Valued at Nearly $600,000: Lincoln Cents have been playing an important role in American history for over a century. Although these coins are still in circulation today, some of these rare coins can sell for thousands to millions of dollars due to their specialty and rarity. Discovering these rare coins is not only exciting, but it can also change your fortune.
In this article, we will learn about three such Lincoln cents, which can be worth up to $600,000 (about Rs 5 crore) and these coins may also be hidden in your pocket.
1. 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent: Mistake that became history
Why is this coin valuable?
The 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent is one of the most talked about and valuable coins in American coin history. During World War II, the US government stopped using copper as it was being used to make war materials. Instead, the 1943 Lincoln cent was made from zinc-coated steel.
However, by mistake, some coins were minted on copper planchets, making this coin extremely rare. This mistake has made this coin extremely popular among collectors to this day and can sell for $250,000 (roughly Rs. 2 crores) or more at auction.
Features
- Minting Year: 1943
- Metal: Copper
- Rarity: Extremely Rare
- Estimated Value: $250,000+
- Mistake: Made of copper but should have been steel in 1943
If you have a 1943 Lincoln cent, make sure to check to see if it is steel or copper. Because if it is copper, you could be a millionaire!
2. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent: A Historical Error
Why is this coin valuable?
The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent is one of the most famous error coins in American history. The most striking feature of this coin is that its date and other letters appear to be double printed.
This was the result of a major mistake during minting, but some coins were released into circulation before it was corrected. This coin is easy to identify, as clear double imaging can be seen in the coin’s year “1955” and the word “LIBERTY”.
Due to this rare error, this coin can be worth $100,000 (about Rs 80 lakh) or more in excellent condition.
Features
- Minting Year: 1955
- Fault: Doubled die effect
- Rarity: Rare
- Estimated Value: $100,000+
If you see a 1955 Lincoln cent, check it out. If it has the doubled die effect, it could fetch you lakhs of rupees.
3. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent: A Historical Legacy
Why is this coin valuable?
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent is considered special due to its antiquity, rarity and historical significance. It was the first coin to feature US President Abraham Lincoln. The coin was designed by renowned designer Victor David Brenner, and his initials “VDB” were inscribed on the reverse of the coin.
However, people protested against the inclusion of the designer’s name on the coin, due to which it was later removed. This is why only a very limited number of the 1909-S VDB version was minted, making this coin extremely rare.
Today, this coin can be worth more than $200,000 (roughly Rs. 1.6 crores), especially if it is in good condition.
Features
- Minting Year: 1909
- Rarity: Rare
- Estimated Value: $200,000+
- Feature: The designer’s initials “VDB” are inscribed on the reverse side of the coin
If you have a 1909 Lincoln cent, see if it has “VDB” inscribed on it. If yes, then this coin could change your fortune.
List of Precious Lincoln Cents
| Coin | Year | Rarity | Estimated Value | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent | 1943 | Extremely Rare | $250,000+ | Made from copper instead of steel |
| 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent | 1955 | Rare | $100,000+ | Doubling error on numbers and letters |
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent | 1909 | Rare | $200,000+ | “VDB” designer initials engraved |
Conclusion
If you don’t check your old coins properly, you may miss out on a rare treasure. Coins like the 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent, the 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent, and the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent are not only a part of American history, but are also extremely valuable.
If you have such coins, examine them thoroughly and have them appraised by an experienced numismatist. These small coins can completely change your life.
FAQs On Valued at Nearly $600,000
Q. Is every 1943 Lincoln cent valuable?
A. No, only the 1943 Lincoln cent made of copper is rare and valuable. Most 1943 coins are made of steel, which is not worth much.
Q. How to identify a 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent?
A. This coin has the date “1955” and the word “LIBERTY” clearly double-printed.
Q. Where can I sell a coin like this?
A. You can sell these rare coins at auction houses, numismatists, or online marketplaces (eBay, Heritage Auctions).