Rare Lincoln-Kennedy Penny: Are Commemorative Coins Valuable?

Rosie wrote us and said she found a penny that has an imprint of Kennedy facing Lincoln on it and wanted to know how much it’s worth.

While I’m certainly no expert on coin values, and I’d highly recommend you consult with a legit numismatist (or Joshua) first, I’m fairly confident that it’s worth very little, except for it’s historic and commemorative value, of course.

That is, unless you find the “right person” who saves collector’s items like these.

Check here to find the value of the Lincoln-Kennedy Penny.

How Common Are The Lincoln-Kennedy Pennies?

My mom used to work at a bank.

She brought home a few of these commemorative Lincoln-Kennedy Pennies that were affixed to cards which listed some “astonishing coincidences” between the lives (and deaths) of President Abraham Lincoln and President John F. Kennedy.

Pictured here is the one I’ve managed to save for the past 15-20 years.

Similarities & Coincidences Between Kennedy And Lincoln:

Kennedy/Lincoln Coincidences

Similarities With Their Assassinations

Eerie Similarities Between Kennedy & Lincoln

More Weird Similarities

To some, all these “supposed” similarities simply have gone too far…

Snopes: Debunking The Myths (… an attempt to address several “similarities” point by point)
Even MORE Similarities Recently Uncovered! (…take this one with a grain of salt)

Other Non-Commemorative Commemorative Coins Like This One

Rare U.S. Pennies Including the 1943 Penny

Two-Headed Coins: Are They Rare?

About Lynnette

I like to help people find unique ways to do things in order to save time & money -- so I write about "outside the box" ideas that most wouldn't think of. As a lifelong dog owner, I often share my best tips for living with and training dogs. I worked in Higher Ed over 10 years before switching gears to pursue activities that I'm truly passionate about. I've worked at a vet, in a photo lab, and at a zoo -- to name a few. I enjoy the outdoors via bicycle, motorcycle, Jeep, or RV. You can always find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites).

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dana

i found a 1917 wheat penny without a mint letter. is it worth anything?
- Anonymous
  
  Hi, Dana —
  
  Yes, your 1917 Lincoln wheat cent is worth 10 to 25 cents.
random person :)

lol at the bottom of my commerative coin it sais “western Security Bank” 🙂
p.s. if this coin never went into circulation then how is it not valuable?!?!?!
- Anonymous
  
  Hi Random,
  
  If you could provide a photo at The Fun Times Guide Facebook http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/TheFunTimesGuideToCoins page I’ll be able to see exactly what you have and should be able to give you a better idea as to value
Mark

I have a copper 1943 wheat penny my father saved from WW2 what is it worth?
- Anonymous
  
  Mark,
  
  IF it’s an authentic 1943 copper penny, it will NOT be able to stick to a magnet. If the coin passes the magnet test, it may be worth submitting to a third-party coin grader. Find out more about third-party coin grading here: http://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/01/slabbed_coins.php
  
  Here’s some info on values: http://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/2011/01/wheat_penny_error_coins.php
  - Quickherrin
    
    Thanks josh I tried the magnet test and it is real copper, doesn’t stick and have researched it recently ….seems to good to be true that it is going for between 10k and much higher. If i send you a pic close up and all can you verify?
    - Anonymous
      
      Mark,
      
      Please feel free to submit a photo to The Fun Times Guide to Coins Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=hp#!/TheFunTimesGuideToCoins
      
      If it’s real copper, the next concern would be the date being filed or shaped to look like a 1943. Many 1948 cents have been altered to look like a 1943.
Derekhb

I came across a 1960 penny and the zero is slashed less then a 1/4 on the right side makeing the zero almost looking like a lower case a.have you herd of this and if yes what could its value be? Thank you
- Anonymous
  
  Derek,
  
  I’m trying to envision the situation given your description and am having a hard time figuring out if it’s some type of debris error or simply post mint damage. If you’d like, you can submit a photo to the The Fun Times Guide to Coins Facebook wall and maybe we can figure out what’s going on: http://www.facebook.com/TheFunTimesGuideToCoins
- Anonymous
  
  Derek,
  
  I’m trying to envision the situation given your description and am having a hard time figuring out if it’s some type of debris error or simply post mint damage. If you’d like, you can submit a photo to the The Fun Times Guide to Coins Facebook wall and maybe we can figure out what’s going on: http://www.facebook.com/TheFunTimesGuideToCoins
Rosieledet

i have a the brothers kennedy coin token . the front has john and robert 1917 1963 1925 1968, the back says THEY GAVE OF THEIR EASE, THEIR WEALTH, THEIR BLOOD, FOR OTHERS GOOD. any info please
Som

I have a 1977 Lincoln penny that have two face the other face I think is Robert kennedy and he is smileing .what is it worth and is there any other like it?
- Anonymous
  
  Som,
  
  These types of pieces are fairly common; each is worth about $1 to $2 as novelty collector coins.
Sweetpeaara2

I have a 1978silver penny not sure if its that or zinc.But it has no mint on it at all just wondering about it? Thank you for your timed
- Anonymous
  
  Sweetpea,
  
  If your penny weighs at least 3 grams, then it’s really just a regular copper penny that somebody coated in zinc, pewter, or another metal of similar color. Zinc pennies weigh closer to 2.5 grams.
  
  A penny without a mintmark was most likely minted in Philadelphia, though the San Francisco and West Point mints did strike some pennies during that era (late 70s to early 80s) that don’t have mintmarks. Here some more info on mintmarks if you’re interested: http://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/2007/12/mint_marks_letters_on_coins.php
Ian Scott

I have a 1974 lincoln kennedy in pretty good condition, how much is it worth?
- JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide
  
  Ian,
  
  This type of novelty coin is worth around $2 to $3.
Richard Johnston

i have a 1998 gibraltar silver coin can u tell me if it is worth any thing
matt

i have a 1974 lincoln kennedy penny but the head is printed over the date has any one seen this before and is it worth anything
- JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide
  
  Hi, Matt –
  
  Lincoln-Kennedy novelty cents (real Lincoln cents that were counterstamped with the Kennedy bust by an individual) are worth around $2 each.
Deanie Walbourne- Gough

I have a jfk commemorative coin which seems to be copper and is twice as thick as a penny. On the front is a bust of jfk with 1917 on the left and 1963 on the right with his name across the bottom. On the back is an eagle and underneath the eagle it says peace and freedom does not come cheap. Also underneath this in very fine lettering it appears to say canary dies. We have had this coin for over 20 yrs and always wondered about it. Could please let me know about it.
Dale Sessions

I’m looking for a 2000 Sacagawea and Washington Quarter Mule replica. Anyone know the source of those replicas?
- JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide
  
  Hi Dale, a great source for replica coins is eBay. Here’s some info on buying eBay coins: http://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/2008/07/buy_coins_on_ebay.php
Morena Pobrera

Ive found a 1951 S penny thats missing the back of abe’s hair from the bottom back part of his hair. My coin looks like a very younger version of abraham lincoln, like hes gotten a very fine haircut. Can somebody tell me if i have a rare coin or not?? Or what this coin is even worth?
- JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide
  
  Hello, Morena —
  
  I’m trying to take a close look at your coin but it seems like it may be just a bit too small for me tell. Would you mind uploading a larger photo of your 1951-S Lincoln cent, please?
  
  Thank you!
  Josh
  - Morena Pobrera
    
    Hey Josh, i hope these are close enough… oh, your welcome.
Morena Pobrera

Can somebody tell me if this 1951 s penny is worth anything?? Ive been told that i need to get it appraised because its 1 of a kind, and i havent found any other coin like it. Please help, i have absolutely no idea… Thank you!!!
- JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide
  
  Hi, Morena —
  
  I answered your question elsewhere a few minutes ago!
  
  Thanks for checking!
  Josh
Rosheena Beek

Hi,
When I was about twelve years old, I saw a penny with two Lincoln heads on it. One regular size and one very small. Was this a rare sighting?
- JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide
  
  Hi, Rosheena —
  
  It sounds like you may have a novelty piece much like the Lincoln-Kennedy coin mentioned above in this article. Such pieces are relatively common and are worth between 50 cents a $1 in the aftermarket.
  
  Thanks for your question,
  Josh
  - Rosheena Beek
    
    Thanks Joshua. I don’t feel hounded now because I really thought I missed out on a spectacular monetary opportunity. WHEW!!!
    - JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide
      
      You’re most welcome, Rosheena!
CHICA

worth anything?
- JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide
  
  Hi, Chica —
  
  From the best that I can tell, it looks like this may be strike doubling, which would be a defect during the striking process. Such pieces are normally worth at most a very nominal value to those who collect such pieces.
  
  I hope this helps!
  Josh
  - CHICA
    
    thank ya kindly
CHICA

worth anything?
- JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide
  
  Hi, Chica —
  
  Is the third coin in this photo series the obverse of the 1966 Canadian penny above? Canadian cents are generally worth 2 to 5 cents as a foreign collectible coin here in the states. The 1983 Lincoln cent, from this image, does not appear to have any striking anomalies and is worth face value.
  
  Best,
  Josh
  - CHICA
    
    yes Josh,it is the obverse
CHICA

worth money ?
- JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide
  
  Hi, Chica —
  
  Technically, the 1973-S Lincoln cent is worth 2 cents for its copper value but you can’t legally melt U.S. one-cent coins for their copper value at this time. Here’s why I suggest you still keep that coin anyway though: http://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/2015/06/copper-pennies.php
CHICA

Josh,How about these…..sorry there are many photo’s
- JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide
  
  Hi, Chica —
  
  I took a really good look at the photos and from what I can tell by looking at the dates alone, I don’t see any 1970-S small date cents, which are valuable. All told, I’d keep all the pre-1983 cents you listed, as they are worth more than face value for their copper content (2 cents). The 1989 cent is damaged, which is why part of the coin is missing.
  
  Thanks for sending these photos along!
  Josh
John B.

Do Steel pennies have any value other than face value?
- JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide
  
  They do, John! Unless they are rusty or damaged, they’re worth at least 10 to 25 cents if worn.
Damon Huffman

I have 2 1944 wheat pennies, a 1957 D wheat penny and a 1948 S wheat penny ,a 1905 nickel does anyone know the value
- JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide
  
  Hi, Damon —
  
  Yes, the values of your coins are as follows (assuming average wear):
  
  1944 Lincoln cents — 3 to 5 cents each
  1948-S Lincoln cent — 5 to 10 cents
  1957-D Lincoln cent — 3 to 5 cents
  1905 Liberty Head nickel — $1 to $3.
Alesia Gaillard

I have a 1992 penny that has doubling on the sitting Lincoln is it worth anything
- JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide
  
  Hi, Alesia —
  
  It’s possible this may be machine doubling, which is not worth anything extra. I would not be able to tell for certain without a detailed photo of the coin, if that is something you might be able to kindly provide.
  
  Thank you!
  Josh
  - Alesia Gaillard
    
    Thank you Joshua, I will do my best
Alket Gjeci

Hi Josh I have a 1972 dd good condition any idea what could be worth
- JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide
  
  Hello, Alket —
  
  Nice find! A 1972 doubled die Lincoln cent is worth about $200 and up in grades of About Uncirculated and better.
  
  Best,
  Josh
Cameo

I have this penny I found, and I know its not worth anything. But I think it’s pretty cool and just wanted to share it. Looks like a star in between “God” and “Trust.” Also, along the edges, it has the imprint of some letters I can’t make out, and a couple leaves from the back of a dime. 🙂
- JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide
  
  I see the raised anomaly, Cameo! It looks like this coin took a bath in some acid, and while the numismatist in me cringes at this, I can see how some would enjoy the “artistic” effect, too.
Cameo

https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/627e92da7b7f4ead937cb283083739b05a7996948e96c1448c5eddb975af5b22.jpg
Cameo

https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/6619340ab52f9487707ed888ab56846c3cd0c2e6b6dd31773adb6951544c12ff.jpg
austin

hello i have a few coins i have collected over the years could you tell me if any are worth anything the wheat pennys range from 1920 to 50s thank you
- JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide
  
  Hi, Austin —
  
  Nice collection! The wheat cents appear to be worth 5 to 10 cents each. The 1937 British penny has a value of about 20 cents. The 1979 Kennedy half dollar is worth face value. The most valuable coin I can find here is the 1943 Washington quarter, which is worth $3 to $4 given current silver values.
  
  Best,
  Josh
Samantha Cassady

Hello i have a penny and in the “United States oF America” the F in of is lower case i have never seen the before is it worth anything?
- JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide
  
  Hi, Samantha —
  
  May I see a photo of this? It might be some other type of error obscuring the “F” in some form or fashion.
  
  Thank you,
  Josh
Lucas Carvalho

I have a currency of 1963, is worth anything?
- JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide
  
  Hi, Lucas —
  
  It depends on what currency you’re asking about. Would you please post a photo of it so I can tell you more about its value?
  
  Thank you!
  Josh
Dan Brown

Would you like a better picture of a JFK stamped penny? https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9a79cd6685f4502eed62b2ed268024c149cccf426e9bcf452f9b5deca58049fd.jpg
- JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide
  
  Great photo, Dan! Thank you!
  - Dan Brown
    
    Wish it were worth more. I have a couple of them.