2016 Penny Value Checker: Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

In 2018, a seemingly ordinary 2016 penny shocked the collecting world when it sold for $899.95 at auction. This 2016-P Lincoln penny, graded MS68RD by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), proved that modern coins could still hold extraordinary value.

That same year, collector Steve Smith made headlines when he discovered a unique error coin in his batch of uncirculated 2016 cents from his local bank—a penny featuring both a broken die error and a 95-degree counterclockwise rotation, a combination of errors that experts had never before seen on a U.S. coin.

Beyond headline-grabbing rarities, Philadelphia pennies average $18.57 in mint state condition compared to Denver’s $11.62. San Francisco proof specimens average $7.00, which aligns with market estimates for these collector-focused coins.

Now that the entire Lincoln Shield cent series has ended—the last circulation pennies were struck on November 12, 2025—2016 coins carry new significance as part of a completed, collectible chapter in U.S. coinage history.

 

2016 Penny Value By Variety

The following chart shows the estimated values of 2016 Lincoln Shield pennies across different grades. If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Note that color designation matters for cents: RD (Red) coins show full original copper-red luster and typically sell 20–30% above RB (Red-Brown) examples. RB coins have lost some red color with age. BN (Brown) examples have oxidized fully and carry the lowest premiums.

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

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 2016 Penny Worth Money

This expanded 2016 penny value chart reveals remarkable grade rarity premiums in modern Shield cents, with the 2016-D Shield RD 68 commanding an extraordinary $1,550 compared to just $15 for RD 66 specimens. This dramatic value progression demonstrates how condition scarcity creates exceptional investment opportunities in contemporary coinage, where the difference between accessible and elite examples can exceed 10,000% premiums.

As mature Shield design specimens representing the series’ sixth production year, 2016 pennies showcase both Philadelphia and San Francisco minting excellence while incorporating special collector varieties like Birth Set and Happy Birthday Set releases that add collecting complexity beyond standard proof and business strikes.

The collecting challenge intensifies dramatically at higher grades, as achieving MS68+ specimens proves extremely difficult due to zinc composition’s tendency toward spotting and surface imperfections that prevent perfect preservation. Special release varieties from collector sets maintain consistent premiums across all grades, reflecting their limited availability and targeted collector appeal.

Investment potential appears exceptional given the exponential value gaps between consecutive grades, suggesting strong long-term appreciation as fewer high-grade specimens survive handling and environmental factors over time. Advanced collectors should prioritize MS67+ business strikes and PR69+ proof varieties for maximum appreciation potential, while registry set builders will find 2016 specimens essential for Shield cent series completion.

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

 

History of the 2016 Penny

The 2016 Lincoln penny holds particular significance in American monetary history, featuring the Union Shield reverse design introduced in 2010. The Union Shield motif originated in the 1780s and became widely recognized during the Civil War era, appearing on furniture, beer mugs, and civilian items as a symbol of national unity.

2016 marked the seventh year of the shield design’s implementation, representing the complete replacement of Lincoln Memorial pennies in circulation. That year, the Philadelphia Mint produced 4,698,000,000 pennies while the Denver Mint struck 4,420,400,000 pieces, totaling over 9 billion coins—one of the most prolific penny production years in U.S. history.

The Union Shield design was created by Lyndall Bass, whose initials “LB” appear on the reverse. Joseph F. Menna sculpted the design into a coinable model—his initials “JFM” also appear on the coin; Menna later became Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint in 2019.

The 2016 penny maintained the zinc-core copper-plated composition adopted since 1982, weighing 2.5 grams with a diameter of 19.05 millimeters. Despite production costs exceeding face value, the penny continued to serve essential economic and cultural functions as the foundational unit of the American monetary system.

Looking back now, 2016 pennies belong to the final decade of Shield cent production. The U.S. Mint struck the very last circulation Lincoln cents on November 12, 2025, after President Trump ordered their discontinuation in February 2025. The cost to manufacture each penny had risen to roughly 3.69 cents—nearly four times its face value. This gives 2016 examples new historical resonance as part of a completed series.

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

 

Is Your 2016 Penny Rare?

I recommend using our Coin Value Checker APP to examine detailed rarity analysis and current market values, which will help you accurately assess the collecting potential and investment value of your Lincoln pennies with greater precision and confidence.

 

Key Features of the 2016 Penny

The 2016 penny stands at a crossroads in American coinage—representing the mature phase of the Union Shield design while harboring some of the most accessible error varieties in modern numismatics. Now that the series has concluded, every detail of this coin takes on added meaning for collectors building complete Lincoln cent date runs.

The Obverse of the 2016 Penny

Lincoln’s familiar profile remains essentially unchanged from Brenner’s 1909 masterwork, though the 2016 version benefits from a re-engraving that restored much of the original design’s crispness. The standard inscriptional elements—”IN GOD WE TRUST,” “LIBERTY,” and the date—occupy their traditional positions, while Brenner’s restored “VDB” initials nestle below Lincoln’s shoulder. VDB stands for Victor David Brenner, the sculptor who designed this portrait.

The Reverse of the 2016 Penny

By 2016, Lyndall Bass’s Union Shield design had fully matured, creating what many consider the most symbolically coherent reverse in Lincoln cent history. The thirteen vertical stripes represent the original colonies, while the horizontal bar binding them together symbolizes Congress uniting the nation under federal government—Lincoln’s story rendered directly in metal.

The shield itself dominates the design space with confident simplicity. “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (Latin for “Out of Many, One”) crowns the composition, while “ONE CENT” flows across the draped banner. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” completes the upper arc, creating a balanced, readable design that photographs beautifully even in circulated condition.

Other Features of the 2016 Penny

2016 Penny Mintage & Survival Data

The 2016 penny mintage data reveals a paradox in modern numismatics. With Philadelphia producing nearly 4.7 billion pieces and Denver striking over 4.4 billion, the year represents one of the most prolific penny productions in U.S. history—totaling more than 9 billion circulation strikes. Yet this astronomical mintage creates unexpected opportunities for collectors.

The San Francisco facility’s modest 977,355 proof specimens stand in stark contrast to the circulation floods, highlighting the dramatic scarcity differential that defines modern collecting. According to population data, 2,368 San Francisco proof examples have achieved PR69 grade while only 651 specimens reached the coveted PR70 perfect condition.

For circulation strikes, the zinc composition creates a hidden survival challenge. Zinc “blisters” can form under the copper coating years after minting, quietly destroying surfaces that once appeared pristine. This means the true population of problem-free high-grade 2016 pennies will shrink over time—a dynamic that favors early buyers of certified examples.

The now-closed Lincoln Shield cent series (2010–2025) means that complete date-run collections will have a fixed, finite endpoint. Collectors building sets have begun treating every Shield cent date, including 2016, with increased attention.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 2016 Penny Value

Determining your 2016 penny’s worth starts by locating the mint mark beneath the date—Philadelphia (no mark) or Denver (D). Circulated pieces maintain face value, while pristine uncirculated examples showing complete shield details and original red luster can bring $2–$8. The real prizes are error coins: doubled dies, wrong planchet strikes, or off-center errors fetch $25–$300+.

Coin Value Checker APP identifies these valuable anomalies through advanced image recognition. Collector-exclusive 2016-S proofs, featuring mirror-like fields and frosted devices, range from $3–$12. Inspect Lincoln’s portrait and shield lines closely—exceptional strike quality separates ordinary cents from collectible treasures.

 

2016 Penny Value Guides

2016 Penny Types:

• 2016 Business Strike (Philadelphia)
• 2016-D Business Strike (Denver)
• 2016-S Proof

The 2016 penny encompasses three distinct categories: Philadelphia Mint business strikes without mint marks, Denver Mint “D” marked circulation coins, and San Francisco “S” marked proof specimens exclusively crafted for collectors, each differentiated by production methods and market positioning.

 

2016 No Mint Mark Shield Penny Value

The 2016 No Mint Mark Shield Penny showcases Philadelphia’s exceptional production intensity during a peak production year, with 4,698,000,000 pieces struck. This massive volume generated unique die stress patterns that produced distinctive doubled die errors, particularly affecting Lincoln’s eye area and bowtie details with visible naked-eye doubling rather than the subtle varieties typical of modern issues.

The coin represents the seventh year of Union Shield production, displaying mature die work where the shield’s thirteen vertical stripes achieved strong detail clarity. Philadelphia’s high-volume run created production quality variations—weak strikes show diminished stripe separation, while sharp strikes reveal complete scroll ribbon details that elevate collector appeal significantly.

Auction highlights for this variety include the record MS68RD specimen that sold for $899.95 in 2018 and a broad-struck MS62 error that fetched $200 at Heritage Auctions in 2017. A 15% off-center error example graded MS65 also realized $125 at Heritage Auctions in 2017. These documented sales confirm genuine market demand at multiple price points.

Premium examples have carved out their own niche in the modern coin auction circuit, with serious collectors recognizing quality when they see it.

The steady collector interest reflects a growing appreciation for transitional-era Shield pennies that once seemed too common to matter.

 

2016-D Shield Penny Value

The 2016-D Shield Penny distinguishes itself as one of Denver’s most prolific modern penny productions, with 4,420,400,000 pieces struck. Despite its billion-plus mintage, this is the year’s top performer at auction—an MS68RD example sold for $1,550 through Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) in 2018, surpassing even Philadelphia’s $899.95 record by $650.

The Denver Mint’s distinctive production environment generated notable misplaced mint mark errors that year. A 2016-D Lincoln penny graded MS60 with a misplaced mint mark error sold for $415 at GreatCollections auction in 2020. A die crack reverse error on a 2016-D graded MS65 sold for $130 at a 2019 online auction. These documented premiums confirm that Denver error varieties are actively sought by collectors.

Denver’s striking process during this period created sharper shield definition compared to Philadelphia’s high-volume runs, particularly evident in the Union Shield’s thirteen vertical stripes and scroll banner details that often appear crisper on Denver specimens, making them preferred by collectors seeking superior eye appeal in this transitional Shield design era.

Here are auction records.

Collector engagement patterns demonstrate how Denver’s distinctive production anomalies have created sustained interest in what many initially dismissed as common modern coinage.

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

 

2016-S DCAM Shield Penny Value

The 2016-S Shield Penny stands uniquely as San Francisco’s proof-only production with no circulation strikes, contrasting sharply with Philadelphia and Denver’s billions of business strikes that same year. The DCAM designation stands for Deep Cameo—this means the coin features exceptional contrast between deeply frosted devices (the raised design elements like Lincoln’s portrait) and mirror-like fields (the flat background areas), creating a dramatic black-and-white appearance achievable only through specialized die preparation.

This 2016-S DCAM Shield Penny was struck to a mintage of 977,355 pieces. Population data reveals fascinating distribution patterns: while 2,368 examples have achieved PR69 grade, only 651 specimens reached the coveted PR70 perfect condition, highlighting the genuine rarity of flawless examples. A PR69DCAM example sold for $168 on eBay on November 21, 2020, reflecting collector demand for certified Deep Cameo specimens.

The following market activity chart illustrates the sustained collector demand for this remarkable variety.

Rare 2016 Penny Error List

Here are the most valuable and commonly sought-after 2016 penny errors to watch for when examining these Shield design cents. Each error type is the result of something going wrong during the minting process—not damage that occurred after the coin left the mint.

1. Doubled Die Errors (DDO / DDR)

Doubled die errors result from the hubbing process when the hub strikes the die multiple times at slightly different positions, creating doubled appearances of design elements. DDO means Doubled Die Obverse (front); DDR means Doubled Die Reverse (back). On 2016 Shield pennies, doubling most prominently affects Lincoln’s eye, ear, bowtie, “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the Union Shield’s vertical stripes.

True doubled dies show a raised, shelf-like separation between the doubled images—this is distinctly different from machine doubling, which looks flat and worthless. A 2016-P Lincoln penny graded MS60 with a doubled die error sold for $80 at a 2020 online auction. Values for strong, visible doubled dies typically range from $25 to $150.

2. Off-Center Strikes

Off-center errors occur when the planchet (the blank metal disc) isn’t properly positioned during striking, resulting in coins missing portions of their design. The most valuable examples retain a complete, visible date while showing 20–50% off-center displacement, valued between $50 to $200.

A 2016-P Lincoln penny graded MS65 with a 15% off-center strike sold for $125 at Heritage Auctions in 2017. Look for the distinctive blank, unstruck crescent of flat metal on one side of the coin—this confirms the error happened at the mint, not afterward.

3. Clipped Planchet Errors

Clipped planchet errors happen when punches overlap the metal strip’s edge during the blanking process, creating straight or curved clips. A “planchet” is the blank metal disk before the coin design is stamped onto it. 2016 pennies with clipping errors range from $14 to $50 depending on the clip percentage and overall condition.

Curved clips often show the distinctive “Blakesley Effect”—a weakening of the rim directly opposite the clipped area. This diagnostic feature helps distinguish genuine clips from post-mint damage.

4. Broadstrike Errors

A broadstrike happens when the coin is struck outside its retaining collar. The collar normally constrains the planchet to create the coin’s proper 19mm diameter and raised rim. Without the collar’s restriction, the metal spreads outward freely, creating a coin that is slightly larger and flatter than normal with a reduced or absent rim.

A 2016-P Lincoln penny graded MS62 with a broad-struck error was auctioned for $200 at Heritage Auctions in 2017. To identify one, measure the coin’s diameter—genuine broadstrikes exceed the standard 19mm.

5. Lamination Errors

Lamination errors occur during the planchet-making process when impurities or gas bubbles become trapped just below the surface of the metal. Over time, this causes the copper coating to crack, peel, or flake away—leaving a spotty, peeling appearance. These are distinct from post-mint damage because the peeling shows the original zinc core beneath.

A 2016-P MS64 Lincoln penny with a lamination error appearing on both the obverse and reverse sold for $100 on eBay. Lamination errors on recent zinc-core pennies are especially interesting to collectors because the zinc composition makes these coins particularly susceptible to this type of planchet defect.

6. Misplaced Mint Mark Errors

A misplaced mint mark error is one where the mint mark letter is struck outside its normal position on the coin—usually the result of a die being accidentally dropped onto the planchet during production. These errors are genuinely rare, since the U.S. Mint uses automated processes that normally keep mint marks precisely positioned.

In 2020, GreatCollections sold a 2016-D Lincoln penny graded MS60 with a misplaced mint mark error for $415—making this one of the higher-value documented 2016 errors outside of top-grade Mint State coins. Watch for Denver coins where the “D” appears shifted or doubled outside its proper location below the date.

7. Multiple Strike Errors

Multiple strike errors occur when a coin is struck more than once by the dies, sometimes with the coin flipping between strikes to produce overlapping or reversed images on the same surface. A 2016 Shield cent with multiple mint errors including three strikes (two off-center) and broadstrike characteristics represents one of the most spectacular modern error discoveries.

These complex errors are extremely rare in the Shield series and command premium prices when authenticated by PCGS or NGC. Values for genuine multi-strike errors on modern Lincoln cents start at $200 and can reach into the thousands depending on the combination and drama of the errors.

8. Die Cracks, BIE Errors, and Cuds

Die cracks appear as raised lines on coins struck from deteriorating dies. Lincoln penny dies commonly show cracks resembling the letter “I” between “B” and “E” in “LIBERTY,” creating what collectors call “BIE pennies.” As dies continue deteriorating, larger pieces may break away, creating “cuds”—raised blank areas along coin edges.

A 2016-D penny graded MS65 with a die crack reverse error sold for $130 at a 2019 online auction. Minor die crack errors on 2016 pennies typically value between $5 to $25, while major die breaks or cuds can reach significantly higher values.

9. Strike-Through Errors

Strike-through errors happen when foreign material gets trapped between the die and planchet during striking. Common culprits include grease, cloth fibers, or metal fragments. The obstruction prevents complete design transfer to that area, leaving smooth, mushy, or entirely missing design details in a localized spot.

Grease-filled die errors—sometimes called “filled die” errors—are the most common variety. Strike-through errors on 2016 pennies typically sell for $20–$75 depending on the size and location of the affected area. Those affecting major design elements like Lincoln’s face or the “ONE CENT” legend command higher prices.

10. Die Clash Errors

A die clash error occurs when the obverse (front) and reverse (back) dies strike each other at full pressure without a planchet between them. This leaves mirror-image ghost impressions of each die on the opposing die surface. Coins struck afterward show faint “ghost” outlines of design elements where they don’t belong—for example, the outline of the Union Shield might appear ghosted on Lincoln’s portrait side.

Die clash errors are subtle but fascinating to experienced collectors. On 2016 pennies they are considered minor errors unless the clash is dramatic and fully visible, in which case values can reach $25–$75 or more for certified examples.

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

 

Where to Sell Your 2016 Penny?

Ready to turn that 2016 penny into cash? Online platforms offer convenience and competitive prices, but each has its quirks.

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

 

FAQ about 2016 Penny Value

1. What makes a 2016 penny valuable?

Most 2016 pennies are worth face value, but several factors can dramatically increase their worth. The color designation matters first: RD (Red) coins, which retain full original copper-red luster, sell 20–30% above RB (Red-Brown) examples. Grade is paramount—an MS68RD Philadelphia example sold for $899.95 in 2018, while a Denver MS68RD topped $1,550 that same year. Error coins are the biggest value drivers, with documented sales ranging from $80 for doubled dies to $200 for broadstrikes and $415 for misplaced mint mark examples. The key factors are grade, color designation, mint mark, and mint errors.

2. Why are 2016-S pennies only available as proof coins?

Since 1968, the San Francisco Mint has focused on producing collector-quality proof coins. Proof coins go through a special minting process involving specially polished dies and planchets, multiple strikes at higher pressure, and careful quality control. The DCAM (Deep Cameo) designation indicates coins with the strongest contrast between frosted devices and mirror-like fields. The 2016-S had a mintage of 977,355 pieces, and only 651 have been certified as perfect PR70—confirming how difficult it is to find a truly flawless example.

3. How do I identify color grades (RD, RB, BN) on a 2016 penny?

Color grade is one of the most important value factors for modern cents. RD (Red) means the coin retains at least 95% of its original mint-red copper luster—these are the most valuable. RB (Red-Brown) means the coin retains 5–95% red color with some brown toning. BN (Brown) means the coin has less than 5% original red luster and has fully oxidized. When submitting to PCGS or NGC, always aim for RD designation. Storing coins in non-PVC flips or airtight holders from the moment you acquire them helps preserve red color and protects your investment.

4. What is the historical significance of 2016 Shield pennies now that the series has ended?

The U.S. Mint struck the very last Lincoln Shield cents for circulation on November 12, 2025, ending a 15-year series that ran from 2010–2025. President Trump ordered the discontinuation of penny production in February 2025 after production costs reached 3.69 cents per coin—nearly four times the face value. The 2016 penny is now part of a complete, closed series, which typically increases collector interest over time. Complete date runs of Lincoln Shield cents (2010–2025, P, D, and S from each year) are now a finite, achievable collecting goal.

5. What is the most valuable 2016 penny ever sold?

The record holder is a 2016-D Lincoln penny graded MS68RD by NGC, which sold for $1,550 in 2018. This surpassed the 2016-P record of $899.95 (also MS68RD, graded by PCGS, sold in 2018) by $650. For proof coins, a 2016-S PR69DCAM example sold for $168 on eBay in November 2020. Error coins also command strong premiums, with a misplaced mint mark 2016-D graded MS60 selling for $415 at GreatCollections in 2020.

6. Is the 2016 penny made of copper?

No—despite its copper appearance, the 2016 penny is 97.5% zinc with only a thin 2.5% copper coating on the outside. This composition has been used since 1982, when rising copper prices made solid copper cents too expensive to produce. The zinc core creates a hidden challenge for collectors: zinc can develop “blisters” under the copper coating over time, permanently damaging the coin’s surface. This is one reason why truly pristine high-grade 2016 pennies are harder to find than you might expect given the billions minted.

7. How much is a circulated 2016 penny worth?

A circulated 2016 penny—meaning one that shows any wear at all from being handled or spent—is worth exactly its face value of one cent. The date and mint mark make no difference to the value of a worn example. However, a 2016 penny in uncirculated condition with an MS65 grade is worth around $0.40, and genuine gem examples at MS67 or above begin attracting serious collector premiums. The jump from MS67 to MS68 is where values become dramatic, reflecting the extreme difficulty of finding a technically flawless modern zinc cent.

8. What is a die clash error on a 2016 penny, and how much is it worth?

A die clash error occurs when the obverse and reverse dies accidentally strike each other at full pressure without a coin blank between them. This leaves ghost impressions of each die’s design on the opposing die surface. Coins struck after a clash show faint outlines of design elements where they don’t belong—such as the Union Shield’s outline faintly visible on Lincoln’s portrait side. Die clash errors on 2016 pennies are considered minor errors unless the clash is dramatic, with values typically ranging from $25 to $75 for certified examples showing clear clash marks.

9. Should I get my 2016 penny professionally graded by PCGS or NGC?

Professional grading is only worth the cost if your coin is likely worth significantly more than the grading fee. PCGS and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) typically cost $30–$150+ per coin once you factor in membership, handling, and shipping. For a 2016 penny, professional grading makes financial sense if your coin appears to be MS67 or higher (potentially worth $50–$900+), if it has a clearly visible error (worth $50–$415+ depending on type), or if it is a 2016-S proof in PR69 or PR70 condition. For coins below MS66 or without visible errors, grading fees will exceed the coin’s market value.

10. How does the 2026 Semiquincentennial penny affect 2016 penny collecting?

In December 2025, the U.S. Mint announced it would produce commemorative collectible cents in 2026 bearing the dual date “1776~2026” to mark America’s 250th anniversary. These are Not Intended for Circulation (NIFC) coins. While these new issues are separate from the Shield cent series, their release draws fresh collector attention to Lincoln cent history as a whole—including completed series like the 2010–2025 Shield cents. Collectors building complete Shield cent date runs will find 2016 as a key middle-series date, and heightened interest in the denomination generally tends to lift values for high-grade examples across all modern Lincoln cent years.