Key Date Lincoln Cents You Can Still Find

Lincoln Cent Key Dates

Lincoln cents offer key dates at every budget level, from affordable semi-keys to five-figure rarities.

The Top Key Dates

• 1909-S VDB — $800+ (G), $2,000+ (MS-63). The most famous Lincoln cent.
• 1909-S — $100+ (G). Without VDB initials.
• 1914-D — $250+ (G), $2,500+ (MS-63). Watch for altered 1944-D fakes.
• 1922 No D (Plain) — $600+ (G). Filled die obliterated the mint mark.
• 1931-S — $100+ (G). Depression-era low mintage.
• 1955 Doubled Die Obverse — $1,200+ (VF). The most dramatic US doubled die.
• 1972 Doubled Die Obverse — $500+ (MS-63). Bold doubling on date and lettering.
• 1943 Copper — $100,000+. Error coin struck on wrong planchet. Only ~20 known.

Affordable Semi-Keys ($5–$50)

• 1910-S, 1911-S, 1912-S, 1913-S — San Francisco teens.
• 1914-S — $25+ in Good.
• 1915-S — $15+ in Good.
• 1924-D — $20+ in Good.
• 1926-S — $10+ in Good.
• 1933-D — $5+ in Good.

Where to Find Them

Check dealer junk boxes at coin shows, search bank rolls, and examine inherited collections carefully. Key dates hide in plain sight.

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