Many people overlook pennies, but some Lincoln Memorial cents can be surprisingly valuable.
Certain years, mint marks, and high-grade conditions have turned simple pennies into high-value
collectibles sold for thousands of dollars at major auctions. In this educational guide, we’ll
explore three Lincoln Memorial pennies every collector should know about.
Why Lincoln Memorial Pennies Can Be Valuable
The Lincoln Memorial penny series was minted from 1959 to 2008, featuring the Lincoln Memorial
on the reverse. While most of these coins are common in circulation, specific years, mint marks,
and especially condition can make certain specimens extremely valuable to collectors.
Professional grading by services like PCGS or NGC significantly increases a coin’s market value.
Three Valuable Lincoln Memorial Pennies
1966 Penny No Mint Mark Lincoln Memorial Penny
The 1966 Lincoln penny was struck in large numbers at the Philadelphia Mint, but finding one
in top mint condition is extremely rare. Most circulated examples are worth only face value,
but uncirculated specimens with full red luster can command significant premiums.
Auction Record
Only a handful of 1966 pennies have achieved this high grade, making them highly
desirable among serious collectors.
1965 Penny No Mint Mark Lincoln Penny
The 1965 Lincoln penny is another coin that appears common but becomes valuable in
exceptional condition. This was the first year of the copper-clad zinc composition
(replacing the traditional 95% copper planchet), which makes high-grade examples
with original surfaces particularly scarce.
Auction Record
Most 1965 pennies are worth only face value, but high-grade examples with strong eye
appeal can bring substantial prices at auction.
1962-D Penny Lincoln Memorial Cent (Denver Mint)
This is one of the most valuable Lincoln Memorial pennies ever sold. While average
uncirculated examples are relatively common, the record-setting specimen represents
the pinnacle of condition rarity for this issue. The combination of exceptional
preservation and professional certification created a numismatic superstar.
Auction Record
The combination of excellent condition, strong red color, and professional grading
makes this coin a true collector’s dream. This extraordinary price demonstrates
how condition can transform a common coin into a numismatic treasure.
Key Factors That Determine Penny Value
Several critical elements affect a Lincoln Memorial penny’s market value:
- Condition (Grade): Mint State (uncirculated) coins are worth substantially more than circulated examples. Even a single point difference on the 70-point Sheldon scale can mean hundreds or thousands of dollars.
- Color Designation: Red (RD) coins retain their original copper color, Red-Brown (RB) show slight toning, and Brown (BN) coins have fully toned surfaces. Red coins command the highest premiums.
- Mint Mark: Coins from different mints (Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco) have varying rarity. Some years with specific mint marks are significantly scarcer.
- Professional Grading: Coins certified by PCGS or NGC carry more buyer confidence and typically sell for higher prices than raw (uncertified) coins.
- Rarity at High Grades: Many Lincoln Memorial pennies are common in lower grades but extremely rare in MS67 or higher conditions.
- Eye Appeal: Strike quality, surface preservation, luster, and absence of marks or hairlines significantly impact value.
Even common-date pennies can become valuable when preserved in perfect condition.
This is why collectors emphasize proper storage and handling of potentially valuable coins.
Final Thoughts for Collectors
Before spending your spare change, take a closer look at those Lincoln Memorial pennies.
You might be holding a rare coin worth hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars.
While finding a record-setting coin is unlikely, many collectors have discovered valuable
coins in ordinary circulation.
Expert tip: When searching, focus on coins with full mint luster,
sharp details, and minimal contact marks. Consider having any promising coins professionally
graded, as certification can dramatically increase their value and marketability.
Happy coin hunting!
