💰 Most Valuable Pennies

Complete Price Guide: Lincoln Memorial & Shield Cents 1959-2025

Introduction to Most Valuable Pennies

Lincoln Memorial and Shield cents represent the most valuable pennies in modern American coinage. From 1959 through today, these copper and zinc cents have produced extraordinary rarities worth thousands of dollars. The most valuable pennies include the 1999 Red cent commanding $138,000, the legendary 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse at $126,500, and numerous proof, doubled die, and spacing error varieties that regularly fetch five and six figures at auction. Whether you're checking pocket change for hidden treasures or building a complete collection, understanding which modern pennies are the most valuable pennies can help you identify coins worth far more than face value.

Collection showcasing the most valuable pennies including doubled dies and errors

Complete Price Guide: 100 Most Valuable Pennies

This comprehensive price guide presents the 100 most valuable pennies from the Lincoln Memorial series (1959-2008), Bicentennial designs (2009), and Shield series (2010-present). All values represent coins in top grades with full red (RD) color or proof designations, reflecting current market prices for these highly collectible most valuable pennies.

Rank Name Price

🔍 Discover the Most Valuable Pennies in Your Collection!

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Rare examples of the most valuable pennies featuring 1969-S DDO and 1992 Close AM

The Evolution of Most Valuable Pennies

Lincoln Memorial Series Begins (1959-1969)

The Lincoln Memorial reverse replaced wheat stalks in 1959, inaugurating a new era of penny collecting. Early Memorial cents produced several of the most valuable pennies including the 1959 Deep Cameo proof ($20,700) and high-grade business strikes. The decade concluded with the legendary 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse ($126,500), showing dramatic doubling on IN GOD WE TRUST and LIBERTY—one of the most famous doubled dies among the most valuable pennies.

Doubled Die Era (1970-1979)

The 1970s produced numerous doubled die varieties that rank among the most valuable pennies. The 1970-S Large Date DDO ($38,400), 1972 DDO ($14,400), and 1971 DDO ($14,950) showcase visible doubling on dates and legends. Proof production increased during this decade, with early Deep Cameo specimens like the 1971-S DCAM ($17,250) becoming highly prized most valuable pennies. The 1979-S Type 1 DCAM ($10,925) marked transitional changes in proof production.

Transitional Decade (1980-1989)

The 1980s saw composition changes and minting innovations creating valuable varieties. The 1982 transition from 95% copper to zinc planchets produced numerous weight and date varieties among the most valuable pennies. High-grade business strikes like the 1987-D RD ($12,000) and 1986-D RD ($7,840) became condition rarities. The 1983 DDR ($7,050) and various proof Deep Cameo issues round out this era's contribution to the most valuable pennies.

Close AM Era (1990-1999)

The 1990s introduced spacing varieties that created some of the most valuable pennies. The 1992 Close AM ($25,850) and 1992-D Close AM ($14,100) show proof die characteristics on business strikes. The 1990 No S proof ($20,700) missing its mint mark is exceptionally rare. The decade concluded with the extraordinary 1999 RD ($138,000), the single most valuable regular-issue Lincoln Memorial penny, achieved through exceptional preservation and full red luster.

Modern Rarities (2000-2009)

The 21st century began with the 2000 Cheerios Cent ($11,000), packaged in cereal promotions with distinctive tail feathers. The 2009 Bicentennial featured four reverse designs honoring Lincoln's life, with the Childhood ($4,800) and Presidency ($4,700) varieties in top grades joining the most valuable pennies. High-grade business strikes and satin finish specimens from this era continue commanding premium prices as condition-census most valuable pennies.

Shield Series (2010-Present)

The Union Shield reverse debuted in 2010, creating a new collecting frontier for the most valuable pennies. The 2019-W Shield with West Point mint mark ($11,500), especially First Day of Issue specimens, leads modern rarities. Exceptional grades of 2020-D ($5,000), 2018-D ($5,996), and 2017-P ($4,500) prove that contemporary cents in MS67+ condition are among the most valuable pennies, demonstrating that rarity exists across all eras of Lincoln cent production.

Premium certified examples of the most valuable pennies in top grades

Frequently Asked Questions About Most Valuable Pennies

What are the most valuable pennies?
The most valuable pennies from modern Lincoln cents include the 1999 Red ($138,000), 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse ($126,500), 1963 Deep Cameo proof ($40,250), 1970-S DDO Large Date ($38,400), and 1992 Close AM ($25,850). These most valuable pennies are highly sought after due to exceptional grades, dramatic mint errors, or rare proof characteristics that make them stand out from billions of common pennies.
How can I identify the most valuable pennies?
To identify the most valuable pennies, check for doubled die varieties showing visible doubling on dates and letters, Close AM spacing errors on 1992-1998 cents, missing mint marks like the 1990 No S proof, Deep Cameo proof designations, full red (RD) color on high-grade business strikes, and special issues like 2000 Cheerios cents. The CoinValueChecker app provides instant identification of all characteristics that create the most valuable pennies.
Why is the 1969-S doubled die one of the most valuable pennies?
The 1969-S doubled die is one of the most valuable pennies at $126,500 because it displays dramatic doubling visible to the naked eye on IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, and the date. Only a few dozen examples exist from this major hub doubling error. Its combination of visual appeal, extreme rarity, and iconic status in error collecting makes it one of the most recognizable and most valuable pennies ever produced.
What makes the 1992 Close AM one of the most valuable pennies?
The 1992 Close AM is one of the most valuable pennies at $25,850 because the letters A and M in AMERICA are spaced closer together than normal business strikes, matching proof die spacing. This indicates a proof reverse die was mistakenly used on circulation strikes. The 1992-D Close AM ($14,100) is similarly valuable. These spacing errors create some of the most valuable pennies from the 1990s that can still be found in circulation.
Are modern pennies among the most valuable pennies?
Yes, modern pennies are definitely among the most valuable pennies. The 2019-W Shield ($11,500), 2000 Cheerios Cent ($11,000), 2020-D Shield ($5,000), and various 2009 Bicentennial varieties prove that recent coins in exceptional grades command premium prices. Shield cents from 2010-present in MS67+ grades are condition rarities representing the most valuable pennies from the newest design series, showing that valuable coins exist across all eras.
What are Deep Cameo (DCAM) most valuable pennies?
Deep Cameo (DCAM) designates proof coins with maximum contrast between frosted design elements and mirror-like fields, creating exceptional eye appeal. DCAM most valuable pennies include the 1963 ($40,250), 1990 No S ($20,700), 1959 ($20,700), 1971-S ($17,250), and 1973-S ($12,075). Early Deep Cameo proofs from the 1950s-1970s are particularly scarce and represent some of the most valuable pennies due to superior cameo contrast and collector demand.
How much are doubled die most valuable pennies worth?
Doubled die most valuable pennies range from several thousand to over $125,000 depending on the variety and grade. The 1969-S DDO reaches $126,500, while the 1970-S DDO Large Date brings $38,400, 1972 DDO $14,400, 1971 DDO $14,950, and 1995 DDO $5,053. These dramatic mint errors showing visible doubling on dates, legends, or design elements create some of the most valuable pennies that error collectors actively seek.
What Shield cents are the most valuable pennies?
Shield cent most valuable pennies (2010-present) include the 2019-W First Day of Issue ($11,500), 2020-D ($5,000), 2018-D ($5,996), 2017-P ($4,500), 2010-D ($4,994), 2021 and 2021-D ($3,300+), and 2013-D through 2014-D ($2,500-$2,750). High-grade Shield cents in MS67+ are condition rarities since modern striking and planchet quality make gem specimens common but superb examples among the most valuable pennies exceptionally scarce.
Where can I sell my most valuable pennies?
To sell most valuable pennies, first obtain professional grading and authentication from PCGS or NGC to maximize value and buyer confidence. Then sell through major numismatic auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack's Bowers for rare varieties and high-grade specimens, online marketplaces for mid-range coins, certified coin dealers for quick sales, or coin shows for direct collector transactions. The most valuable pennies in certified holders typically achieve strongest prices at specialized auctions with competitive bidding.
How do I determine if I have the most valuable pennies?
To determine if you have the most valuable pennies, use the CoinValueChecker app for instant identification of doubled dies, Close AM varieties, missing mint marks, and grade estimation. Key factors include date (1969-S, 1992, 1999 most valuable), visible doubling, spacing errors, proof designation, full red color, and exceptional preservation. For potentially valuable specimens, consult professional grading services. Understanding these characteristics helps identify the most valuable pennies worth submitting for authentication and certification.

Summary: Collecting the Most Valuable Pennies

Lincoln Memorial and Shield cents from 1959 through today represent the most valuable pennies in modern American numismatics, combining accessibility with significant investment potential. Led by the extraordinary 1999 Red at $138,000, the legendary 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse at $126,500, and numerous proof Deep Cameo specimens, doubled die varieties, and spacing errors, these most valuable pennies demonstrate that exceptional rarities exist even in modern coinage. Whether you're searching for the Close AM varieties from the 1990s, early Deep Cameo proofs worth five figures, or high-grade Shield cents that are condition rarities, the most valuable pennies offer opportunities for collectors at every level. With proper authentication through services like CoinValueChecker, understanding mint errors and variety characteristics, and focusing on exceptional grades with full red color, collectors can identify the most valuable pennies and build portfolios that combine the thrill of discovery with strong appreciation potential across Lincoln Memorial and Shield series.