Modern Lincoln Penny Rarity Ranking (Top 100)

Ever wondered why some Lincoln cents in your pocket could be worth thousands while others are just… well, one cent? It’s a crazy world where a 1969-S DDO penny actually sold for $126,500 while billions of regular pennies get tossed in jars and forgotten.

Since 1959 when Lincoln cents went modern with the Memorial reverse, the U.S. Mint has produced countless billions. But here’s where it gets exciting: some had microscopic mintages, others suffered spectacular minting errors like doubled dies, and a few experimental strikes (hello, aluminum pennies!) that were never supposed to leave the mint. That’s what makes them rare, and rare means jackpot.

We’ve compiled this Top 100 ranking using a 100-point rarity scale to show you exactly which pennies deserve a second look. The 1992-D Close AM FS-901 tops our rarity charts at 98/100 with an estimated value of $5,100, while even our #100 coin (1995-D DDO FS-103) scores 17/100 with an estimated value of $4,200.

Important Note: The values in our ranking table are expert estimates based on rarity and market trends. For actual sales prices from major auctions, we’ll highlight verified transactions throughout this guide. Remember: a coin is worth what someone actually pays for it!

Also Read:

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• Lincoln Penny Market Activity Ranking (Top 100)
• Lincoln Penny Survival Ranking (Top 100)
• 10 Most Historic Years of Modern Lincoln Penny (1959-Date)

Whether you’re sorting through pocket change or diving into grandma’s penny jar, this list is your roadmap to riches. Our App CoinValueChecker can help you identify these treasures instantly. Ready to turn cents into dollars?

Modern Lincoln Penny Terms Decoded

Before we hunt for treasure, let’s decode the collector lingo you’ll see in our ranking:

1. Close AM

The holy grail of modern penny hunting! On normal pennies, there’s space between the A and M in AMERICA. But on these rare varieties, they’re practically touching. It’s like finding a typo worth thousands!

2. DDO (Doubled Die Obverse)

When the die that strikes Lincoln’s portrait gets misaligned, you get a ghostly double image. Some are so dramatic you’ll think you’re seeing double without that beer!

3. SMS SP (Special Mint Set Special Strike)

These mysterious 1964 beauties were struck with extra care—not quite proofs, not quite business strikes. They’re the mint’s “we’re not telling” coins!

4. DCAM (Deep Cameo)

Picture Lincoln’s portrait in thick white frost against a liquid mercury background. That contrast is pure magic and incredibly rare on early proofs.

5. RD/RB/BN (Red/Red-Brown/Brown)

Copper’s chameleon colors! RD means blazing original red, RB is partially toned, and BN is fully brown. Red is best, but any high-grade example matters!

6. FS-101, FS-901 (Fivaz-Stanton Numbers)

Think of these as variety “license plates”—unique identifiers for specific errors cataloged by coin experts Bill Fivaz and J.T. Stanton.

Key Varieties That’ll Make Your Heart Race

Now let’s talk about the superstars in our Top 100:

1. The 1992 Close AM Dynasty

Here’s the crown jewel—the 1992-D Close AM ranks #1 at 98/100 rarity! Our estimates show values ranging from $4,600 (brown) to $11,200 (red), but actual sales tell an even more exciting story. A 1992 Close AM in MS67 Red actually sold for $25,850 at Heritage Auctions in 2017!

The 1992-D variety has fetched up to $14,100 in MS65 Red. How did this happen? The mint accidentally used a proof die on business strikes. Check every 1992 and 1992-D penny—seriously!

Check 1992 Penny Details

 

2. The Legendary 1969-S DDO

Sitting pretty at #5 in rarity (93/100) with an estimated value of $605,000 for red specimens, this is THE doubled die that started the modern error craze.

But here’s the real kicker: actual sales have reached $126,500 for a PCGS MS64 Red at Heritage Auctions in 2008! Even lower grades command huge prices—a brown MS63 sold for $48,875.

The doubling is so dramatic on LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST that you don’t need magnification. Finding one is like winning the Powerball—except the odds might be better with the lottery!

Check 1969 Penny Details

 

3. The Aluminum Experiments (1974)

Talk about forbidden fruit! These rank #6 and #7 in rarity (both 93/100) with estimated values of $250,000 for 1974-D and $160,000 for regular 1974.

These aluminum cents were experimental strikes that Congress rejected. Most were destroyed, but a few escaped. They’re technically illegal to own, but that hasn’t stopped them from appearing at auction. It’s numismatic contraband at its finest!

Check 1974 Penny Details

 

4. The 1964 SMS Mystery

Nobody knows why these exist (#15 at 86/100 rarity, estimated at $75,000). Not proofs, not regular strikes, but something special with sharp details and semi-proof surfaces.

Actual sales confirm their value: an SP67 Red sold for $19,200 in 2025, while SP65 examples have brought $11,400. The mint’s lips are sealed, making these enigmatic pennies even more desirable. They’re like the Area 51 of the penny world!

Check 1964 Penny Details

 

5. The 1990 No S Proof

Imagine a proof penny missing its mint mark—that’s like Ferrari forgetting to put their logo on a car! These rank #27 in rarity (67/100) with an estimated value of $6,400.

Actual sales show even more variation: a PR60 DCAM sold for $9,988 at Stack’s Bowers in 2013, while a PR69 example brought $8,813. Only about 200 exist, and they’re all in high-grade proof condition.

Check 1990 Penny Details

 

6. Early DCAM Proof Rarities

The Deep Cameo effect on early proofs is magical—and valuable! The 1959 DCAM (#44 at 40/100 rarity, estimated $19,700) actually sold for $20,700 in PR69 at Heritage Auctions.

The 1960 Large Date DCAM and 1961 DCAM follow similar patterns, with actual sales often exceeding estimates. Before modern minting techniques, achieving that frosted-device-on-mirror-field effect was nearly impossible, making these visual masterpieces true rarities.

 

7. The 1970-S DDO Large Date

Often overshadowed by its 1969-S cousin, this variety ranks #22 in rarity (71/100) with estimated values around $22,750. But here’s the shocker: a recent MS66+ Red specimen sold for $38,400 at Heritage Auctions in 2024!

With only about 50 examples known, it’s actually rarer than the 1969-S DDO. Make sure you’re looking for the FS-101 variety—don’t get fooled by the less valuable FS-103!

Check 1970 Penny Details

 

8. The 1972 DDO Phenomenon

The 1972 doubled die (#29 at 66/100 rarity) shows dramatic doubling that’s visible to the naked eye.

While estimated at $23,750 for top grades, actual sales have reached $14,400 for an MS67 Red.

Multiple varieties exist (FS-101, FS-104), each with its own following. It’s the variety that keeps on giving!

Check 1972 Penny Details

 

9. Modern Zincolns Gone Wild

Since 1982, pennies have been zinc with copper plating. The 1982 small date zinc variety ranks #69 in rarity but has sold for $15,600 in MS69 Red!

The 1983 doubled die reverse (#48 at 29/100) brings $18,500 for red specimens, while estimated at similar values. Proof that even “modern” coins can be worth serious money!

 

10. The 21st Century Surprises

Who says new coins can’t be valuable? The 2019-W Shield penny (#24 at 69/100 rarity) marks the first-ever West Point mint penny for circulation—estimated at $5,000 for First Day Issue specimens.

The 2000 “Cheerios” cent (#60) sold for $6,600, while various Wide AM and Close AM proof varieties from the late 1990s command thousands. Even a perfect 2005-D Satin Finish penny sold for $7,906 in SP70!

 

Summary

Here’s what gets me excited about collecting modern Lincoln pennies: they’re literally everywhere, yet finding a treasure is like discovering a diamond in your backyard. This Top 100 list combines rarity rankings with estimated values, but remember—actual sales often exceed or fall short of estimates based on market conditions, buyer competition, and coin quality.

For example, while we estimate a 1992-D Close AM at $5,100-$11,200 based on its 98/100 rarity, actual auction results have ranged from $4,259 to $14,100 depending on grade. Similarly, the legendary 1969-S DDO might be estimated at $605,000, but the record sale stands at $126,500—still life-changing money!

The beauty of penny collecting? You can start with pocket change. Unlike those Washington Quarters that might cost you lunch money to begin, penny hunting costs… well, pennies! Every handful of change is a lottery ticket, every roll from the bank is an adventure.

Remember these key points:

• Rarity drives estimates, but auctions set real prices
• Condition is king—that 1969-S DDO ranges from $23,000 (brown, damaged) to $126,500 (red, pristine)
• Varieties matter—know your FS numbers and die varieties
• Never clean coins—it destroys value instantly

Whether you’re hunting for the elusive aluminum penny or just hoping to find a nice 1992 Close AM, remember that the best collection is the one that brings you joy. Our App CoinValueChecker can help identify these varieties, but nothing beats the satisfaction of spotting that doubled die or Close AM with your own eyes.

Happy hunting, and may your pennies always be key dates and your copper always stay red!

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