The Lincoln dime, first introduced in 1909 in honor of President Abraham Lincoln, is one of the most sought after and widely collected US coins. Although most krones in circulation are only worth face value, certain dates, mintmarks and errors have become highly collectible – and valuable – in 2026. Whether you’re a new collector or just curious about what the value of old money might be in conversion, this guide breaks down the most important varieties and their estimated values.
Table of Contents
Why Some Lincoln Pennies Are Valuable
The value of a krone depends on several factors:
- Dates and mintmarks: Important dates with low mintage or high collector demand.
- Condition (Grade): Coins with minimal wear command higher prices.
- Errors and Variations: Serious errors such as double dies or incorrect planchets can increase value.
- Historical Significance: Some pennies represent milestones in American coinage.
Professional grading services such as PCGS or NGC often increase the value of high-end coins by confirming authenticity and condition.
Lincoln Penny Value Chart (Key Dates & Mint Marks 2026)
| Year | Mint Mark | Key Notes | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1909-VDB | None | First year; designer initials | $300 – $5,000+ |
| 1909-S VDB | S | Scarce San Francisco issue | $1,500 – $20,000+ |
| 1914-D | D | Low mintage “D” Denver | $500 – $2,500+ |
| 1922 (No D) | None | Alleged missing mint mark | $2,000 – $10,000+ |
| 1931-S | S | Scarce San Francisco issue | $500 – $1,500+ |
| 1943 Bronze | None | WWII bronze error | $50,000 – $1,000,000+ |
| 1955 Doubled Die | None | Dramatic doubled die obverse | $1,000 – $60,000+ |
| 1969-S Doubled Die | S | Sharp doubled die | $3,000 – $30,000+ |
| 1972 Doubled Die | None | Notable doubled die variety | $800 – $8,000+ |
| 1992 Close AM | None | Mintmark variety | $200 – $800+ |
| 1999 Wide AM | None | Variety with spacing difference | $150 – $700+ |
| 2009 Ultra High Relief | None | Special bicentennial issue | $50 – $300+ |
Values reflect general market trends for 2026 and may vary widely depending on condition.
Understanding Mint Marks
- No Mint Mark = Philadelphia
- D = Denver
- S = San Francisco
Early pennies — especially before 1916 — are often more valuable. San Francisco issues (S) can be particularly scarce in certain years.
Error Pennies Worth Noting
Some of the most collectible Lincoln pennies are error coins, which occur during the minting process:
- Wrong Planchet Errors: e.g., 1943 cents struck on bronze instead of steel.
- Double Die Obverse: Doubling of date/letters (1955, 1969-S).
- Off-Center Strikes: Portions of the design missing due to misalignment.
- Broadstrikes or clipped planchets.
These error coins are rare and must be verified by reputable graders, as value depends greatly on authenticity and grade.
How to Assess Your Penny’s Value
- Check the Date & Mint Mark: Identify rare dates and locations.
- Look for Errors: Doubling, unusual color/metals, misalignments.
- Grade Condition: Uncirculated coins (MS60+) are worth far more than worn ones.
- Consider Professional Grading: Graded coins typically fetch higher prices.
Never clean coins, as cleaning can drastically reduce collector value.
Conclusion
While most Lincoln pennies stay normal coins worth one cent, particular dates and mint mark combinations, mainly in high condition or with error varieties, can command notable values in 2026. Whether you’re a serious collector or really curious approximately a penny determined to your pocket change, know-how the elements that pressure really worth — from historical 1909-VDB problems to dramatic doubled dies — can unencumber thrilling discoveries. With careful evaluation and depended on grading aid, even humble Lincoln pennies can screen hidden treasure.
