1991 Penny Value Checker: Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

The 1991 Lincoln cent was struck at a turning point in world history. On December 25th of that year, the Soviet Union officially collapsed, marking the end of the Cold War. That same year, the United States Mint churned out over 9.3 billion Lincoln cents — a staggering production record for modern U.S. coinage.

Because so many were made, most 1991 pennies in your pocket change are worth exactly face value. But a small number of these coins — those in near-perfect condition or with documented minting errors — have sold for hundreds or even thousands of dollars at major auction houses.

1991 Penny Value Checker

Identify 1991 Penny D, S and No Mint Mark Price

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1991 Penny Value By Variety

The 1991 penny comes in three main types based on where it was struck. Each mint produced coins with slightly different characteristics, and condition plays a huge role in how much each is worth.

The table below gives you a quick summary. If you already know your coin’s grade (the number from 1 to 70 that describes its condition), scroll down to the Value Guides section to find the exact price.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Modern Pennies Worth Money (1959 – Present)

Top 10 Most Valuable 1991 Penny Worth Money

The 1991-D RD MS69 penny sits at the very top of the value chart with its record-breaking $11,400 sale — more than ten times higher than any other 1991 variety. PCGS graded its very first MS69RD example of the 1991-D back in May 1993, and it took another four years before a second example was verified by their grading team.

The second-highest result is the 1991 Philadelphia RD MS68 at $1,116, sold at Heritage Auctions on April 26, 2017. The fact that a no-mint-mark Philadelphia coin in MS68 can beat out most proof examples shows just how powerful condition is in this series.

The remaining positions in the top 10 cluster between $15 and $81, offering realistic entry points for collectors who want high-quality 1991 examples without chasing the ultra-rare MS69 tier.

Also Read: Value Of Old Pennies By Year (1959-Present)

History of the 1991 Penny

The 1991 penny belongs to the Lincoln cent series, which first appeared in 1909 to honor Abraham Lincoln on the centennial of his birth. Victor David Brenner designed the right-facing portrait on the obverse — and his tiny “VDB” initials can be spotted at the very base of Lincoln’s bust.

Frank Gasparro designed the Lincoln Memorial reverse in 1959, replacing the original wheat stalks design that collectors still call “Wheat Cents.” His initials “FG” appear just to the right of the Memorial building. By 1991, this iconic design had been in continuous production for 32 years.

The composition of the penny has changed significantly over the decades. It started at 95% copper from 1909 through 1942, briefly shifted to zinc-coated steel in 1943 due to wartime copper shortages, then returned to a copper-heavy alloy through 1982. By 1991, the penny had been made of 97.5% zinc with just a thin 2.5% copper plating for nearly a decade.

The year 1991 brought economic headwinds to American coinage. The Gulf War Recession ran from July 1990 to March 1991, contracting GDP by 1.4% and pushing unemployment to 7.8%. According to PCGS, this downturn made Denver’s 1991 output the lowest annual cent production for that facility during the entire decade of the 1990s.

Despite the recession, total combined output from Philadelphia and Denver exceeded 9.2 billion pieces. The 1991 Uncirculated Coin Set, which included one example from each mint, sold 1,352,101 units at an original issue price of $11.00 — equivalent to about $26.48 in today’s dollars when adjusted for inflation.

Also Read: Top 100 Rarest Pennies Worth Money (1787 – Present)

Is Your 1991 Penny Rare?

You can choose our Coin Value Checker App to explore the precise rarity assessment for your specific 1991 penny variety.

Key Features of the 1991 Penny

Before you can assess your 1991 penny’s value, you need to know exactly what you’re looking at. Here’s a breakdown of what makes this coin tick — starting with the design and ending with the details that matter most for grading.

The Obverse Of The 1991 Penny

Abraham Lincoln’s right-facing portrait dominates the obverse. He is shown wearing a formal suit with a bowtie, and the phrase IN GOD WE TRUST arcs along the top edge of the coin.

The word LIBERTY appears on the left side of the coin, just behind Lincoln’s shoulder. The year “1991” sits in front of him on the right, and on Denver-minted coins, a small “D” appears directly below the date.

The Reverse of The 1991 Penny

The reverse shows the Lincoln Memorial building in detailed relief. If you look closely with a magnifier, you can actually see a tiny seated statue of Lincoln inside the structure — making him the only U.S. president to appear on both sides of the same coin.

Frank Gasparro’s initials “FG” are located just to the right of the Memorial. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA runs across the top, with E PLURIBUS UNUM (meaning “out of many, one”) below it, and ONE CENT at the very bottom.

Other Features of the 1991 Penny

The 1991 Lincoln penny is made of copper-plated zinc. It has a plain (smooth) edge, measures 19.05 millimeters in diameter, weighs 2.50 grams, and is 1.52mm thick.

This coin comes in three color designations that graders use to describe how much original red luster remains:

• RD (Red) — Mostly original copper-red color; the least circulated and most valuable.
• RB (Red-Brown) — A mix of red and brown toning from partial circulation.
• BN (Brown) — Fully toned from heavy use; the lowest premium among the three.

In practical terms, an RD coin at MS65 can be worth several times more than the same grade in BN. Always look for coins that still show bright, original copper luster under good lighting.

Also Read: Lincoln Wheat Penny Value (1909-1958)

1991 Penny Mintage & Survival Data

Philadelphia led all three facilities with 5,165,940,000 pieces, while Denver contributed 4,158,442,076 — the lowest yearly output from Denver during the entire 1990s. The San Francisco Mint produced approximately 2,867,787 proof-only pieces for collector sets.

After more than three decades, Philadelphia’s coins show a 40.65% survival rate, with roughly 2.1 billion specimens still in collections or circulation. Denver coins actually show a slightly higher 50% preservation rate, partly because many were saved directly from the 1991 U.S. Mint Uncirculated Coin Set.

The San Francisco proof coins are in a different category entirely — struck for collectors and rarely spent, so survival rates are high but exact documentation is limited. These proof coins were distributed in complete proof sets alongside other denominations and were never released to general circulation.

Also Read: 100 Most Valuable Indian Head Penny Coins Worth Money (1859 – 1909)

The Easy Way to Know Your 1991 Penny Value

Grading a 1991 penny yourself takes practice. You’ll want to examine Lincoln’s hair strands, the clarity of his beard, the sharpness of the Memorial columns, and the visibility of the “FG” initials on the reverse.

Surface preservation matters just as much as strike quality. A coin with original red luster (RD designation) in MS65 is far more valuable than a MS65 Brown (BN) example — the color tells you how well the coin was stored and handled over the past three decades.

Coin Value Checker App streamlines this process with instant image analysis, giving you a professional condition assessment and current market values for your 1991 penny without needing years of experience.

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1991 Penny Value Guides

Philadelphia and Denver together struck over 9.3 billion circulation coins, while San Francisco focused exclusively on deep-mirror proof specimens for collectors. Here’s a full breakdown of each variety.

1991 Penny Types:

• 1991 No Mint Mark (Philadelphia)
• 1991-D (Denver)
• 1991-S DCAM (San Francisco)

1991 No Mint Mark Penny Value

Philadelphia produced 5,165,940,000 pennies in 1991 — one of the highest single-year mintages in U.S. coinage history. You won’t find a mint mark on these coins because Philadelphia didn’t add a “P” to cent coins during this era.

Despite the enormous mintage, finding a Philadelphia 1991 penny in truly pristine condition is harder than you’d expect. According to PCGS expert Jaime Hernandez, the coin is fairly common up to MS67 but anything at MS68 or higher is considered scarce and very desirable.

The auction record for this variety is held by a PCGS MS68+RD specimen that sold for $1,116.25 at Heritage Auctions on April 26, 2017. MS67 examples typically bring around $31, while MS65 coins can be found for under $10.

Circulated examples with no special attributes are worth face value. The real premium exists only at the highest mint state grades, especially in the RD (Red) color designation, where populations drop sharply above MS67.

The auction history for the Philadelphia 1991 cent shows a clear pattern: condition is everything, and top-grade certified examples consistently attract competitive bidding from advanced Lincoln cent collectors.

Market activity for this variety remains steady, driven primarily by registry set collectors competing for the highest-graded examples and type collectors building complete Lincoln Memorial sets.

1991-D Penny Value

Denver struck 4,158,442,076 pennies in 1991. Although that figure sounds massive, it was actually the lowest annual cent output from the Denver Mint during the entire 1990s — a direct result of the Gulf War Recession reducing demand for new coins.

You can identify a 1991-D penny by the small “D” mint mark located just below the date on the obverse. The 1991 Uncirculated Coin Set (which originally sold for $11.00) is the most likely source for high-grade examples, with many coins from those sets grading PCGS MS67RD or better.

PCGS certified its first MS69RD example of the 1991-D in May 1993, and it took four more years before a second was verified. Fewer than 50 coins across all grading services have reached MS69 — which explains the enormous premium this grade commands.

The all-time auction record belongs to a PCGS MS69RD example that sold in 2010 for $5,405. More recent sales of MS69RD specimens have reportedly reached as high as $11,400. MS67 coins are a realistic target for most collectors at around $26, while MS68 examples bring approximately $130.

The Denver 1991 cent has established a compelling auction track record, with the dramatic spread between MS67 and MS69 values making it one of the most exciting modern Lincoln cent dates to chase in top grades.

The 1991-D penny market stays particularly active, driven by collectors who understand how rare a truly gem-quality Denver cent from this year really is despite the huge original mintage.

1991-S DCAM Penny Value

San Francisco produced approximately 2,867,787 proof Lincoln cents in 1991 — all of them struck exclusively for collector sets, never for general circulation. The “S” mint mark under the date identifies these coins.

The DCAM designation stands for Deep Cameo, which is the premium proof finish where devices (the raised design elements like Lincoln’s portrait) show heavy frosting while the background fields are mirror-bright. This sharp contrast is what separates a DCAM from a standard proof.

A typical 1991-S proof penny is worth $2 to $45 depending on grade, with PR69DCAM examples typically trading under $10. The top recorded auction price for this variety is $661 for a PCGS PR70DCAM specimen sold in 2003. More recent PR70DCAM examples have been bid to around $26 at current auctions — an accessible price point for a perfect-grade proof.

The San Francisco 1991 proof cent appeals to collectors who want a perfect, flawless example of the Lincoln Memorial cent at an affordable price — especially compared to the thousands required for an MS69 circulation strike.

Current market activity for DCAM proof specimens stays consistent, with the primary demand coming from proof set collectors and those seeking PR70 examples for registry submissions.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Modern Pennies Worth Money (1959 – Present)

Rare 1991 Penny Error List Worth Money

With over 9.3 billion 1991 pennies produced at high speed, minting errors were inevitable. Some of these errors add real collector value. Here is every major error type documented for the 1991 Lincoln cent, along with what each is worth.

1. 1991-D Doubled Die Reverse — Extra Memorial Columns (FS-01-1991D-801)

This is the most significant and well-documented variety in the entire 1991 Lincoln cent series. It is officially listed in the Cherrypickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties as FS-01-1991D-801 and was discovered in circulated rolls in November 2010.

The variety was first attributed by die variety researchers John Wexler (who catalogued it as WDDR-001) and Billy Crawford (CDDR-001). It was featured in Die Variety News Issue #19 (December 2010) and written up in Coin World in January 2011. Using at least 10x magnification, look for extra columns inside the Lincoln Memorial building in bays 2, 3, 9, 10, and 11, plus an extra column to the left of the first Memorial column.

The strongest known example (WDDR-001) sells for $100–$150 in MS64 Red condition and $200 or more at MS65 Red. Lesser varieties showing the extra columns typically bring $25–$75 depending on grade.

2. 1991 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)

Doubled die errors happen during the die-making process when the hub impresses the design onto the die more than once at slightly different angles. On the 1991 Lincoln cent obverse, look for doubling on the word LIBERTY, the date “1991,” the motto IN GOD WE TRUST, and Lincoln’s eye or bowtie.

True, strong DDO examples from 1991 are scarce — most cases are very minor. Clear examples with distinct separation bring strong premiums, especially in mint state grades. Moderate DDO coins in circulated condition can fetch $20–$50, while clean uncirculated examples have sold for $100–$350 at specialized error coin auctions.

3. 1991 Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) — General

Beyond the FS-801 variety described above, other DDR varieties exist on the 1991 Lincoln cent. Look for doubling on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and ONE CENT around the reverse perimeter.

The letters “A” and “M” in AMERICA are prime locations for doubling — check for separation lines, notching, or shadow effects. General DDR coins in circulated condition with visible doubling sell for $20–$50, while uncirculated examples can reach $50–$100.

4. 1991 BIE Die Crack Error

The BIE error is a classic Lincoln cent variety unique to this series. It occurs when a vertical die crack develops between the “B” and “E” in LIBERTY, and the raised metal from that crack creates what looks like a capital “I” — making the word appear to read “BIERTY” or “BIE.”

This happens because each die strike applies about 40 tons of force, causing stress fractures to develop over time in the hardened steel die. The 1991 BIE penny typically sells for $5–$15 in circulated condition, with clear and prominent examples in mint state reaching $30–$50. Because so many 1991 dies were used, BIE varieties from this year are among the more accessible and affordable Lincoln cent errors.

5. 1991 Strike-Through Error

Strike-through errors occur when a foreign object — grease, cloth fiber, dust, or debris — becomes trapped between the die and the coin blank during striking. The object leaves its impression on the finished coin as a missing or mushy area in the design.

Grease-filled die errors (where grease plugs the die cavity) can cause letters or design elements to appear flat or missing entirely. In mint state condition, a 1991 strike-through penny error is worth $25 or slightly more, depending on how dramatic the affected area is and what design element was obscured.

6. 1991 Off-Center Strike

Off-center strikes happen when the blank planchet isn’t properly centered between the dies during the high-speed production process. The result is a coin where the design is shifted to one side, with a plain crescent of blank metal visible on the opposite edge.

Minor off-center strikes of 1–3% are relatively common and worth little. The sweet spot for collectors is 40–60% off-center, where part of the design is still visible enough to identify the coin. A 1991 penny that is 25% or more off-center is worth $25–$100 depending on how dramatic the error looks; 40–50% off-center examples with the date still visible can reach $100–$200.

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7. 1991 Broadstrike Error

Broadstrike errors occur when the retaining collar that normally holds the planchet in a precise 19mm circle fails to engage. Without that collar, the metal spreads outward under the striking force, creating a coin that’s wider and thinner than normal.

A genuine broadstrike will measure 20–21mm or more across, compared to the standard 19mm. The edge will appear flat and unnaturally thin rather than having the rounded rim of a normal penny. Circulated 1991 broadstrikes sell for $15–$30, while uncirculated examples command $30–$50. Extreme examples showing 2–3mm of expansion can reach $60–$100.

8. 1991 Clipped Planchet Error

Clipped planchet errors are created at the blank-cutting stage, before the coins ever reach the striking presses. When the metal strip isn’t advanced properly between punching cycles, the punch overlaps a previous hole, cutting a crescent-shaped notch from the new blank.

The finished coin will have a clearly missing section along one edge. Small clips removing 5–10% of the planchet sell for $5–$15. Medium clips (15–25% missing) bring $20–$40 depending on what design elements remain visible.

9. 1991 Unplated Zinc (Missing Copper Plating) Error

This error type became possible only after 1982, when the Mint switched to copper-plated zinc composition. Occasionally, a zinc planchet misses the copper electroplating process entirely or receives incomplete plating, leaving a silver-gray appearance where copper should be.

These coins are often mistaken for “silver pennies” by people unfamiliar with the error. True unplated zinc error coins (where the zinc was never plated from the start) are worth $50 or more when authenticated. Be aware that many “silver” 1991 pennies are simply coins whose copper plating was chemically stripped after minting — those are only worth face value. A coin grader can tell the difference by weight and surface characteristics.

Also Read: 42 Rare Penny Errors List with Pictures (By Year)

Where to Sell Your 1991 Penny?

No matter what condition your 1991 Penny is in, choosing the right selling platform is crucial for maximizing its value. Ready to explore the pros and cons of various online selling platforms and find the perfect sales channel for your 1991 Penny?

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

1991 Penny Market Trend

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

FAQ About The 1991 Penny Value, Errors, and Varieties

1. What makes a 1991 Lincoln Memorial penny rare?

Close to 9.3 billion 1991 pennies were struck across all three mints, so the coin itself is not rare in the traditional sense. What makes individual examples rare is extreme condition or a documented minting error. The 1991-D in MS69RD grade has fewer than 50 certified examples across all grading services combined, making that specific grade genuinely scarce. Error varieties like the FS-01-1991D-801 doubled die reverse are also rare — only a handful of confirmed examples exist.

2. Is a 1991 Lincoln Memorial penny worth collecting?

Yes, for two reasons. First, building a complete Lincoln Memorial cent date set is a popular and achievable goal for new collectors, and the 1991 is a required date. Second, high-grade RD examples — especially 1991-D coins graded MS68 or above — have a documented track record of appreciating in value at auction. The 1991-D MS69RD went from a $5,405 sale in 2010 to over $11,000 in more recent transactions, showing solid long-term growth.

3. How can I tell a 1991 Philadelphia penny from a 1991 Denver penny?

Look directly below the date on the obverse (front) of your coin. Philadelphia pennies have no letter there — they are blank below “1991.” Denver pennies show a small “D” in that same spot. San Francisco proof pennies show a small “S.” This mint mark check takes only a few seconds and immediately tells you which of the three varieties you have.

4. What is the most valuable 1991 penny ever sold?

The highest confirmed sale for a 1991 Lincoln cent is approximately $11,400 for a PCGS MS69RD example of the 1991-D variety. Among no-mint-mark Philadelphia coins, the record is $1,116.25 for a PCGS MS68+RD specimen sold at Heritage Auctions on April 26, 2017. For proof coins, the top recorded price is $661 for a PCGS PR70DCAM 1991-S, sold in 2003.

5. What is the 1991-D extra columns variety and how do I find it?

This is the most important variety in the 1991 series, listed as FS-01-1991D-801 in the Cherrypickers’ Guide. It shows extra architectural columns inside the Lincoln Memorial building on the reverse, visible at 10x magnification or stronger. Focus on Memorial bays 2, 3, 9, 10, and 11 — you may also see an extra column to the left of the first normal column. This variety was discovered in November 2010 and was covered in both Die Variety News and Coin World. Strong examples sell for $100–$200 in uncirculated condition.

6. Why do some 1991 pennies look silver? Are they valuable?

Most “silver” 1991 pennies are simply coins whose thin copper plating was chemically stripped away after leaving the Mint — exposing the zinc core underneath. These altered coins are worth only face value. However, genuine unplated zinc error coins (where the planchet was never copper-plated in the first place) are authentic mint errors worth $50 or more when authenticated by PCGS or NGC. You can tell the difference by weight — a normal 1991 penny weighs exactly 2.50 grams, and genuine unplated errors may weigh slightly less.

7. What does RD, RB, and BN mean on a 1991 penny?

These are color designations assigned by grading services like PCGS and NGC to describe how much of the original copper-red surface luster remains. RD (Red) means at least 95% original red luster — the most valuable designation. RB (Red-Brown) means 5–94% red remaining, with the rest turned brown. BN (Brown) means less than 5% red luster remains. For a 1991 penny, an RD example at MS65 can be worth significantly more than an RB or BN example at the same grade number.

8. Should I have my 1991 penny professionally graded by PCGS or NGC?

Only if your coin appears to be worth $200 or more. Professional grading through PCGS or NGC costs $100–$150 per coin when you factor in membership, grading fees, handling, and shipping. If you have a 1991-D that shows exceptional luster and appears to grade MS68 or higher, or if you have what looks like the extra-columns doubled die variety, certification makes financial sense. For common circulated or low-grade uncirculated examples, the cost of grading far exceeds any potential return.

9. How does the BIE error differ from a doubled die on a 1991 penny?

These are two completely different types of errors. A doubled die forms during the die-making process when the design is impressed onto the die more than once at slightly different positions, creating a doubled image on every coin struck with that die. A BIE error forms much later — during the actual coin-striking production — when the repeated force of striking (about 40 tons per strike) causes a vertical stress crack to develop in the die between the “B” and “E” in LIBERTY. The crack fills with metal during striking, creating a raised line that looks like a letter “I.” BIE errors are worth $5–$50; strong doubled die errors are worth considerably more.

10. Will the value of a 1991 penny increase over time?

For common circulated examples, meaningful price appreciation is unlikely in the near future given the enormous surviving population. However, the top-grade certified examples have a documented history of increasing in value. The 1991-D MS69RD nearly doubled in auction price between 2010 and the most recent sales. As the Lincoln Memorial cent series (1959–2008) continues to attract dedicated collectors, competition for the best examples at the top of the population will intensify. The best strategy is to focus on RD-designated coins at MS67 or above from Denver, where populations thin out dramatically and future value growth is most realistic.