2023 Lincoln Penny Coin Value: How Much Is It Worth?
Most 2023 Lincoln pennies you pull from pocket change are worth one cent, full stop. In higher uncirculated grades, a guide estimate for an MS65 example is around $0.36 according to USA Coin Book.
San Francisco proof strikes carry a PR65 guide estimate of roughly $6.26. Collector finishes, recognized varieties like the Extra V, and genuine striking errors each occupy their own markets and deserve separate evaluation.
Fast Way to Identify Your 2023 Lincoln Penny
The quickest way to start figuring out what you have is to upload clear photos of both sides of your coin. A well-lit front shot and a sharp back shot let us provide a preliminary identification of mint, version and general condition.
That is not a substitute for professional authentication or certified grading, but it will point you in the right direction.
2023 Penny Value
Upload both sides of your 2023 Lincoln Penny.
Front Obverse
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Back Reverse
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Which 2023 Lincoln Penny Versions Are Worth Money?
- Philadelphia cents with a confirmed incuse Extra V after VDB on Lincoln's shoulder are a recognized variety tracked by PCGS; authentication matters because scratches can mimic the marking.
- San Francisco proof cents carry a PR65 guide estimate of about $6.26, well above face value, but they were sold in collector sets and are not found in circulation.
- Uncirculated Philadelphia or Denver cents with full original red luster and clean surfaces in MS65 or above can bring a small premium over face value.
- Genuine striking errors such as off-center strikes, broadstrikes, or doubled dies on any 2023 cent are valued individually based on severity, type and authenticated condition.
Step 1: Identify Your 2023 Lincoln Penny Mint Mark and Version
Flip the coin to the obverse first. Below the date you will either see no mintmark at all (Philadelphia), a small D (Denver), or an S (San Francisco).
San Francisco cents from 2023 were struck as proofs for collector sets, so if yours has mirror-like fields and sharp frosted devices, that is your clue.
The reverse should show the Union Shield design used on Lincoln cents since 2010. If your reverse looks different, you may have the wrong coin entirely.
All standard 2023 cents are copper-plated zinc, weighing a nominal 2.50 grams. The copper color is just a thin plating; the core is zinc.
A coin that looks or weighs dramatically different could be damaged, plating-impaired, or, less commonly, a genuine off-metal error, but appearance alone cannot confirm that. A precise weight check on a digital scale is a good first step before jumping to conclusions.
Step 2: Check Your 2023 Lincoln Penny Grade
Start with Lincoln's cheek and jawline on the obverse. These high points lose detail first.
On a well-preserved coin, you can see fine hair strands above the ear and individual lines in the bowtie. As wear increases, those details flatten and merge.
On the reverse, check the horizontal lines across the shield. They should be crisp and distinct on a mint-state coin.
Once those lines start blending together, you are looking at circulated grades.
Luster matters a lot. A coin can look clean but have no original mint sheen, which drops the grade.
Compare yours to the reference image to gauge where it falls.
Color designations like RD (red), RB (red-brown), and BN (brown) describe the remaining original copper tone, not the wear grade. A coin can be MS65 BN or MS65 RD; same grade, different color, different market appeal.
Proof describes how the coin was manufactured at the mint, not a grade above Mint State.
Step 3: Check 2023 Lincoln Penny Value by Mint and Version
2023 Lincoln Penny — Shield
This is the standard Philadelphia strike with no mintmark below the date. Billions were produced, so circulated examples are worth face value, period.
In MS65 condition with original surfaces, USA Coin Book lists a guide estimate of $0.36.
Look for full luster and no contact marks on Lincoln's cheek and jaw. A bright red (RD) color designation at this grade level is more desirable than a toned brown coin.
Still, we are talking cents here; the premium over face value is modest unless you land an exceptional example or a recognized variety like the Extra V.
| Range | Grade | Price | Auction Records | Appraisal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | PO 1 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| FR | FR 2 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| AG | AG 3 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| G | G 4 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| G 6 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| VG | VG 8 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| VG 10 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| F | F 12 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| F 15 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| VF | VF 20 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| VF 25 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| VF 30 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| VF 35 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| XF | XF 40 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| XF 45 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| AU | AU 50 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| AU 53 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| AU 55 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| AU 58 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| MS | MS 60 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| MS 61 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| MS 62 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| MS 63 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| MS 64 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| MS 65 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| MS 66 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| MS 67 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| MS 68 | — | — | — | |
| MS 69 | — | — | — | |
| MS 70 | — | — | — |
2023 Lincoln Penny — D Shield
Denver strikes carry a small D mintmark below the date. Like their Philadelphia counterparts, circulated 2023-D cents are a one-cent coin in practical terms.
The MS65 guide estimate from USA Coin Book is the same $0.36.
Grading criteria are identical to the Philadelphia issue. Check the cheek, hair detail, and shield lines on the reverse.
Full original red luster with minimal bag marks is what separates a coin worth keeping from one that goes back in the jar.
| Range | Grade | Price | Auction Records | Appraisal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | PO 1 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| FR | FR 2 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| AG | AG 3 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| G | G 4 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| G 6 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| VG | VG 8 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| VG 10 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| F | F 12 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| F 15 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| VF | VF 20 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| VF 25 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| VF 30 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| VF 35 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| XF | XF 40 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| XF 45 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| AU | AU 50 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| AU 53 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| AU 55 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| AU 58 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| MS | MS 60 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| MS 61 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| MS 62 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| MS 63 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| MS 64 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| MS 65 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| MS 66 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| MS 67 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| MS 68 | — | — | — | |
| MS 69 | — | — | — | |
| MS 70 | — | — | — |
2023 Lincoln Penny — S Shield PR
The 2023-S proof was struck at the San Francisco Mint for collector sets, not released into circulation. You will see an S mintmark below the date.
These coins have mirror-like fields and sharply struck, often frosted devices, giving them a visual punch that business strikes lack.
USA Coin Book lists a PR65 guide estimate of $6.26. That is a starting point; coins with heavier cameo contrast or higher grades can differ.
Material is still copper-plated zinc at the standard 2.50 gram weight. If you find one of these in pocket change, somebody broke open a proof set, which does happen.
Coin Value Lookup is a handy starting point if you want to look up guide values for other dates or denominations in the Lincoln cent series.
| Range | Grade | Price | Auction Records | Appraisal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PR | PR 1 | — | Coin Identifier | |
| PR 2 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 3 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 4 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 6 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 8 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 10 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 12 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 15 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 20 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 25 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 30 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 35 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 40 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 45 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 50 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 53 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 55 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 58 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 60 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 61 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 62 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 63 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 64 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 65 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 66 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 67 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 68 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 69 | — | Coin Identifier | ||
| PR 70 | — | Coin Identifier |
2023 Lincoln Penny — Philadelphia Extra V
This is the one that gets people excited. On certain 2023 Philadelphia cents, an incuse extra letter V appears right after the designer's initials VDB on Lincoln's shoulder truncation.
PCGS recognizes this as a distinct variety.
The key diagnostic is that the extra V is incuse, meaning it is pressed into the surface, not raised. That matters because a random scratch could look similar at a glance.
Under magnification, the extra V should have a consistent depth, shape and position relative to the existing VDB letters.
No numerical price range is established here; value depends on the authenticated identity of the variety and the coin's overall condition. If you think you have one, clear macro photos of the VDB area alongside the full dated obverse are essential for any assessment.
Avoid confusing this with raised die defects or post-mint scratches, which are far more common.
Range Grade
Price2023 Philadelphia Extra V (BN) Price2023 Philadelphia Extra V (RD) Auction Records Appraisal PO PO 1
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Coin Identifier FR FR 2
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Coin Identifier AG AG 3
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Coin Identifier G G 4
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Coin Identifier
G 6
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Coin Identifier VG VG 8
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Coin Identifier
VG 10
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Coin Identifier F F 12
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Coin Identifier
F 15
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Coin Identifier VF VF 20
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Coin Identifier
VF 25
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Coin Identifier
VF 30
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Coin Identifier
VF 35
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Coin Identifier XF XF 40
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Coin Identifier
XF 45
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Coin Identifier AU AU 50
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Coin Identifier
AU 53
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Coin Identifier
AU 55
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Coin Identifier
AU 58
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Coin Identifier MS MS 60
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Coin Identifier
MS 61
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Coin Identifier
MS 62
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Coin Identifier
MS 63
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Coin Identifier
MS 64
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Coin Identifier
MS 65
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Coin Identifier
MS 66
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Coin Identifier
MS 67
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Coin Identifier
MS 68
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MS 69
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MS 70
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2023 Lincoln Penny Error List
1. 2023 Lincoln Penny — Doubled Die Obverse
A doubled die obverse on a 2023 Lincoln cent shows consistent doubling in the obverse lettering or design elements. You are looking for separation, notching, or a second outline on letters like LIBERTY or IN GOD WE TRUST that repeats across multiple characters in the same direction.
The important distinction is consistency. Machine doubling, which is caused by die bounce during striking, tends to produce a flat shelf on one side of the lettering without the rounded secondary image a true doubled die shows.
Reflections under certain lighting can also mimic doubling.
Compare your coin to a normal 2023 cent under the same magnification and light angle. No specific price range is adopted for this category; value depends on the severity of doubling, overall coin condition, and professional authentication.
2. 2023 Lincoln Penny — Doubled Die Reverse
A doubled die reverse affects the back of the coin. On the 2023 Union Shield design, check the reverse legends, the shield lines, and the lettering of E PLURIBUS UNUM or ONE CENT for signs of consistent doubled contours.
As with the obverse version, you need to rule out machine doubling, which leaves flat, shelf-like distortion rather than a true secondary image with its own rounded profile. Random damage or environmental wear can also create misleading marks.
Use a loupe or macro lens and compare the suspected area directly against a known normal coin under matching lighting. There is no adopted price range for this error; each example would need to be evaluated based on the strength of the doubling and the coin's authenticated condition.
3. 2023 Lincoln Penny — Broadstrike
A broadstrike happens when the collar die, the retaining ring that normally constrains the blank, fails to engage during striking. The result is a coin that spreads outward beyond its normal diameter while retaining the full design.
You can identify a broadstrike by its slightly larger-than-normal size, lack of a reeded or defined rim edge, and the design elements pushing toward the periphery. The full design is still present, just spread out.
Do not confuse this with a coin that was simply flattened after it left the mint, perhaps by a train or a hammer. Post-mint damage lacks the uniform metal flow of a genuine broadstrike.
Off-center strikes are also different because part of the design is missing entirely. No price range is adopted; individual assessment considers severity and authenticated identity.
4. 2023 Lincoln Penny — Off-Center Strike
An off-center strike occurs when the planchet is not properly seated between the dies, so part of the design is struck onto the coin while the rest remains as a blank crescent. The greater the percentage off-center, the more dramatic the result.
For collector appeal, you generally want the date to still be visible. A 2023 cent struck 10-50 percent off-center with a readable date is a more compelling piece than one where the date disappears into the blank area.
Do not mistake a clipped planchet or post-mint flattening for an off-center strike. A clip removes a piece of the blank before striking; an off-center shifts the entire design.
No adopted price range exists; each coin's value depends on the degree of displacement, date visibility, and authenticated condition.
5. 2023 Lincoln Penny — Die Crack / Die Chip
Die cracks appear as thin raised lines on the coin's surface, created when the steel die itself develops a fracture. Die chips are small raised blobs where a tiny piece of the die face has broken away, leaving a void that fills with metal during striking.
These are among the most common minor errors on modern cents, so not every one carries a significant premium. Larger, more dramatic cracks or chips in prominent locations tend to draw more collector attention.
To distinguish genuine die cracks from scratches, remember that die cracks are raised on the coin's surface, while scratches are incuse. Corrosion or foreign material stuck to the surface can also mimic a chip.
No price range is adopted for this category; value depends on size, location, visual impact and the coin's overall condition.
6. 2023 Lincoln Penny — Die Break / Cud
A cud is a specific type of die break where a piece of the die along the rim breaks away entirely, leaving a raised, featureless blob of metal that connects to the rim on the finished coin. It is basically a severe die crack that has reached the edge.
The displaced design in the affected area is replaced by a smooth, raised lump. Smaller interior die breaks exist too, but purists reserve the term cud for rim-connected examples.
Do not confuse a cud with a rim ding or corrosion lump. A genuine cud has a smooth, flat-topped profile consistent with metal filling a void in the die, not a sharp or irregular shape from post-mint contact.
No numerical price range is adopted; each piece is assessed individually based on size, location and authenticated condition.
7. 2023 Lincoln Penny — Extra V Variety
The Extra V variety on 2023 Philadelphia cents shows an incuse extra letter V immediately following the VDB initials on Lincoln's shoulder truncation. This is the same variety tracked in the versions section, and it also appears in error listings because it represents an unintended addition to the die.
The critical diagnostic is that the extra V is incuse, pressed into the coin's surface. A raised line in that area would more likely be a die crack or die gouge, which is a completely different animal.
Random scratches can also land near VDB, so you need to verify that the mark has the consistent shape and depth of a deliberate letter impression.
Make sure your coin has no mintmark, confirming Philadelphia origin, and that the date reads 2023. No numerical price range is adopted; authentication and individual coin condition determine value.
