Few coins capture the imagination of American coin collectors quite like the Lincoln cent series. Running continuously from 1909 to the present, the Lincoln penny is one of the most widely collected series in U.S. numismatic history. Within that long series, a handful of dates stand out as genuine rarities — coins that are worth far more than their face value and, in some cases, worth significant sums. At American Gold Buyers, located at 1178 Woodruff Road, Greenville, SC 29607, we evaluate and purchase key date Lincoln cents and other rare pennies from collectors and estates throughout Greenville and Upstate South Carolina. Call us at (864) 631-1000.
What Is a Key Date Coin?
In coin collecting, a “key date” is a coin within a series that is significantly harder to find than other dates, either because of a low original mintage, high attrition rate through circulation and loss, or both. Key dates are the coins that complete collections — and their scarcity relative to demand drives their prices well above comparable dates in the same series.
The 1909-S VDB: The Most Famous Lincoln Cent
The Lincoln cent debuted in 1909, replacing the Indian Head cent on the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. The coin was designed by sculptor Victor David Brenner, whose initials “VDB” appeared prominently on the reverse of the first issue. Almost immediately, the Treasury Department responded to public criticism of the designer’s initials being too prominent and ordered them removed — but not before 484,000 of the 1909-S VDB pennies had been struck at the San Francisco Mint (the “S” mint mark is on the obverse, below the date).
By contrast, the Philadelphia Mint struck over 27 million VDB cents in 1909. The combination of low San Francisco mintage and the coin’s first-year status has made the 1909-S VDB one of the most coveted coins in American numismatics. Even in circulated grades, authentic examples command substantial premiums. Beware of altered coins: unscrupulous sellers have been known to add an “S” mint mark to Philadelphia examples or remove the “S” and replace it. Authentication by PCGS or NGC is advisable for any example before purchase.
Other Key Date Lincoln Cents Worth Knowing
1914-D
Struck at the Denver Mint with a mintage of only 1,193,000, the 1914-D is the key date of the second decade of Lincoln cents. It is frequently counterfeited by altering 1944-D cents (similar looking digits), so authentication is important.
1922 Plain (No D)
Only the Denver Mint produced cents in 1922, so all genuine examples should have a “D” mint mark. Some coins, due to die overuse and striking problems, show a weak or missing “D” — these “1922 Plain” varieties are highly collectible.
1931-S
With a mintage of only 866,000, the 1931-S is the scarcest issue of the Wheat Cent era after the 1909-S VDB. It is more readily available than some key dates but still commands meaningful premiums in all grades.
1955 Doubled Die Obverse
Not a mintage rarity but a striking error — the 1955 DDO shows dramatic doubling of the date and lettering, clearly visible to the naked eye. It is one of the most famous error coins in U.S. history.
How We Evaluate Lincoln Cents
When you bring Lincoln cents to American Gold Buyers, we examine each coin for its date, mint mark, and condition. For key dates, condition has an outsized impact on value: a 1909-S VDB in Good-4 condition is worth a fraction of what the same coin in Fine-15 or Very Fine-30 might bring. We also screen for altered coins and counterfeits.
If you have a collection of Lincoln cents — even a folder or album filled with circulated examples — bring it in for a complimentary evaluation. Customers from Mauldin, Simpsonville, Easley, Greer, and across Greenville County are always welcome at our shop.
Visit us at 1178 Woodruff Road, Greenville, SC 29607, or call (864) 631-1000 to discuss what you have before making the trip.