold onto it—it could be worth a fortune!
Why Are These Pennies Worth So Much?
It all comes down to three things:
- Rarity – Fewer coins = higher prices.
- Condition – The better the shape, the more it’s worth.
- Demand – Collectors will pay big money for rare finds.
If you think you have one of these, get it graded by a professional (like PCGS or NGC). A single penny could be worth more than a car!
FAQs
Why is the 1931-S Lincoln Penny so expensive?
Only 866,000 were made, and finding one in perfect condition is extremely rare—so collectors pay big bucks for it.
How do I know if my 1909-S VDB penny is real?
Check the back—if it has “VDB” at the bottom and an “S” mintmark below the date, it could be worth $200,000 in top condition.
What makes the 1922 Plain penny special?
It’s missing the “D” mintmark, which was a mistake—making it a rare error coin.
How much is a 1914-D penny worth?
Depending on condition, it can sell for $50,000 to $200,000—especially if it’s uncirculated.
Some very sought after and valuable U.S. coins are the 1931-S, 1909-S VDB, 1922 Plain, and 1914-D Lincoln Penny. If you ever find one, DO NOT spend it—bring it in to get checked! You may have a $200,000 penny in your pocket.
