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

1991 Penny value ranges from $0.01 face value to $11,400. That record was set by a Grade 69 example sold through Heritage Auctions in February 2022. Upload a photo of yours below and we’ll give you a quick value range. You can also scroll down to check recent eBay sales and see what buyers are paying today.

 

1991 Penny Value By Variety

Three mints struck 1991 pennies, and condition drives the price more than anything else. Here’s 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 owns the top spot at $11,400 — more than ten times the next closest 1991 variety. PCGS graded its very first MS69RD example of the 1991-D back in May 1993. Then four years passed before a second one made the cut. That kind of scarcity at the top-pop level is what fuels five-figure bids.

Second place goes to a Philadelphia 1991 RD MS68 at $1,116, sold at Heritage Auctions on April 26, 2017. A no-mint-mark coin beating out most proofs? That tells you everything about what condition does in this series.

The rest of the top 10 falls between $15 and $81 — realistic entry points if you want a high-quality 1991 penny without chasing the MS69 unicorn.

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

 

History of the 1991 Penny

The 1991 penny is part of the Lincoln cent series, launched in 1909 for the centennial of Lincoln’s birth. Victor David Brenner designed the obverse portrait — his tiny “VDB” initials sit at the base of Lincoln’s bust.

Frank Gasparro’s Lincoln Memorial reverse replaced the wheat stalks design in 1959. His initials “FG” appear just right of the Memorial building. By 1991, this reverse had been running for 32 straight years.

Composition changed a lot over the decades. The cent started at 95% copper, went to zinc-coated steel in 1943 for the war effort, then back to a copper-heavy alloy through 1982. By 1991, pennies had been 97.5% zinc with a thin 2.5% copper plating for nearly ten years.

Here’s the fun detail for 1991: the Gulf War Recession hit from July 1990 to March 1991, shrinking GDP by 1.4% and pushing unemployment to 7.8%. According to PCGS, that downturn made Denver’s 1991 output the lowest annual cent production for that facility during the entire 1990s.

Even so, Philadelphia and Denver combined for over 9.2 billion pieces. The 1991 Uncirculated Coin Set sold 1,352,101 units at an original issue price of $11.00 — about $26.48 in today’s dollars adjusted for inflation.

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

 

Is Your 1991 Penny Rare?

With 9+ billion struck, the 1991 penny itself is common. What’s rare is the grade. The Denver mint mark actually has the tightest bottleneck at the top — fewer than 50 coins have ever reached MS69 across all services. Philadelphia coins hit a wall at MS68. Meanwhile, the S-mint proofs are easy to find in high grades because they were babied from day one. So “rare” here is entirely about condition, not the coin.

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

 

Key Features of the 1991 Penny

Knowing what you’re looking at is step one. Here’s a walkthrough of the design details and specs that matter for grading.

The Obverse Of The 1991 Penny

Lincoln’s right-facing portrait fills the obverse. He’s wearing a formal suit with a bowtie, and IN GOD WE TRUST arcs along the top rim.

LIBERTY sits on the left side, behind Lincoln’s shoulder. The date “1991” is in front of him on the right. On Denver coins, look for a small “D” directly below the date.

The Reverse of The 1991 Penny

Flip it over and you’ll see the Lincoln Memorial in detailed relief. Grab a magnifier and look between the columns — there’s a tiny seated Lincoln statue inside. That makes him the only U.S. president on both sides of the same coin.

Frank Gasparro’s “FG” initials sit just right of the Memorial. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA runs across the top, E PLURIBUS UNUM below it, and ONE CENT at the bottom.

Other Features of the 1991 Penny

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

Graders assign one of three color designations based on 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.

An RD coin at MS65 can be worth several times more than the same grade in BN. Always check under good lighting for that bright, original copper luster.

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

 

1991 Penny Mintage & Survival Data

Philadelphia led with 5,165,940,000 pieces. Denver added 4,158,442,076 — the lowest yearly cent output from Denver during the entire 1990s. San Francisco struck approximately 2,867,787 proof-only pieces for collector sets.

To put Philadelphia’s number in perspective, that’s roughly 20 pennies for every man, woman, and child in the U.S. at the time. Yet only about 40.65% survive today — around 2.1 billion coins still in collections or loose change jars. Denver actually has a slightly higher 50% survival rate, partly because so many were pulled straight from 1991 Uncirculated Coin Sets and tucked away.

San Francisco proofs are a completely different kind of rare. They were struck for collectors, sold in sealed sets, and almost never spent. Survival rates are high, but exact population data is limited.

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 check Lincoln’s hair strands, the sharpness of his beard, how crisp the Memorial columns look, and whether you can read the “FG” initials on the reverse.

Color matters just as much as strike. An MS65 RD coin is worth far more than an MS65 BN — the color tells you how well that penny was stored for the last 30-plus years.

Coin Identifier and Value 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.

 

1991 Penny Value Guides

Philadelphia and Denver combined for over 9.3 billion circulation strikes, while San Francisco focused on deep-mirror proofs for collectors. Here’s the full breakdown by variety.

1991 Penny Types:

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

 

1991 No Mint Mark Penny Value

Here’s a common misconception: with 5,165,940,000 struck, people assume every 1991 Philadelphia penny is worthless. Not true. Finding one in truly pristine condition is surprisingly tough.

You won’t see a mint mark on these — Philadelphia didn’t stamp a “P” on cents during this era. According to PCGS expert Jaime Hernandez, the coin is fairly common up to MS67, but anything at MS68 or higher is scarce and very desirable.

The auction record belongs to a PCGS MS68+RD specimen that sold for $1,116.25 at Heritage Auctions on April 26, 2017. MS67 examples run about $31. MS65 coins? Under $10. Circulated pieces with nothing special going on are worth face value. The real money only shows up at the highest mint state grades in RD, where populations drop off a cliff above MS67.

The auction history tells a simple story: condition is everything. Top-grade slabbed examples consistently draw competitive bids from advanced Lincoln cent collectors building registry sets.

Demand stays steady, mostly driven by registry set competition and type collectors filling out Lincoln Memorial sets.

 

1991-D Penny Value

A $0.01 coin that sold for $11,400. That’s the 1991-D in MS69RD, and I think it’s one of the most dramatic price jumps in the modern Lincoln cent series.

Denver struck 4,158,442,076 pennies in 1991 — sounds massive, but it was the lowest annual cent output from Denver during the entire 1990s, thanks to the Gulf War Recession cutting coin demand. Look for the small “D” just below the date on the obverse.

PCGS certified its first MS69RD in May 1993. Four more years passed before a second one showed up. Fewer than 50 coins across all grading services have ever reached MS69 — that’s the kind of scarcity that justifies five figures.

The earliest confirmed MS69RD auction was $5,405 in 2010. More recent sales have reportedly hit $11,400. For most collectors, MS67 at around $26 is the realistic target. MS68 examples bring approximately $130. The 1991 Uncirculated Coin Set (originally $11.00) is your best hunting ground for high-grade raw examples.

The spread between MS67 and MS69 values makes this one of the most exciting modern Lincoln cents to chase in top grades. A huge gap separates affordable coins from five-figure trophies.

This variety stays active in the market. Collectors who understand how rare a gem-quality Denver cent from 1991 really is keep coming back for it.

 

1991-S DCAM Penny Value

Want a perfect-grade coin without spending thousands? This is your variety. San Francisco produced approximately 2,867,787 proof Lincoln cents in 1991, all for collector sets, never for circulation. The “S” mint mark sits under the date.

DCAM stands for Deep Cameo — that’s the premium proof finish where the raised design elements show heavy frosting against mirror-bright fields. That sharp contrast is what separates a DCAM from a standard proof, and it’s what you want to see.

A typical 1991-S proof penny runs $2 to $45 depending on grade. PR69DCAM examples usually trade under $10. The top recorded auction price is $661 for a PCGS PR70DCAM sold in 2003. More recent PR70DCAM coins have gone for around $26 — we think that’s one of the best deals in modern proof coinage.

The 1991-S proof appeals to collectors who want a flawless Lincoln Memorial cent at an affordable price — especially next to the thousands you’d need for an MS69 circulation strike.

Market activity for DCAM proofs stays consistent, with demand coming from proof set collectors and registry chasers hunting PR70 examples.

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

 

Rare 1991 Penny Error List Worth Money

Over 9.3 billion pennies at high-speed production means errors were guaranteed. Some of them add serious collector value. Here’s every major error type documented for the 1991 Lincoln cent and what each is worth.

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

This is the big one for 1991. It’s officially listed in the Cherrypickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties as FS-01-1991D-801 and was discovered in circulated rolls in November 2010.

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

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

2. 1991 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)

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

True, strong DDO examples from 1991 are scarce. Most are very minor. Clear examples with distinct separation pull strong premiums, especially slabbed in mint state. Moderate DDO coins in circulated grades fetch $20–$50. 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 above, other DDR varieties exist on the 1991 cent. Look for doubling on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and ONE CENT around the reverse rim.

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

4. 1991 BIE Die Crack Error

This is a classic Lincoln cent variety. A vertical die crack develops between the “B” and “E” in LIBERTY, and the raised metal from that crack looks like a capital “I” — making the word read “BIERTY” or “BIE.”

Each die strike applies about 40 tons of force. Over thousands of strikes, stress fractures develop. The 1991 BIE penny typically sells for $5–$15 in circulated condition, with clear, 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 Lincoln cent errors. Good starter error coin.

5. 1991 Strike-Through Error

Strike-throughs happen when a foreign object — grease, cloth fiber, dust, debris — gets trapped between the die and planchet during striking. The object leaves its impression as a missing or mushy area in the design.

Grease-filled die errors can cause letters or design elements to appear flat or completely absent. In mint state, a 1991 strike-through penny is worth $25 or slightly more, depending on how dramatic the affected area is and which design element got hit.

6. 1991 Off-Center Strike

Off-center strikes happen when the planchet isn’t properly seated between the dies. The design shifts to one side, leaving a plain crescent of blank metal on the opposite edge.

Minor off-center strikes of 1–3% are common and worth little. The sweet spot is 40–60% off-center with enough design remaining to identify the coin. A 1991 penny that’s 25% or more off-center is worth $25–$100. Examples at 40–50% off-center with the date still visible can reach $100–$200.

7. 1991 Broadstrike Error

A broadstrike happens when the retaining collar fails to engage during striking. Without that collar holding the planchet to a precise 19mm circle, the metal spreads outward, creating a wider, thinner coin.

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

8. 1991 Clipped Planchet Error

Clipped planchets are created at the blank-cutting stage, before striking even begins. When the metal strip doesn’t advance properly between punching cycles, the punch overlaps a previous hole and cuts a crescent-shaped notch from the new blank.

The finished coin has 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 are still visible.

9. 1991 Unplated Zinc (Missing Copper Plating) Error

This error only became possible after 1982 when the Mint switched to copper-plated zinc. Sometimes a zinc planchet skips the copper electroplating step entirely or gets incomplete coverage, leaving a silver-gray appearance.

People often mistake these for “silver pennies.” True unplated zinc errors — where the zinc was never plated from the start — are worth $50 or more when authenticated. But many “silver” 1991 pennies are just coins with the copper chemically stripped off after minting. Those are worth face value. A grading service 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?

The coin itself isn’t rare — close to 9.3 billion were struck across all three mints. What’s rare is extreme condition or a documented minting error. The 1991-D in MS69RD has fewer than 50 certified examples across all grading services combined. Error varieties like the FS-01-1991D-801 doubled die reverse are also genuinely scarce, with only a handful of confirmed examples.

2. Is a 1991 Lincoln Memorial penny worth collecting?

Absolutely. It’s a required date for anyone building a complete Lincoln Memorial set. Beyond that, high-grade RD examples — especially 1991-D coins graded MS68 or above — have a solid track record of appreciating at auction. The 1991-D MS69RD went from $5,405 in 2010 to over $11,000 in more recent transactions.

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

Look directly below the date on the front. Philadelphia pennies have no letter — blank below “1991.” Denver pennies show a small “D.” San Francisco proofs show a small “S.” Takes about two seconds.

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

The highest confirmed sale is approximately $11,400 for a PCGS MS69RD 1991-D. For Philadelphia, the record is $1,116.25 for a PCGS MS68+RD specimen sold at Heritage Auctions on April 26, 2017. For proofs, the top 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 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. Discovered in November 2010, it 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 just had their copper plating chemically stripped after leaving the Mint, exposing the zinc core. Those are worth face value. Genuine unplated zinc errors — where the planchet was never copper-plated in the first place — are real mint errors worth $50 or more when authenticated by PCGS or NGC. A normal 1991 penny weighs exactly 2.50 grams; genuine unplated errors may weigh slightly less.

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

These are color designations from PCGS and NGC describing how much original copper-red luster remains. RD (Red) means at least 95% original red — the most valuable. RB (Red-Brown) means 5–94% red remaining. BN (Brown) means less than 5% red luster. An RD example at MS65 can be worth significantly more than an RB or BN at the same grade number.

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

Only if your coin looks like it’s worth $200 or more. Grading costs $100–$150 per coin when you add up membership, fees, handling, and shipping. If you have a 1991-D with exceptional luster that appears to grade MS68 or higher, or what looks like the extra-columns doubled die variety, getting it slabbed makes financial sense. For common circulated or low-grade uncirculated pieces, the grading fee would eat any potential return.

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

Completely different errors. A doubled die forms during die-making when the design gets impressed more than once at slightly different positions — every coin from that die shows the doubling. A BIE error forms later, during actual production, when repeated 40-ton strikes cause a vertical stress crack between the “B” and “E” in LIBERTY. That crack fills with metal and creates a raised line that looks like an “I.” BIE errors are worth $5–$50; strong doubled dies are worth considerably more.

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

For common circulated examples, probably not — there are just too many survivors. But top-grade certified coins have a documented history of climbing. The 1991-D MS69RD nearly doubled between 2010 and recent sales. As the Lincoln Memorial series (1959–2008) keeps attracting dedicated collectors, competition for top-pop examples will only get tighter. Your best bet is to focus on RD-designated coins at MS67 or above from Denver, where populations thin out fast and future growth looks most realistic.