Are you curious about shield pennies and their worth? Shield pennies are a type of penny that were introduced in 2010 as part of the Lincoln Shield Cent series.
They feature a shield design on the reverse side of the coin, which was created by Lyndall Bass and sculpted by Joseph Menna.
The obverse side of the coin features a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, which was originally designed by Victor David Brenner in 1909 for the first Lincoln penny.
Shield pennies have different series and mint marks, which can affect their value. But what are shield pennies worth?
The value of a shield penny depends on various factors, including its series, condition, mint mark, and rarity.
In the next sections, we will explore the different factors that can affect the value of shield pennies in more detail. We will also take a look at some examples of shield pennies that have sold for high prices in the past.
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What are Shield Pennies?
Design and Composition
Shield Pennies were made from a combination of copper and nickel, which gave them a unique look and feel.
They were also slightly larger than the previous Flying Eagle pennies, which made them easier to handle and use in everyday transactions.
The reverse side of the coin features a shield with 13 vertical stripes, representing the 13 original colonies.
The shield is surrounded by a wreath of laurel leaves and the words “ONE CENT” are inscribed at the bottom.
Union Shield Symbol
The shield on the reverse side of the Shield Penny is known as the Union Shield.
The Union Shield is a symbol of the strength and unity of the United States during the Civil War.
The shield is divided into three parts, with the top part featuring the American eagle, the middle part featuring the shield, and the bottom part featuring a scroll with the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM” inscribed on it.
How to Determine the Value of Shield Pennies
Are you curious about the value of your Shield pennies? Here are some factors that determine the value, including face value, melt value, and collector value.
Face value refers to the denomination of the coin, which for Shield pennies is one cent. This is the value of the coin as currency.
Melt value is the value of the metal in the coin if it were melted down. Shield pennies are made of copper-plated zinc, the melt value of one Shield penny is $0.0078.
Collector value is the value that coin collectors place on a coin. This value is determined by a variety of factors, including rarity, condition, and demand.
When it comes to Shield pennies, the mint mark location can also affect the coin’s value. Shield pennies were minted in Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco, and West Point.
The pennies with no mint mark were minted in Philadelphia, while pennies with the D mint mark were minted in Denver.
The mintage and dates of Shield pennies can also impact their value. For example, Shield pennies minted in 2017 with a P mint mark and Shield pennies minted in 2019 with a W mint mark are considered rare and can be worth more than other Shield pennies.
To determine the value of your Shield pennies, you can use a coin value chart or check typical coin prices online. Keep in mind that the value of a coin can vary depending on its condition, rarity, and demand.
Condition is graded using the Sheldon scale, which ranges from 1 to 70. A coin graded 70 is considered perfect, while a coin graded 1 is barely recognizable.
A good online resource to check the value of Shield pennies is the USA Coin Book.
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What Is the Value of the Lincoln Shield Pennies?
The 2017-P Shield Penny
In a nod to the United States Mint’s 225th anniversary, the Philadelphia Mint quietly introduced pennies with a distinctive “P” mint mark in 2017.
The unexpected move took collectors by surprise, but the US Mint later verified the authenticity of these special shield pennies.
The decision to produce these commemorative coins was tied to celebrating the significant milestone.
Exclusive to the Philadelphia Mint, these shield pennies became a sought-after addition to collections. Interestingly, the subsequent year saw a departure from this, as the pennies minted lacked the distinguishing mint mark
Positioned just below the minting year, the engraved mint mark adds significant value to these pennies. In uncirculated condition, their worth ranges from a humble cent to an impressive $3.00
Notably rare are the 2017 S ($22) and 2017 D ($21) shield pennies, with a production run of only 979,000 units. Their scarcity contributes to their value, especially when well-preserved.
2019-W Shield Pennies: West Point’s Limited Edition
In 2019, the US Mint’s West Point branch announced the production of pennies featuring a distinctive “W” mint mark.
Reserved exclusively for collector’s sets, these pennies showcased unique finishes: reverse proof, proof, and uncirculated
Limited to a release of 899,000 pieces, their market value varies from 65 cents to $15, contingent on their quality and condition.
2012 D and 2012 S Shield Pennies: A Noteworthy Vintage
Released in 2012, the 2012 D and 2012 S Shield Pennies are relatively abundant in mint states. Valued between 1 cent and $25, these pennies garner attention, particularly in the MS69 and MS 68 grades, which can be relatively expensive.
A particularly noteworthy MS 68 penny sold in Denver surpassed the $1,000 mark. The rarity is further accentuated by the existence of only one MS 68+ coin in Denver, never circulated, and estimated to be worth over $3,000
Proof Shield Penny: A Collector’s Gem
Proof Shield Pennies, minted for testing and archival purposes, hold a special place in collector’s sets.
Distinguished by their mirror-like surface and sharp details, these coins stand out from the crowd. Their rarity contributes to a value ranging between $3 and $160, contingent on their condition
Error Coins: Unintentional Treasures
Surprisingly, the realm of numismatics introduces a category even more valuable than Lincoln shield coins—the error coins.
Often produced incorrectly, these coins possess a unique charm.
It’s crucial to distinguish them from damaged shield coins, as errors are unintended mistakes that occurred during minting, adding a distinctiveness that makes them stand out
Last update on 2024-12-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Tips For Collecting Shield Pennies
If you’re looking to collect Shield pennies, here are some tips to help you find and collect valuable coins:
- Look for pennies that are in good condition. Coins that are in better condition will be worth more money.
- Look for pennies that were produced in limited quantities. Coins that were produced in smaller quantities will be worth more money.
- Consider getting your coins graded by a professional grading service. This will give you a better idea of how much your coins are worth.
- Join a coin collecting club or forum. This will give you access to other coin collectors who can help you find valuable coins and give you advice on how to collect coins.
By following these tips, you can start building a valuable collection of Shield pennies. Remember to have fun and enjoy the process of collecting coins!
What are the Most Valuable Pennies?
If you’re a coin collector, you’re probably wondering which pennies are the most valuable. Here are some of the most valuable that you should keep an eye out for:
1877 Penny
The 1877 Penny is one of the most valuable pennies out there. It was produced in limited quantities, and it’s hard to find one that’s in good condition. If you’re lucky enough to find one, it can sell for thousands of dollars.
1882 Penny
The 1882 Penny is another valuable penny that’s worth looking out for. It’s not as rare as the 1877 Penny, but it’s still hard to find one that’s in good condition. If you find one in uncirculated condition, it can sell for hundreds of dollars.
1909-S VDB Penny
The 1909-S VDB Penny is a valuable penny that was produced in San Francisco. It features the initials of the designer, Victor David Brenner, on the reverse side. If you find one in uncirculated condition, it can sell for thousands of dollars.
1914-D Penny
The 1914-D Penny is a rare penny that was produced in Denver. It’s hard to find one that’s in good condition, but if you do, it can sell for hundreds of dollars.
1927-S Penny
The 1927-S Penny is a valuable penny that was produced in San Francisco. It’s not as rare as some of the other pennies on this list, but it’s still worth looking out for. If you find one in uncirculated condition, it can sell for hundreds of dollars.
These are just a few of the most valuable pennies out there. If you’re interested in searching for these pennies, it’s important to know what to look for. Keep an eye out for pennies that are in good condition, and look for pennies that were produced in limited quantities.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you now know what shield pennies are worth! As we have seen, most shield pennies in circulation are worth their face value of $0.01. However, there are some exceptions.
In conclusion, shield pennies may not be the most valuable coins out there, but they are still a fascinating part of American culture and history. So go ahead and take a closer look at your pocket change – you never know what treasures you might find!