A single 2013-D Lincoln Shield penny — graded MS69RD by PCGS — sold for $2,750 at Heritage Auctions in January 2019. That's the record for the entire 2013 Lincoln cent series. Most 2013 pennies in your pocket change are worth exactly one cent. But knowing your mint mark, condition, and error type can reveal whether yours is the exception.
Select your coin's mint mark, condition, and any errors below to get an instant value estimate based on real auction data.
If you're not yet sure of your coin's mint mark or grade, there's a free 2013 Penny Coin Value Checker that lets you upload a photo for an AI-assisted identification before you use the calculator above.
The 2013-D penny's $2,750 auction record belongs to a coin most people would overlook in a roll. Use this four-point check to see whether your Denver cent might qualify for the top-grade tier — before you spend money on PCGS submission.
Dull, flat luster with visible contact marks or bag marks across the fields. Carbon spots (black dots) or planchet bubbles visible without magnification. Surface wear or hairlines from cleaning. Grades as MS66 or lower — worth face value to a few cents.
Full cartwheel luster that shifts as the coin rotates under light. No carbon spots, no planchet bubbles, no visible hairlines. Sharp, well-defined strike on Lincoln's portrait, the date, and all shield lines. Fewer than ten contact marks in the fields under 10× magnification. Grades as MS67RD or higher — value starts at several hundred dollars.
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Over seven billion 2013 pennies were struck, but a small fraction left the mint with significant production mistakes. These error coins are the most collectible pieces in the entire 2013 cent series — and some are worth many times more than even the highest-grade regular strikes. The five varieties below represent the errors with the clearest public market data and the strongest collector demand.
Most Valuable
$200 – $1,050+
A wrong-planchet error occurs when the coin press feeds in a blank intended for a different denomination — or even a different country's coin — and stamps it with the Lincoln cent dies. The finished coin carries the cent's design but with an alien metal composition, diameter, or weight. These errors are among the rarest and most sought-after modern mint mistakes.
To identify one, weigh the coin first: a standard 2013 cent weighs exactly 2.50 grams. A coin that falls noticeably outside that figure — especially one that looks slightly larger or smaller, or shows an unusual color — warrants closer examination. The rim profile and reeding (or lack thereof) will also differ if the planchet was meant for a larger denomination.
Collectors pay a substantial premium because each wrong-planchet coin is effectively a one-of-a-kind artifact of the minting process. A 2013-D penny struck on a wrong planchet graded MS64 sold for $1,050 at Heritage Auctions in 2017, establishing the market benchmark for this variety in solid uncirculated condition.
Most Famous
$25 – $215+
A doubled die obverse results when the working die receives multiple hub impressions that are slightly rotated or offset relative to each other. Each hub impression embeds design elements in a subtly different position, so the finished die — and every coin it strikes — shows distinct separation or notching in the affected areas. On the 2013 cents, doubling has been reported in Lincoln's eye, ear, the date digits, and the inscriptions LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST.
Under a 10× loupe, a true doubled die shows clean, separated design elements — two distinct lines or curves with open space between them. This is very different from "machine doubling" or "mechanical doubling," which produces a flat, shelf-like shadow rather than a raised, rounded second impression. Learning to tell these apart is the single most important skill for hunting doubled die Lincoln cents.
Collector demand for Lincoln cent doubled dies is consistently strong because the series has such a rich doubled-die history. A 2013-D cent showing doubled die characteristics on both the obverse and reverse, graded MS60, sold for $215 at Heritage Auctions in 2020. Minor visible examples in circulated condition routinely bring $25–$50 at coin shows and online auctions.
Most Dramatic
$5 – $100+
An off-center strike happens when a coin planchet is not properly centered between the obverse and reverse dies at the moment of striking. The dies still come together with full force, but the design is impressed onto only part of the blank. The unimpressed portion remains flat and featureless, creating the characteristic crescent of blank metal that collectors immediately recognize.
The key diagnostic for market value is the percentage of the design that is missing and — critically — whether the full date and mint mark remain readable. A coin that is 10% off-center with a visible date is worth $5–$10. A coin that is 50% off-center while still displaying a complete, clearly readable date and mint mark is the holy grail of off-center errors on modern cents, worth $50–$100 or more depending on condition.
Minor off-center strikes of 3%–5% carry very little premium and are not worth submitting for grading. The sweet spot for collector interest begins at 10% off-center, where the misalignment is unmistakably obvious to the eye without magnification. The more dramatic the shift — while preserving a readable date — the stronger the market demand.
Best Kept Secret
$5 – $15+
The BIE error is one of the most iconic and Lincoln-cent-specific varieties in American numismatics. It occurs when a working die develops a hairline crack between the letters B and E in the word LIBERTY on the obverse. As the die fractures, the crack transfers to coins as a raised, thin line of metal — creating the unmistakable appearance of a capital letter "I" sandwiched between the B and E, giving the error its memorable name.
To identify a BIE on a 2013 cent, examine the word LIBERTY under a 10× loupe at an oblique angle with a raking light. The "I" will appear as a raised ridge, not an incuse mark — because it comes from a crack in the die (which is a raised feature on the die surface), it creates a raised element on the coin. A true BIE is unmistakable once you see one; the raised line is typically 1–2mm tall and sits cleanly between the B and E.
The BIE variety is beloved among Lincoln cent specialists and beginning error collectors alike because it is both affordable and easily identified with minimal equipment. On 2013 pennies, BIE errors are worth $5–$15, with the premium scaling up based on the prominence and height of the crack impression and the overall condition of the coin.
Sleeper Pick
$2 – $10+
Die cracks form when a working die reaches the end of its service life and the metal begins to fracture from repeated high-pressure impacts against coin planchets. As the crack grows, it transfers to every coin struck by that die as a raised line of metal — the opposite of a scratch, which would be an incuse mark. On heavily worn dies, multiple cracks can appear simultaneously, a condition numismatists call a "retained die break" or "die cud" when the crack meets the rim.
On 2013 Lincoln cents, notable die cracks typically run through Lincoln's portrait area, across the date, through LIBERTY, or across the reverse shield. The most valuable die cracks are those that pass through a primary design element — Lincoln's face is the most prized location — or those that develop into a retained die break (cud), where a chunk of the die rim breaks away and leaves a blank, raised blob on the coin's edge.
Minor die cracks add only $2–$5 to a coin's value, but prominent die cracks — especially those crossing Lincoln's portrait — or retained die breaks (cuds) can add $5–$10 or more, particularly on uncirculated examples where the die state is clearly visible. Collectors use die crack patterns as fingerprints to match coins to the same die pair, which adds an additional layer of variety collecting depth.
| Mint / Variety | Mint Mark | Mintage | Type | Survival Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia Shield | None | 3,750,400,000 | Business Strike | Extremely common in all circulated grades; MS67RD and above are scarce; MS68RD record: $576 (Heritage, 2018) |
| Denver Shield ★ | D | 3,319,600,000 | Business Strike | Common in all grades through MS67; MS68RD scarce (fewer than 10 PCGS/NGC combined); MS69RD record: $2,750 (Heritage, 2019) |
| San Francisco Proof | S | 1,274,505 | Proof (DCAM) | Never released to circulation; sold in proof sets only; PR70DCAM record: $291 (2019); typical PR65 value: $2–$5 |
| TOTAL | — | 7,071,274,505 | — | Over 7 billion coins — one of the highest combined mintages in Lincoln cent history |
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The table below summarizes current market values across all three 2013 mint varieties and all major condition grades. For a detailed 2013 penny identification walkthrough covering every grade tier with photos, see this in-depth 2013 penny guide and reference. The highlighted row (★) marks the 2013-D, home of the series' top auction record.
| Variety | Worn (G–F) | Circulated (AU) | Uncirculated (MS60–66) | Gem (MS67+) | Proof (PR65–70) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Philadelphia (no mint mark) | $0.01–$0.35 | $0.50–$2 | $2–$10 | $50–$576+ | — |
| 2013-D Denver ★ | $0.01–$0.35 | $0.50–$2 | $2–$10 | $50–$2,750+ | — |
| 2013-S San Francisco Proof | — | — | — | — | $2–$291 |
| Wrong Planchet Error (any mint) | — | $200+ | $300–$700 | $700–$1,050+ | — |
| Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) | $10–$25 | $25–$50 | $50–$150 | $150–$215+ | — |
📱 CoinKnow lets you snap a photo of your 2013 penny and get an instant grade estimate before consulting this chart — a coin identifier and value app.
★ Highlighted row = 2013-D (series auction record holder). Orange-red rows = rarest / error varieties. Values based on PCGS auction data · 2026 edition. Circulated examples of common dates are worth face value only.
Grade is everything on modern Lincoln cents. A coin that looks great in pocket change might grade MS65 — worth 40 cents. The same coin, if it happens to be MS68, could be worth hundreds. Here's how to sort them.
🔎 CoinKnow helps you match your 2013 penny against certified examples for a quick condition estimate on the go — a coin identifier and value app.
The right venue depends on your coin's grade and type. A $2,750 MS69RD belongs at Heritage Auctions. A BIE error worth $10 is better off on eBay. Here's how to choose.
The right choice for PCGS- or NGC-certified 2013 cents graded MS67RD and above, or any wrong-planchet error with documentation. Heritage reaches the deepest pool of serious collectors and has set the key price benchmarks for this series — including the $2,750 MS69RD record. Expect a 10–15% seller's commission, but also the highest realized prices for genuinely rare coins.
The most liquid marketplace for 2013 cents in all grades, including errors like doubled dies, BIE varieties, and off-center strikes. Review recently sold 2013 Shield penny prices and comps to set a realistic starting price before you list. For raw coins (not in PCGS/NGC holders), completed listings are your most reliable pricing source. Seller fees run 12–15%, so factor that into your minimum price.
Fast, convenient, and no listing fees — but expect offers of 40–60% of retail value, since dealers need a margin to resell. Best for circulated common-date 2013 cents where you want instant payment and no shipping hassle. If you have a potentially high-grade coin, get a second opinion from a PCGS- or NGC-authorized dealer before accepting a local offer.
The r/coins and r/coincollecting subreddits have active BST (buy-sell-trade) threads where collectors deal directly without platform fees. Ideal for BIE errors, minor doubled dies, and modest off-center strikes in the $5–$50 range. Post clear, high-resolution photos and state your price upfront. Reputation matters here — new accounts may attract low offers.
Most circulated 2013 pennies are worth only face value — one cent. Uncirculated examples in MS65 grade typically bring $0.35–$0.50. The real premiums appear at MS67 and above, where prices rise into the hundreds. The all-time auction record for any 2013 penny is $2,750 for a 2013-D graded MS69RD by PCGS, sold at Heritage Auctions in January 2019.
The most valuable 2013 penny on record is a 2013-D Lincoln Shield cent graded MS69RD by PCGS, which sold for $2,750 at Heritage Auctions in January 2019. The MS69 grade is extraordinarily rare for any business-strike modern cent. Only a handful of 2013-D coins have been certified at that level, making each one genuinely scarce despite the massive 3.3-billion-coin mintage.
RD stands for Red, the highest color designation for copper-plated zinc cents. It indicates the coin retains at least 95% of its original red copper luster. Coins that have toned to a mix of red and brown are designated RB (Red-Brown), while fully toned pieces are BN (Brown). Red-designated coins command significantly higher premiums than RB or BN examples at the same numeric grade.
In circulated or lower uncirculated grades, the 2013-D penny is not rare — Denver struck over 3.3 billion pieces. True rarity appears only at MS68RD and above. The NGC census lists fewer than ten certified examples in those top grades, and a single MS69RD specimen sold for $2,750 at Heritage Auctions in 2019, confirming that gem-quality survivors are genuinely scarce.
The most valuable 2013 penny errors include wrong-planchet strikes (a coin struck on the wrong metal blank — one MS64 example sold for $1,050), doubled die obverse errors showing doubling in Lincoln's portrait or lettering ($25–$215 range), dramatic off-center strikes with a visible date ($5–$100), BIE die-crack varieties ($5–$15), and miscellaneous die-crack errors across the design ($2–$10 premium).
The U.S. Mint produced a combined total of over 7 billion 2013 Lincoln Shield cents. Philadelphia struck 3,750,400,000 business-strike coins with no mint mark. Denver produced 3,319,600,000 coins bearing the D mint mark. San Francisco produced only 1,274,505 proof coins bearing the S mint mark, all destined for collector proof sets rather than circulation.
The BIE error is a die crack unique to Lincoln cents. A vertical crack forms between the letters B and E in LIBERTY, creating the appearance of a small capital letter I — hence 'BIE.' It results from die fatigue rather than a hub or planchet issue. On 2013 pennies, BIE errors are collectible conversation pieces worth $5–$15, with the premium driven by the crack's size and prominence.
Examine Lincoln's eye, ear, date digits, and the inscriptions LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST under a 10× loupe. A true doubled die shows distinct, separated design elements rather than the blurry machine doubling or mechanical doubling seen on most coins. On 2013 pennies, notable doubled die examples show separation in Lincoln's portrait details. Strong examples are worth $25–$50; a 2013-D MS60 example sold for $215 at Heritage in 2020.
Never clean any coin you plan to sell or submit for grading. Cleaning — even gentle polishing — leaves microscopic hairline scratches that graders can immediately detect under magnification. A cleaned coin receives a 'details' designation from PCGS or NGC, which dramatically reduces its market value. A naturally toned 2013 penny in original condition always sells for more than a cleaned equivalent at the same numeric grade.
Professional grading only makes financial sense for 2013 pennies that appear to grade MS67RD or higher. Grading fees, shipping, and insurance typically run $30–$50 per coin. Since an MS66 example is worth only a few dollars, certification costs would far exceed returns. However, a confirmed MS68RD or MS69RD can sell for hundreds to thousands, making submission worthwhile for exceptional-looking examples with full cartwheel luster and no carbon spots or planchet bubbles.
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