The top 25 most valuable Lincoln cents that were sold on eBay in June 2015 include a litany of key dates, high-grading valuable pennies, and even a few scarce die varieties. Not surprisingly, the big winner for June sales was the 1909-S VDB penny, which not only was the first- and second-most expensive Lincoln pennies sold on eBay in June, but also, in fact, appears a total of 11 times on this list.
Other valuable Lincoln pennies sold on eBay in June 2015 include the 1914-D and 1955 doubled die Lincoln cents. Toward the bottom of this Top 25 list are two scarcely seen pieces – the 1941 doubled die Lincoln cent and a bonded die error cent.
#1 – 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent PCGS MS-66 Red-Brown – $5,800.00
As earlier mentioned, the leading coin on the Top 25 list this month is the famous 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent. It’s one of the hobby’s most popular wheat pennies and, in this grade of MS-66, here awarded by the conservative Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), is a true rarity.
#2 – 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent PCGS MS-65 Red – $4,500.00
MS-65 1909-S VDB Lincoln pennies are, like their slightly more-superior MS-66 counterparts (see above), very scarce and high in demand. Perhaps giving this particular 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent the edge in the eyes of some coin collectors is the fact that this piece grades as “Red,” which is widely considered the most desirable color for Lincoln cents.
#3 – 1916 Matte Proof Lincoln Cent PCGS Proof-65 Brown, CAC Designated – $4,475.00
It’s not often that early matte proof Lincoln cents appear on this list, but here’s one. And, it’s been designated as a coin with particularly desirable eye appeal, according to the Certified Acceptance Corporation (CAC). All original matte proof Lincoln cents are rare and in high demand by Lincoln penny enthusiasts.
#4 – 1914-D Lincoln Cent NGC MS-63 Red-Brown – $3,675.00
In many respects, the 1914-D Lincoln cent is scarcer than its more famous 1909-S VDB cousin, especially in uncirculated grades. This MS-63 specimen, graded by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), represents a true treasure for any Lincoln cent enthusiast.
#5 – 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent NGC MS-65 Red – $3,650.00
This 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent grades MS-65, which is by far one of the most popular investment-level grades for those who pursue this numismatic treasure for its upward value potential. Of course, while some rare coins do go up in value, one shouldn’t buy coins like this only for their investment potential, as they don’t always increase in price.
#6 – 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent PCGS MS-63 – $3,100.00
The 1955 doubled die Lincoln cent is perhaps the most popular die variety coin in U.S. numismatics. Often referred to as an error, while the coin was not intended to feature a doubled appearance, it’s considered a die variety as the anomaly occurred on the die and, thus, thousands of coins bear the doubling; it's not really an "error" coin. In fact, an estimated 20,000 Lincoln pennies with the doubled die strike are thought to exist.
#7 – 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent PCGS MS-63 Brown – $3,000.00
Most date-and-mintmark Lincoln cent coin collectors generally disregard collecting the 1955 doubled die penny. This is usually for two reasons: 1), the coin costs at least $1,000 even in well-circulated grades (if you can find any below XF-40, that is) and 2), they aren’t considered a regular-issue coin. Still, the 1955 doubled die Lincoln penny has a wide following and is definitely a top purchase for many Lincoln cent enthusiasts.
#8 (Tied) – 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent PCGS MS-65 Red-Brown – $2,995.00
Two different 1909-S VDB Lincoln cents in identical grades and holders from the same certification firm (PCGS) tied for eighth place in June 2015 as among the most valuable Lincoln pennies sold on eBay. Major coin investors and high-rolling numismatists are the usual markets for pricey, MS-65 1909-S VDB Lincoln cents like the two that are listed consecutively here.
#8 (Tied) – 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent PCGS MS-65 Red-Brown – $2,995.00
Like the other eighth-place 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent above, this piece exhibits attractive red-brown patina and an overall pleasing appearance. Original 1909-S VDB pennies, such as this one, are always a great buy for Lincoln cent collectors.
#10 – 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent Choice BU+ Raw – $2,905.00
Rounding out the Top 10 portion of this list of most valuable Lincoln cents sold on eBay in June 2015 is this 1955 doubled die cent. This specimen certainly isn’t the first 1955 doubled die cent to appear on this list, but it is the first (of two) in this rundown that was being sold as “raw,” or without a slab. Buyer: always be careful buying rare, high-value "raw" coins on any website, and be sure the online auction protects you for such purchases (eBay normally does).
11th Through 25th Most Valuable Lincoln Pennies Sold on eBay in June 2015
The last 15 Lincoln cents to appear on this list of the most expensive Lincoln cents that traded hands on the popular online auction site include a few more 1909-S VDB Lincoln pennies, a 1922 plain cent, a handful of 1955 doubled die cents, and a couple surprises. There’s even a very high-grade 1932 penny that happened to make the top listing within the segment below – certainly a tough date for the grade.
#11 – 1932 Lincoln Cent PCGS MS-67 Red CAC Designated, $2,750.00
#12 – 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent PCGS MS-65 Red-Brown, $2,599.99
#13 – 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent PCGS MS-64 Red-Brown, $2,200.00
#14 – 1914-D Lincoln Cent Raw, $2,150.00
#15 – 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent NGC MS-62 Brown, $2,100.00
#16 – 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent PCGS MS-64 Red-Brown, $2,050.00
#17 – 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent Raw, $2,028.00
#18 – 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent Choice BU Raw, $1,918.00
#19 – 1922 Plain No D Lincoln Cent PCGS XF-40, $1,899.99
#20 – 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent NGC MS-63 Brown, $1,825.00
#21 – 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent Gem BU Raw, $1,802.77
#22 – 1999 Lincoln Cent Bonded Die Error, $1,800.00
#23 – 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent PCGS AU-53, $1,800.00
#24 – 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent PCGS AU-55, $1,750.00
#25 – 1941 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent PCGS MS-65 Red CAC Designated, $1,725.00