- Year: 1981
- Mint Mark: No mint mark
- Type: Lincoln Penny
- Price: 25 cents-$11.00+
- Face Value: 0.01 USD
- Produced: 749,750,000
- Edge: Smooth
Notes:
1981 1c Off-Center Error $10-$35
These generally sell for between $10 and $35 but weve seen them sell for as much as $175 in MS-65 RD condition.
This coin error is fairly common and very easy to spot amongst pocket change, or when coin roll hunting. These are generally not certified unless the coin is a higher mint state.
1981 1c DDO / DDR Error $5-$25
Double Die Obverse (DDO), and Double Die Reverse (DDR) are a common error that is rather hard to spot without a magnifying glass. When the die is worn down or not in perfect condition it will create double die errors until replaced.
Look at the edges of numbers and letters for partial duplications, if found this is likely a double die error.
Mintages
How much is a 1981 Penny worth?
In Average Circulated (AC) condition it's worth around 25 cents, one in certified mint state (MS+) condition could bring as much as $11 at auction. This price does not reference any standard coin grading scale. So when we say Average Circulated, we mean in a similar condition to other coins circulated in 1981, and mint state meaning it is certified MS+ by one of the top coin grading companies. *** [?].
What are your coins really worth?
Use the handy-dandy calculator below to find the real value of any lincoln penny in your collection.
Specs & Design
This coin has a total mass of 2.5 g, a diameter of 19.05 mm, and a thickness of 1.52 mm. It's edge is Smooth, and the coins are composed of 95% Copper Pre 1982, 97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper after 1982.
Designer: Victor D. Brenner (obv), Lyndall Bass (rev)
Front (Obverse): The obverse or front of this coin contains the bust of President Lincoln the 16th president of the United States. The words In God We Trust are engraved in an arching manner on the top most portion of this coin. The date is present along with the mint mark. If the mark is missing the coin was issued from the Philadelphia mint. With the exception of 2017 P, the only year to contain a P mint mark to honor the 225th anniversary of the United States Mint.
Back (Reverse): The reverse of this coin has been described as Lincoln Memorial design. Nice clean lines on the steps and buildings are important for a decent grade. The Lincoln Memorial replaced the reverse after the last Wheat Cent was issued in 1958.
Most Valuable
The most valuable Lincoln Penny's. Prices listed are for MS-65 certified. Visit the link to learn more about each coin.
| Image | Year | Mint | Worth |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
1982 | $55 | |
 |
1967 | $50 | |
 |
1975 | $45 | |
 |
1959 | D | $40 |
 |
1962 | D | $32 |
 |
1975 | D | $30 |
 |
1982 | D | $30 |
 |
2002 | D | $30 |
 |
1962 | $29 | |
 |
1961 | $28 | |
 |
1961 | D | $27 |
 |
2002 | $27 | |
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 |
1989 | P | $345.22 |
|
1989 | $345,000 | |
|
1989 | D | $345 |
| Image | Name | Mint | Worth |
Want more? Click here to see the most valuable coins ever minted.
Hardest to Find
What is the rarest Lincoln Penny?
| Name | Produced |
|---|---|
| 1998 S | 2,086,000 |
| 2008 S | 2,169,000 |
| 1996 S | 2,525,000 |
| 2007 S | 2,577,000 |
| 1997 S | 2,796,000 |
| 1995 S | 2,797,000 |
| 1975 S | 2,845,000 |
| 1991 S | 2,867,000 |
| 2004 S | 2,965,000 |
| 1986 S | 3,010,000 |
| 2006 S | 3,054,000 |
| 1984 S | 3,065,000 |
| 1978 S | 3,127,000 |
| 2001 S | 3,187,000 |
| 2002 S | 3,211,000 |
| 1989 S | 3,220,000 |
| 1977 S | 3,251,000 |
| 1988 S | 3,262,000 |
| 1994 S | 3,269,000 |
| 1983 S | 3,279,000 |
| Name | Produced |
***Price subject to standard supply and demand laws, dealer premiums, and other market variations. Prices represent past values fetched at online auctions, estate sales, certified coins being sold by dealers, and user submitted values. While we wholeheartedly try to give honest price estimates there are many factors besides appearance, metal content, and rarity that help make up the coins overall value. Call or visit your local coin dealer for more information.
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