Top 10 Lincoln Cent Varieties You Can Still Find in Change

Valuable Varieties Hiding in Plain Sight

The Lincoln cent has been produced for over 115 years with billions struck annually, creating countless die varieties. Some of these are still findable in circulation — if you know what to look for. Here are 10 Lincoln cent varieties that have been verified in change or rolls in recent years, ranked roughly by value.

1. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse ($1,000-1,500+)

The most famous doubled die in U.S. coinage. The entire obverse shows dramatic doubling visible to the naked eye — "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and the date are all noticeably doubled. Approximately 20,000-24,000 were released into circulation. While most have been found, verified discoveries from bank rolls continue to be reported.

2. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse ($25,000-100,000+)

One of the rarest and most valuable Lincoln cent varieties. The doubling is strong on "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and the date. Fewer than 100 are estimated to survive. Finding one would be the CRH find of a lifetime. Note: counterfeits exist — authentication is essential.

3. 1972 Doubled Die Obverse ($200-500)

Strong, easily visible doubling on the date, "LIBERTY," and "IN GOD WE TRUST." More common than the 1955 or 1969-S, making it a realistic find. The doubling is best seen on the date numerals.

4. 1982-D Small Date Copper (Transitional, $10,000-20,000+)

A 1982-D cent struck on a copper (bronze) planchet with the Small Date obverse. The Mint was transitioning from copper to zinc mid-year, and some copper planchets were inadvertently used with Small Date dies at the Denver Mint. Identify it by weighing: 3.1g = copper (valuable), 2.5g = zinc (normal).

5. 1983 Doubled Die Reverse ($200-400)

Dramatic doubling on "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "ONE CENT" on the reverse. Relatively easy to spot under modest magnification. This is one of the more commonly found major doubled dies.

6. 1995 Doubled Die Obverse ($30-75)

Clear doubling on "LIBERTY," particularly on the letters B, E, R, and T. This was widely publicized at the time of discovery, making it one of the most well-known modern varieties. Still found in rolls regularly.

7. 1992 Close AM ($5,000-20,000)

On standard 1992 business strikes, the A and M in "AMERICA" on the reverse are spaced apart ("Wide AM"). The Close AM variety — where the letters nearly touch — was accidentally struck from a proof die. Very rare.

8. 1998 Wide AM ($10-25)

The reverse of this variety. Standard 1998 cents have Close AM; the Wide AM variety (struck from a business strike die used in error) is worth $10-25. Check the spacing between A and M on every 1998 cent.

9. 1960 Small Date ($3-10)

Both Philadelphia and Denver struck Small Date and Large Date varieties in 1960. The Small Date is scarcer and can be distinguished by the size of the numeral "0" — it's noticeably smaller on the Small Date variety.

10. 1970-S Small Date ($30-50)

Similar to the 1960 issue. The 1970-S Small Date has a distinctly smaller date with the "7" level with the other numerals (on the Large Date, the "7" extends below). The Small Date is scarcer and worth a premium.

How to Check

For most of these varieties, a 5x-10x loupe is sufficient. Check doubled dies by examining "LIBERTY" and "IN GOD WE TRUST" on the obverse first — doubling in these areas is the hallmark of a major doubled die. For Close AM / Wide AM, compare the reverse lettering of your coin against a known example.

Explore Lincoln cent doubled die varieties in the NumisDex catalog.