3 Lincoln Cents Valued At Nearly $600,000 Still In Circulation: American society has kept Lincoln Cents as a historical icon ever since they were introduced a century ago. The majority of coins circulate generally in everyday transactions yet particular scarce versions increase their value due to their historical importance and scarcity in the market.
Rare versions of these coins hold great value for collectors because they reach thousands or millions of dollars in worth. This piece presents information about three Lincoln Cents whose worth exceeds $600,000 and exists within the possibility of being found among your pocket change.
1. 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent – The Historical Mistake That Made It Priceless

Why is this coin valuable?
The 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent is one of the most famous errors in American coin history. During World War II, the US issued coins made of steel to save copper needed for the war. But by mistake some old copper blanks were left in the machine, on which coins were minted with the date 1943.
Key Features:
- Made in 1943 but mistakenly made of copper, while most coins of that year were made of steel.
- It is extremely rare due to the minting error.
- This coin has sold for more than $250,000 at auction.
If you find this coin, you might be lucky as it is one of the rarest coins in US history.
2. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent – Collectors’ Favorite Mistake

Why is this coin valuable?
The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent is one of the most famous error coins in US coin history. The date and letters on the obverse of this coin show clear doubling, making this error extremely important for coin collectors.
Key Features:
- Clear doubled die error in the date and letters on the obverse (heads side).
- One of the most famous error coins of America.
- If this coin is found in excellent condition, it can be worth more than $100,000.
If you find this coin, it can change your fortunes as its rarity and unique design make it extremely valuable.
3. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent – The First Lincoln Penny and Collector’s Choice

Why is this coin valuable?
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is one of the first coins to feature Abraham Lincoln’s portrait. The coin was designed by the famous designer Victor David Brenner, and his initials “VDB” were inscribed on the reverse side of the coin.
However, only a very limited number of these coins were produced, making this coin rare and valuable.
Key Features:
- The letters “VDB” are imprinted on the reverse of the coin.
- One of the first versions of Lincoln Cents.
- It can be worth over $200,000 if it is in high grade.
This coin is extremely important from both a historical and collectibles perspective and is always in demand.
Summary Table of Rare Lincoln Cents
How do I tell if my Lincoln Cent is rare?Coin | Year | Rarity Level | Estimated Value | Key Feature |
---|---|---|---|---|
1943 Copper Lincoln Cent | 1943 | Extremely Rare | $250,000+ | Mistakenly made from copper, while it should have been steel |
1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent | 1955 | Rare | $100,000+ | Obvious doubling on the obverse side |
1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent | 1909 | Rare | $200,000+ | One of the first Lincoln Cents with “VDB” initials |
Conclusion
If you find any of these rare Lincoln Cents, it can completely change your financial situation. The 1943 Copper Cent, 1955 Doubled Die Cent, and 1909-S VDB Cent are not just pieces of metal, but they are extremely important parts of American history.
So, the next time you look at your change, check it carefully—there may be a rare coin hiding in your pocket that could be worth thousands or even millions of dollars. These coins can prove to be precious treasures for coin collectors and investors.
FAQs On 3 Lincoln Cents Valued At Nearly $600,000 Still In Circulation
Q. How do I tell if my Lincoln Cent is rare?
A. You can determine the rarity of your coin by looking at it in good light, identifying the date, design, and any unusual features. If you have doubts, have a professional coin grading service (like PCGS or NGC) evaluate it.
Q. How do I identify a 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent?
A. If you have a 1943 Lincoln Cent and it’s made of copper, it may be extremely rare. Do a magnet test to determine if the coin is real—if the coin doesn’t stick to a magnet, it may be copper.
Q. How do I determine the value of a 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent?
A. The value of this coin depends on its condition and grading. In pristine condition, this coin could fetch over $100,000.