2013 Penny Value Checker: Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

2013 penny value ranges from $0.01 face value to $2,750. That record belongs to a coin graded 69, sold through Heritage Auctions in January 2019. Upload a photo below to get a quick value range for yours. You can also scroll down to check recent eBay sales and see what collectors are paying right now.

 

2013 Penny Value By Variety

The 2013 Lincoln Shield penny was minted at three facilities — Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco — with each variety offering different collectible values depending on condition and rarity.

If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

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

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 2013 Penny Worth Money

The most valuable 2013 pennies prove that even modern coins with billion-piece mintages can reward patient collectors who focus on condition rarity.

The 2013 Philadelphia Shield RD MS68 leads the rankings at $576, a price realized at Heritage Auctions in January 2018. This represents the finest documented Philadelphia example — with PCGS reporting a population of just 5 coins at that grade and none higher.

Denver’s finest known example tells an even more dramatic story. A 2013-D Shield RD MS69 — a grade rarely seen on any modern cent — sold for $2,750 at Heritage Auctions in 2019, setting the current auction record for the entire 2013 Lincoln cent series.

Proof coins from San Francisco follow a different value curve. The 2013-S Shield DCAM PR70 typically sells in the $100–$291 range, reflecting the more accessible population at top proof grades — PCGS reports hundreds of PR70 examples, unlike the razor-thin business strike populations.

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

 

History Of The 2013 Penny

The 2013 Lincoln cent sits at a fascinating crossroads of American numismatic and economic history, representing both artistic continuity and ongoing political debate about the penny’s future.

By 2013, the Union Shield reverse had been in production for four years, firmly replacing the Lincoln Memorial design (1959–2008) that had followed the Wheat reverse. The Shield design was introduced in 2010 to represent Lincoln’s greatest legacy: preserving the Union during the Civil War.

Artist Lyndall Bass won the open design competition run by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts and the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee. Joseph Menna, a sculptor-engraver at the U.S. Mint, translated Bass’s concept into the working hub dies used in production — both artists’ initials “LB” and “JM” appear on the finished coin.

The year 2013 carried special numismatic significance beyond the coins themselves. Canada officially eliminated its own penny on February 4, 2013, reigniting an intense congressional debate about whether the United States should follow suit. According to the U.S. Mint’s 2013 Annual Report, producing each Lincoln cent cost approximately 1.83 cents — meaning the Treasury lost money on every single coin it made.

That year’s production loss totaled roughly $55 million, an economic reality that made the 2013 penny a symbol of broader currency reform discussions. Despite these challenges, demand for cents in everyday commerce remained high, driving the massive mintages at Philadelphia and Denver.

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

 

Is Your 2013 Penny Rare?

Use our Coin Identifier and Value App to assess any 2013 Shield pennies you encounter.

 

Key Features Of The 2013 Penny

The 2013 Lincoln Shield penny blends one of numismatics’ most recognized portraits with a reverse design that is only now entering its second decade of production. Understanding its physical features helps you identify varieties and assess condition accurately.

The Obverse Of The 2013 Penny

The obverse carries Victor David Brenner’s iconic Lincoln portrait, in continuous use since the cent’s debut in 1909 — making it the longest-running portrait on any regularly issued U.S. coin. “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “LIBERTY,” and the date “2013” appear in their standard positions, while Brenner’s initials “VDB” are engraved in tiny letters on Lincoln’s shoulder.

The mint mark, when present, appears just below the date. Philadelphia-struck coins carry no mint mark, Denver coins show a “D,” and San Francisco proof coins bear an “S.”

The Reverse Of The 2013 Penny

The reverse displays Lyndall Bass’s Union Shield design, introduced in 2010 as the permanent successor to the Lincoln Memorial reverse. Thirteen vertical stripes symbolize the original colonies, unified under a horizontal banner inscribed “ONE CENT.”

“UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arcs across the top, “E PLURIBUS UNUM” appears below the shield, and the designer initials “LB” and “JM” flank the bottom banner.

Other Features Of The 2013 Penny

The 2013 penny measures 19.05 millimeters in diameter and weighs 2.5 grams. The composition is 97.5% zinc with a thin copper plating — a formula in place since 1982, when rising copper prices forced the switch from the earlier 95% copper alloy.

The coin has a plain (smooth) edge with no reeding, distinguishing it visually from dimes and quarters.

Also Read: 100 Most Valuable Wheat Pennies Worth Money (1909 to 1958)

 

2013 Penny Mintage & Survival Data

Philadelphia struck 3,750,400,000 business-strike pennies in 2013 — that’s nearly 3.75 billion coins with no mint mark. Denver added another 3,319,600,000 pieces marked with a “D,” bringing the combined circulation mintage to over 7 billion.

San Francisco’s contribution stands in sharp contrast: just 1,274,505 proof coins bearing the “S” mint mark, produced exclusively for collector sets. That’s less than 0.02% of the total 2013 cent production.

What truly drives collector value is not mintage but survival in high grades. Of the billions of Philadelphia and Denver cents struck, the vast majority entered circulation immediately, suffering bag marks, contact damage, and handling wear. PCGS data shows fewer than 10 examples of the 2013-P graded MS68RD and essentially none above that threshold — a striking contrast to the 3.75 billion originally minted.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 2013 Penny Value

Start by checking for a mint mark below the date — no letter means Philadelphia, “D” means Denver, and “S” means a San Francisco proof. Most circulated examples are worth exactly one cent.

Uncirculated coins with full original red (RD) luster and no contact marks can fetch $1–$5 in lower mint state grades; pristine MS67 examples jump into the $10–$30 range. Our Coin Identifier and Value App will check the grade directly.

Look closely for color preservation — Red (RD) means the coin retains over 95% of its original copper-plated surface color and commands the highest prices. Red-Brown (RB) indicates partial toning (5–95% red remaining) and trades at a discount, while Brown (BN) means less than 5% red luster survives.

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

 

2013 Penny Value Guides

The 2013 Lincoln Shield penny was produced in three distinct varieties across different U.S. Mint facilities, each targeting specific distribution channels and collector markets. Understanding these varieties helps collectors identify which 2013 pennies hold premium value beyond face value.

Main 2013 Penny Varieties:

• 2013 No Mint Mark Shield (Philadelphia) — 3,750,400,000 minted; circulated worth face value, uncirculated 10–30 cents; MS68RD record: $576 (Heritage Auctions, 2018)
• 2013-D (Denver) — 3,319,600,000 produced; most worth face value; MS69RD record: $2,750 (Heritage Auctions, 2019)
• 2013-S DCAM Shield (San Francisco) — 1,274,505 proof coins; typically worth $2–$5, PR70DCAM record: $291 (2019)

Each variety serves a different purpose: Philadelphia and Denver coins circulate daily while San Francisco specimens are produced specifically for proof sets and collector use.

 

2013 No Mint Mark Shield Penny Value

The 2013 Philadelphia penny is the most abundant of the three varieties, yet it produces the series’ most dramatic condition-rarity story at the top of the grading scale.

Understanding color grades on Lincoln cents: Red (RD) means a coin retains over 95% original copper surface color — the highest-value designation. Red-Brown (RB) shows partial toning, and Brown (BN) indicates full color change. On modern zinc-core cents, the thin copper plating means RD status requires careful storage from the moment of minting.

PCGS population data tells a compelling story about scarcity. At MS65RD, hundreds of examples exist and the grade is considered common. By MS67RD, the population drops sharply, and at MS68RD — the current record grade — PCGS reports fewer than 5 certified coins. No example has been certified MS69 by either PCGS or NGC for the Philadelphia issue.

The auction record stands at $576, achieved by a PCGS MS68RD example at Heritage Auctions in January 2018. This single data point illustrates the dramatic premium that top-grade modern pennies can command despite their enormous mintages.

Auction records reveal volatile pricing patterns with notable peak performance followed by market corrections in recent years.

Market activity demonstrates relatively stable engagement levels with occasional surges of heightened collector interest.

 

2013-D Shield Penny Value

The 2013-D penny holds the single most impressive auction result of the entire 2013 cent series — a fact that surprises collectors unfamiliar with the Denver issue.

A PCGS MS69RD example realized $2,750 at Heritage Auctions in 2019, making it the record holder for all 2013 Lincoln cents across every variety and mint. MS69 is an extraordinarily high grade for any business-strike cent; PCGS has certified only a handful of 2013-D coins at that level, making each one genuinely rare regardless of the 3.3 billion mintage.

At more accessible grades, the picture changes. MS65RD examples are plentiful and affordable in the $1–$3 range. MS66RD coins sell for around $5–$10. MS67RD specimens — still relatively uncommon — fetch $15–$30. The jump from MS67 to MS68 is where true scarcity begins, with NGC’s census showing fewer than 10 coins at MS68RD and none certified higher at most recent count.

Color designation remains critical. RD coins command the highest prices, RB pieces trade at moderate discounts, and BN examples are collectible only in the finest grades where condition rarity applies.

Auction records show fluctuating prices with periods of stronger and weaker performance.

Market activity displays steady engagement with occasional interest surges.

 

2013-S DCAM Shield Penny Value

The 2013-S proof penny from San Francisco represents the craft side of U.S. Mint production — coins made not for circulation but for collectors who appreciate superb quality and mirror-bright finishes.

Deep Cameo (DCAM) is the highest designation for proof coins. It describes coins with heavily frosted (matte-textured) design elements — Lincoln’s portrait, the shield, and lettering — set against perfectly polished mirror-like fields. When you tilt a DCAM coin under a light, the contrast between frost and mirror is dramatic and beautiful.

Because proof dies are specially prepared and replaced frequently, the San Francisco Mint achieves DCAM quality on a high percentage of its output. PCGS reports hundreds of 2013-S PR70DCAM examples — making perfect grades accessible compared to the razor-thin populations of top-grade business strikes. That accessibility keeps PR70 prices in the $100–$291 range rather than the thousands commanded by MS68–MS69 circulation coins.

The top auction result for this variety is $291, realized by a PCGS PR70DCAM example in 2019. Lower grades (PR67–PR69) are worth $2–$20 depending on DCAM status.

Historical sales reveal varied pricing performance with notable inconsistencies across different time periods.

Trading volume reflects fluctuating collector engagement with shifting activity levels throughout different periods.

2013-S Shield Lyndall Bass Penny

The 2013-S Shield Lyndall Bass penny is a specialized PCGS certification that honors the designer of the Union Shield reverse by name — a numismatic tribute that goes beyond standard grading.

PCGS offers select “First Strike” and designer-recognition holder programs that certify coins with an additional label acknowledging the artist. The Lyndall Bass designation links the coin directly to its creator, making each certified example a piece of living numismatic history. Bass’s design has now been in continuous production for 15 years, and these labeled examples document that legacy for future generations.

Collector demand for this designation drives modest but real premiums over standard certified examples. A PR70 Lyndall Bass example achieved $138 in November 2015, demonstrating that specialized certifications attract a dedicated subset of the numismatic market.

Market activity demonstrates variable collector engagement with pronounced interest spikes followed by more moderate participation levels.

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

 

Rare 2013 Penny Errors List

Error coins arise from mechanical failures during the minting process — misaligned dies, faulty planchets, or worn-out tooling. While no major catalogued variety like a famous doubled die defines the 2013 cent series, several error types have been documented on Shield cents from this era, and some carry real collector value.

1. Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) Errors

A doubled die (DDO on the obverse, DDR on the reverse) occurs during die manufacturing when the hub impression is applied to the die more than once at a slightly different angle. The result is a coin that shows doubling on design elements — Lincoln’s eye, ear, letters in “LIBERTY,” or “IN GOD WE TRUST.”

John Wexler’s Wexler Doubled Die Files document a variety designated 2013 1¢ WDDO-001, showing minor doubling on “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Strong, visually obvious doubled die examples on 2013 pennies sell for $25–$50; minor hub doubling (often called “machine doubling”) has no premium.

2. BIE Errors

BIE errors are among the most collectible die-crack varieties for Lincoln cents. A vertical die crack forms between the “B” and “E” of “LIBERTY,” creating a shape that resembles the letter “I” — hence the name BIE.

These errors result from aging coin dies that develop stress fractures during extended production runs. Values typically range from $5–$15 depending on the prominence of the crack and the coin’s overall grade.

3. Off-Center Strikes

Off-center errors occur when a planchet (blank coin disk) is not properly centered under the dies at the moment of striking. The resulting coin shows the design shifted to one side with a crescent of blank metal on the opposite edge.

Off-center pieces shifted by only 3–5% carry minimal premium. Coins struck 10% or more off-center are worth $5–$10. Dramatic 50% off-center pieces where the full date and mint mark are still visible can reach $50–$100 — a requirement because collectors need to confirm the year and mint.

4. Wrong Planchet Errors

Wrong planchet errors — among the most dramatic and valuable error types — occur when a blank intended for a different coin accidentally enters the cent press. A 2013 Lincoln cent design struck on a dime planchet, for example, produces a coin that is smaller and silver-colored.

Wrong planchet cents are rare and can sell for several hundred dollars to over $1,000 depending on the planchet type and the coin’s condition. Any coin that seems oddly sized or colored compared to a normal cent warrants immediate professional examination.

5. Struck-Through Errors

Struck-through errors occur when a foreign object — a piece of cloth, a grease buildup, or debris — sits between the die and the planchet at the moment of striking. The object leaves a recessed impression or obscures part of the design.

Grease-filled die errors (where die lubricant fills the recessed design, flattening letters or numbers) are the most common type. Values range from a few dollars for minor examples to $20–$50 for dramatic strikes where major design elements are missing.

6. Die Deterioration & Cracks

Extended die use creates a range of visual anomalies: die cracks (raised lines across the design), die chips (small raised blobs where metal flaked from the die), and cuds (large raised areas where an entire die section broke away). A cud error — where a raised blank area replaces part of the rim and design — is the most dramatic and valuable die-break variety, potentially worth $25–$100 on a 2013 cent depending on size and location.

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

 

Where To Sell Your 2013 Penny?

Whether your 2013 penny fetches face value or hundreds depends on choosing the right marketplace. Each selling venue offers distinct advantages and drawbacks that could significantly impact your final payout.

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

 

2013 Penny Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About The 2013 Penny Value

1. Is a 2013-D penny rare?

No — the 2013-D penny is not rare in circulated or lower uncirculated grades. Denver struck over 3.3 billion pieces, so finding one in pocket change is effortless. True rarity only appears at MS68RD and above, where the NGC census lists fewer than 10 certified examples; one MS69RD specimen sold for $2,750 at Heritage Auctions in 2019.

2. How much does a 2013 penny weigh?

The 2013 penny weighs exactly 2.5 grams and measures 19.05 millimeters in diameter. It is composed of 97.5% zinc with a thin copper plating, a composition introduced in 1982 when rising copper prices made the older 95% copper alloy too costly. A genuine cent that weighs significantly more or less may be an error coin worth examining professionally.

3. How much is a 2013-S Shield penny worth?

Most 2013-S proof pennies are worth $2–$5 in grades below PR69. A PR69DCAM (Deep Cameo) example typically sells for $10–$20, and a perfect PR70DCAM can reach $100–$291. The record price of $291 was achieved in 2019. Only 1,274,505 were minted, making this variety far scarcer than the billions of business-strike cents.

4. What does the RD designation mean on a 2013 penny, and why does it matter?

RD stands for Red, meaning the coin retains over 95% of its original copper-plated surface color. RB (Red-Brown) means 5–95% red color remains, and BN (Brown) means less than 5% survives. On a 2013 Lincoln cent, RD examples command the highest prices because the thin copper plating tones quickly; a 2013-P MS68RD sold for $576, while a BN example at the same grade would be worth a fraction of that.

5. What is the most valuable 2013 penny ever sold?

The most valuable 2013 Lincoln cent sold at public auction is a 2013-D Shield RD MS69 graded by PCGS, which realized $2,750 at Heritage Auctions in 2019. This surpasses the Philadelphia issue record of $576 for an MS68RD sold at Heritage Auctions in January 2018. The gap reflects how rare a true MS69 grade is on any modern business-strike cent.

6. What is a 2013 BIE penny error worth?

A BIE error is a die-crack variety where a vertical crack between the “B” and “E” of “LIBERTY” creates a shape resembling the letter “I.” On a 2013 cent, BIE errors are worth approximately $5–$15 depending on the prominence of the crack and the coin’s condition. These are among the most beginner-friendly error coins to search for because they are visible without magnification on good examples.

7. Is there a known doubled die variety on the 2013 penny?

Yes. Researcher John Wexler’s Wexler Doubled Die Files list a 2013 1¢ WDDO-001, showing minor doubling on “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the obverse. Strong, clearly visible doubled die examples are valued at $25–$50. Be cautious of “machine doubling,” which produces a shelf-like flattened look and carries no premium — true hub doubling shows distinct, separated duplicate images of the design elements.

8. Why did Canada eliminating its penny in 2013 matter to U.S. cent collectors?

Canada officially stopped distributing its one-cent coin on February 4, 2013, sparking immediate discussion in the United States about eliminating the American penny as well. This intensified scrutiny of U.S. cent production costs — officially reported at approximately 1.83 cents per coin in the Mint’s 2013 Annual Report, representing a $55 million annual loss. The event made the 2013 penny a historically significant issue, minted during the peak of the “abolish the penny” debate that continues today.

9. How can I tell a 2013 proof penny from a business-strike penny?

Proof pennies (2013-S) are easy to distinguish from business strikes (2013-P and 2013-D) in three ways: they bear the “S” mint mark, they have sharply defined design details with perfectly squared-off edges, and they display mirror-like fields that reflect like a tiny glass surface. Deep Cameo (DCAM) proofs also show a dramatic frosted finish on Lincoln’s portrait and the shield devices, creating a stark white-on-mirror contrast that business strikes never exhibit.

10. Should I clean my 2013 penny before selling it?

Never clean a coin you intend to sell to collectors. Cleaning — even with mild soap and water — removes the natural surface patina and leaves microscopic scratches called “hairlines” that are immediately visible to graders under magnification. A cleaned coin that would otherwise grade MS65 or higher will receive a “Cleaned” or “Improperly Cleaned” designation from PCGS or NGC, essentially destroying its collector value. Store potential premium examples in a soft plastic flip or coin tube, away from humidity and air exposure, and let professionals handle grading.