Modern Lincoln Penny Market Activity Ranking (Top 100)

Forget what you think you know about “worthless” pennies—the Lincoln Cent market is absolutely exploding with activity! While everyone’s grandmother has a jar full of pennies, the smart money knows that certain dates, varieties, and grades are generating serious collector heat and even more serious returns.

Our Market Activity Ranking (updated monthly) scores each Lincoln penny on a 100-point scale using hard data: trading velocity, price momentum, social media buzz, auction frequency, and raw collector demand. The results will shock you. The legendary 1972 Doubled Die Obverse leads our rankings with a 61/100 score—and that’s just the beginning of this copper revolution.

This isn’t your typical price guide filled with theoretical values. These rankings, powered by CoinValueChecker’s real-time market analytics, reveal which pennies are actually moving, shaking, and making waves in today’s market. From the surprising surge in 1980s proofs to the white-hot demand for Lincoln Bicentennial varieties, this data shows you where the action really is.

Those upward and downward arrows aren’t just symbols—they represent real momentum in a market that’s more dynamic than ever. Whether you’re roll hunting, cherry picking, or building world-class sets, knowing which pennies are hot can transform your collecting strategy. Ready to discover which Lincoln cents are turning heads and opening wallets?

Lincoln Penny Market Activity: The Shocking Truth

Diving into this data reveals several mind-blowing trends that are reshaping the Lincoln cent landscape:

The DDO Dynasty

The 1972 Doubled Die Obverse varieties are absolutely dominating! With the regular 1972 DDO at #1 (score: 61), and three different FS varieties in the top 50, these dramatic errors are what dreams (and profits) are made of. Their consistent top rankings show sustained, serious demand that isn’t going away.

2009: The Bicentennial Boom

Lincoln’s 200th birthday cents are having their moment! The 2009-D Formative (#2, score: 59) and 2009 Childhood (#3, score: 57) business strikes are neck-and-neck at the top. Add in their proof counterparts all scoring 40+, and it’s clear: modern commemoratives are no longer “just pocket change.”

The Proof Powerhouse

Deep Cameo (DCAM) proofs from the 1970s-1990s are surging! The 1992-S DCAM sits at #4 with a score of 53 and showing strong upward momentum. When “common” proof sets start moving like this, it signals new collectors entering the market and established collectors upgrading their holdings.

The 1980s Renaissance

Who would’ve thought? Common-date 1980s cents are on fire:

• 1985 RD (#8, score: 47)
• 1986 RD (#9, score: 47)
• 1984 RD (#10, score: 47)
• 1985-D RD (#18, score: 44)

These aren’t errors or varieties—just regular strikes in exceptional condition. The message? Condition rarity is the new rarity.

Modern Varieties Strike Gold

The 2023 Shield with Extra “V” (#38) and various AM varieties prove that treasure still exists in modern change. The 2018 Shield RD (#39) showing explosive growth demonstrates that even recent issues can become tomorrow’s winners. Roll searchers, take note: the hunt is more rewarding than ever.

The Special Mint Set Surprise

SMS coins from the mid-1960s are quietly climbing the ranks. The 1966 SMS (#7, score: 47) and 1965 SMS (#15, score: 44) prove that these often-overlooked special strikes are finding their audience.

What’s Fueling This Penny Pandemonium?

Cherry Picking Paradise – Armed with loupes and apps, collectors are finding varieties everywhere. Every roll could hide a fortune!

Registry Wars Heat Up – Competitive collectors battling for #1 sets are driving MS67+ prices through the roof

The TikTok Effect – Young collectors discovering coin roll hunting are creating demand for varieties their parents ignored

Copper Premium Reality – With pre-1982 copper cents gaining intrinsic value, even common dates in high grades become attractive

Your Lincoln Penny Action Plan

If You’re Holding Hot Pennies:

• Grade anything scoring 45+ if it’s MS65 or better
• Double-check all 1972, 1995, and 1992 cents for varieties
• Document your 2009 Bicentennials—they’re not making more!
• Use CoinValueChecker App to identify varieties you might have missed

If You’re Buying:

• Focus on DCAM proofs scoring 40-50—next year’s potential winners
• Target high-grade 1980s dates while they’re still accessible
• Build 2009 Bicentennial sets while complete sets remain affordable
• Don’t overlook SMS coins—consistently strong performers

If You’re Searching:

• Check every 1972, 1995, and 1992 for doubling
• Save all 2009s regardless of condition
• Look for Wide AM and Close AM varieties (multiple years affected!)
• Keep pre-1982 copper cents—intrinsic value provides a floor

The Copper Line Bottom

These rankings expose the truth: Lincoln pennies aren’t just pocket change anymore. With scores ranging from 40-61 and momentum arrows pointing every direction, the market is screaming one message—pay attention to your pennies!

The beauty of Lincoln cents? Accessibility meets opportunity. You can still find treasures in circulation, build impressive sets affordably, or chase ultra-grade registry coins. The 1972 DDO may lead today with its 61 score, but tomorrow’s winner might be sitting in your change jar right now.

Notice how many coins are clustered in the 40-44 range? That’s where the smart money looks for breakout potential. Today’s 40-score sleeper could be next year’s 60-score superstar.

Remember: In the penny market, knowledge literally equals dollars. Stay informed, trust the data, and let market activity be your guide. One cent with the right variety or grade can be worth thousands. Now that’s a return on investment worth searching for!

Happy hunting, and may your pennies multiply into dollars!

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