Top 10 Most Popular Lincoln Cent Errors

The Lincoln Cent, minted since 1909, is the most widely collected U.S. coin series. Its long production history and massive mintages mean countless die varieties and mint errors have been created over more than a century. Here are ten of the most valuable Lincoln Cent errors and varieties that collectors chase.

1. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent

In 1943, the Mint switched from bronze to zinc-coated steel planchets to conserve copper for World War II. A small number of 1943 cents were struck on bronze planchets left over from 1942 production. Only about 20-25 are known to exist, and they regularly sell for $100,000 to over $1,000,000 depending on condition and mint mark.

2. 1944 Steel Lincoln Cent

The opposite of the 1943 bronze — in 1944, a few cents were struck on leftover steel planchets from 1943. These are rarer than the 1943 bronze cents and command similar prices, with the 1944-S steel cent being the rarest of the three mint marks.

3. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse

The most famous doubled die in American numismatics. Strong Class I doubling is visible to the naked eye on IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, and the date. An estimated 20,000-24,000 were released into circulation. Values range from approximately $1,000 in lower grades to over $100,000 for gem examples. Browse our 1955 DDO listings.

4. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse

A dramatic doubled die similar in strength to the 1955. Much rarer, with fewer than 100 examples believed to exist. The Secret Service initially confiscated examples, believing them to be counterfeits. Values exceed $50,000 for most grades and can reach $200,000+ for high-grade specimens.

5. 1972 Doubled Die Obverse

Strong doubling visible on LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, the date, and Lincoln's profile. More available than the 1955 or 1969-S, making it a popular entry point for doubled die collecting. Values typically range from $200 to $5,000 depending on grade.

6. 1922 "No D" Lincoln Cent

All 1922 Lincoln Cents were struck at the Denver Mint, but severe die wear on some dies caused the "D" mint mark to partially or completely disappear. The "Strong No D" variety (Die Pair 2) commands premiums from $500 to $20,000+. Note that "Weak D" examples are far less valuable than true "No D" specimens.

7. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent

While technically not an error, the 1909-S VDB is included because of its status as the most sought-after regular-issue Lincoln Cent. Only 484,000 were minted with Victor David Brenner's initials on the reverse before public criticism led to their removal. Values range from $800 in Good condition to over $100,000 in gem Mint State.

8. 1983 Doubled Die Reverse

Strong doubling visible on ONE CENT and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA on the reverse. A modern doubled die that can still be found in circulated rolls, making it an exciting cherry-pick opportunity. Values range from $200 to $5,000.

9. 1995 Doubled Die Obverse

A modern classic with strong doubling on LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST. Widely publicized in mainstream media when discovered, leading to a searching frenzy. Values typically range from $20 to $200, making it one of the most affordable significant doubled dies.

10. 1958 Doubled Die Obverse

Clear doubling on IN GOD WE TRUST and the date. While not as dramatic as some entries on this list, it's a genuine doubled die from a key era of Lincoln Cent collecting. Values range from $100 to several thousand dollars depending on grade.

How to Search for Lincoln Cent Errors

Many of these errors have been found in pocket change, bank rolls, and estate collections. Here's how to increase your chances:

Search rolls from banks — especially older, hand-wrapped rolls
Use a quality loupe (5x-10x) to examine coins carefully
Focus on key dates and mint marks
Learn what machine doubling looks like to avoid false positives
Use NumisDex's Lincoln Cent catalog as your reference guide

Explore thousands more Lincoln Cent varieties in the NumisDex catalog — from doubled dies to repunched mint marks, cuds to off-center strikes.

Top 10 Most Popular Lincoln Cent Errors