2021 Penny Coin Value: Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

2021 penny value ranges from $0.01 face value to $3,335. That record was set by a coin graded 68, sold through Heritage Auctions in September 2023. 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.

 

2021 Penny Value by Variety and Mint Mark

Three varieties exist for the 2021 Shield Penny: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (“D”), and San Francisco (“S”) proof. Each one trades differently depending on grade and color.

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 4 Most Valuable 2021 Penny Value Examples Worth Money

The king of 2021 pennies is a Philadelphia MS68RD that hammered for $3,335 on September 23, 2023 via eBay. Right behind it sits a 2021-D MS68RD at $3,300, sold December 3, 2022, also via eBay — both confirmed in PCGS CoinFacts records. That “RD” tag means Red, the top color tier. PCGS requires 95% or more original copper luster for the RD label, which is why full Red coins blow past Red-Brown and Brown examples in price.

Here’s the jaw-dropper: that same Philadelphia coin at MS67 sells for about $44. One grade point lower, and you lose $3,291 in value. I think that’s one of the wildest condition-rarity gaps in the entire modern cent series. Even the 2021-S PR70DCAM proof — a perfect-grade coin with flawless mirror fields — only brought $32 at auction. Deep Cameo means extreme contrast between frosted devices and mirror-black fields, and it still can’t touch a business strike in MS68RD.

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

 

2021 Penny Value History: The Story Behind the Shield Cent

The Shield reverse got its start after Congress mandated the Lincoln Bicentennial cent program in 2008. Four commemorative reverses honoring Lincoln’s life ran through 2009, and then the Mint held an internal competition to replace Frank Gasparro’s Lincoln Memorial design — which had been on every penny since 1959.

Lyndall Bass won with her Union Shield concept, symbolizing Lincoln’s preservation of the Union. U.S. Mint sculptor Joseph F. Menna (later Chief Engraver in 2019) sculpted the design, and it first hit circulation in 2010.

By 2021, the Shield cent had eleven years of production refinement behind it. Denver led output that year with approximately 4,035,600,000 cents, while Philadelphia struck approximately 3,560,800,000. Together that’s over 7.9 billion cents — an extraordinary 54.6% of all circulating coins struck that year, according to CoinNews data from the U.S. Mint. Fun fact: if you stacked all 7.9 billion pennies, the column would reach roughly 7,500 miles high.

San Francisco struck just 861,607 proof pennies for collectors. The facility has served almost exclusively as a proof operation since 1975, and proof coins first got the “S” mint mark when production moved there from Philadelphia in 1968.

On November 12, 2025, the U.S. Mint permanently ceased producing pennies for general circulation after costs climbed to approximately 3.7 cents per coin. That makes the 2021 Shield Cent part of the final generation of circulating Lincoln cents ever struck — something collectors are just starting to wrap their heads around.

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

 

Is Your 2021 Penny Value More Than Face Value? Check the Rarity Here

Here’s what trips people up: billions were minted, so you’d think none are rare. But rarity in modern coins is about condition, not mintage. The number of 2021 pennies grading MS68RD is tiny — maybe a handful slabbed at any service. That’s a completely different kind of rare than a low-mintage key date. Most survivors have bag marks, toning, or plating spots that cap them well below MS67.

For accurate grading and current market pricing of your 2021 pennies, our Coin Identifier and Value App delivers professional numismatic analysis.

 

2021 Penny Value Key Features That Collectors Look For

Knowing what to look for on a 2021 Shield penny keeps you from missing a premium coin — or overpaying for a common one.

The Obverse of the 2021 Shield Penny

Lincoln’s profile has been on the cent since 1909. Sculptor Victor David Brenner created the original portrait from a plaque he’d done years before President Theodore Roosevelt tapped him for the coin.

The 2021 obverse keeps the standard layout: “IN GOD WE TRUST” above Lincoln, “LIBERTY” along the left border, and “2021” to the right below. Here’s a detail newer collectors miss — Philadelphia pennies carry no mint mark at all. Quarters, dimes, and halves from Philly get a “P,” but Lincoln cents never have. So a blank space below the date is your Philadelphia identifier.

In higher Mint State grades, look closely at Lincoln’s beard texture and the folds in his coat. Eleven years of die-making improvements gave 2021 obverses noticeably crisp detail compared to early Shield years.

The Reverse of the 2021 Shield Penny

Flip it over and you’ll see Lyndall Bass’s Union Shield — thirteen vertical stripes for the original colonies, a horizontal band across the top, and “ONE CENT” on a banner across the face. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” runs along the rim, with “E PLURIBUS UNUM” at the bottom.

By 2021, improved die steel was extending striking life while keeping detail sharp across longer production runs. Letter alignment on the rim is tighter and more consistent than what you’ll find on 2010 or 2011 Shield cents.

Composition, Weight, and Technical Specifications

The 2021 penny is 97.5% zinc with a thin copper plating making up the remaining 2.5%. It weighs exactly 2.5 grams and measures 19.05 mm in diameter. Compare that to pre-1982 bronze cents — those weighed 3.1 grams with 95% copper content. You can actually feel the difference if you hold one of each.

That zinc-core construction is exactly why color designations matter so much. When the copper plating stays intact and oxidation-free, PCGS assigns the RD label (95%+ original red luster). RB covers 5–95% red remaining. BN means less than 5% original red.

Edge quality on 2021 examples is notably consistent thanks to updated rim formation controls. The plating chemistry was also refined by this point, reducing plating bubbles — a chronic headache on earlier Shield cents that made high-grade examples harder to find.

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

 

The Easy Way to Determine Your 2021 Penny Value at Home

Start with the mint mark below the date on the obverse: no letter means Philadelphia, “D” means Denver, and “S” means San Francisco proof.

Next, check the color under good lighting. If you see 95% or more of that original copper-orange glow, you’re looking at a potential RD coin — and those pull 20–30% more than Red-Brown examples at the same grade. Never clean a penny to improve color. Cleaning wrecks the surface and kills the value permanently.

Now check for wear. Any trace of rub under a magnifier means circulated, and circulated 2021 pennies are worth a cent. Uncirculated examples range from 10 to 30 cents in lower grades, but premiums spike fast in superb condition. A Philadelphia MS68RD reached $3,335 on eBay in September 2023, and an NGC MS70RD sold for $299.99 in 2021. Certified top-grade coins attract real money.

The Coin Identifier and Value App provides instant professional analysis, delivering precise condition assessment and accurate market valuations through advanced image recognition.

 

2021 Penny Value Guides by Mint Mark and Type

• 2021 No Mint Mark Shield Penny (Philadelphia)
• 2021-D Shield Penny (Denver)
• 2021-S Proof DCAM Shield Penny (San Francisco)

Business strikes from Philadelphia and Denver carry modest premiums in top grades. The proof version draws steady collector demand. Error varieties can push prices well past face value. Pick the right variety below to see what yours is worth.

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

 

2021 Penny Value: No Mint Mark Philadelphia Issues

Most people assume 3.56 billion coins can’t be worth anything. They’re right — until you hit MS67 and above. Philadelphia struck approximately 3,560,800,000 cents in 2021, making it one of the most common modern coins in existence. But keeping full Red copper luster through handling and storage? That’s where genuine scarcity kicks in.

The record holder is an MS68RD that sold for $3,335 on September 23, 2023 via eBay, confirmed by PCGS auction data. On the other end, NGC has graded at least one 2021-P MS70RD, which brought $299.99 in 2021. A perfect-grade business strike cent for under $300 — that’s a remarkable achievement.

Color is everything on this issue. RD requires 95% or more original red luster. RB covers 5–95% red. BN means less than 5%. An RD example at the same grade typically pulls 20–30% more than an RB.

This coin also carries historical weight as part of the last generation of Lincoln cents produced before the U.S. Mint ceased penny production in November 2025. We think that factor hasn’t been fully priced in yet.

Don’t overlook these in pocket change. The coin everyone ignores is sometimes the one worth cherrypicking.

Market activity score: 43/100 as of Oct 2026 — unchanged since Jul 2026. 12-month peak: 47 (Jun 2026).

 

2021 Penny Value: The Denver D Mint Mark

How does a coin with 475 million more struck than its Philadelphia counterpart still match it in premium pricing? Denver produced approximately 4,035,600,000 cents in 2021 — the higher-output facility that year. Yet the 2021-D auction record sits at $3,300 for an MS68RD, achieved December 3, 2022 via eBay. Just $35 behind Philly’s record.

Look for the “D” mint mark below the date on the obverse. In MS65 — gem uncirculated with a few very light contact marks — a 2021-D runs about $0.40. Prices jump hard at MS67 and above, where maintaining full Red designation across a massive production run creates fierce competition among registry set builders.

An RD example commands 20–30% more than an RB at the same grade. That 95% original luster threshold eliminates the vast majority of even uncirculated survivors. Most raw coins you’ll find in rolls have enough toning or bag marks to cap them below MS66.

MS66, MS67, and sometimes MS68 examples remain affordable compared to older series. If you’re building a modern set, now’s the time to pick these up before the market catches up.

The 2021-D’s status as one of the final Lincoln cents before production ended in November 2025 gives it long-term staying power. Collectors focused on high-grade modern Red coins are paying attention.

Market activity score: 43/100 as of Oct 2026 — down 7 points from Jul 2026. 12-month peak: 50 (Jul 2026).

 

2021 Penny Value: San Francisco S Proof DCAM Issues

Only 861,607 proof cents came out of San Francisco in 2021. That’s fewer than 0.02% of the combined Philadelphia and Denver output. If you’ve got one, you’re already holding something uncommon.

Lincoln’s frosted portrait pops against mirror-polished fields — that’s the hallmark of San Francisco’s specialized proof process. The facility has served almost exclusively as a proof operation since 1975, and proof coins first received the “S” mint mark when production relocated there from Philadelphia in 1968. Deep Cameo (DCAM) is the top designation, requiring extreme contrast between frosted devices and mirror-black backgrounds. That frosting is strongest on the earliest strikes from a freshly prepared die, making true DCAM pieces scarcer than standard proofs.

The auction record is $32 for a PR70DCAM — perfect grade, flawless fields. At PR65 you’re looking at about $2.60. That price compression outside of perfection grades is typical for modern proofs. First Strike examples carry extra premiums because they capture peak die conditions when frosting intensity is at its highest.

Collector demand for premium DCAM proofs with strong visual contrast stays consistent year after year. These trade actively and hold value well.

Market activity score: 50/100 as of Oct 2026 — up 10 points from Jul 2026. Currently at its 12-month peak.

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

 

Rare Errors That Affect Your 2021 Penny Value

Even a coin struck by the billions can produce some interesting mistakes. Errors happen at every stage — die preparation, planchet feeding, final striking — and each type creates varieties that sell for well above face value.

Getting an error coin slabbed by PCGS, NGC, or ANACS confirms authenticity and stabilizes the copper surface. Services typically start around $30 before shipping, so professional grading is most worthwhile on errors valued at $75 or more.

1. 2021 Off-Center Strike Shield Penny

This 2021 Penny was only a little off-center so you can see empty space on the lower right obverse and upper right reverse while part of L in Liberty… and United at the back are truncated. The rim or collar of the coin is intact though. This mint error isn’t worth a lot – $20 to $30.

The planchet sat crooked between the dies, shifting part of the design off the edge. Collectors want the 40–60% off-center range most, because enough design remains to confirm the date and mint mark. Those two details are what determine how much any off-center strike is actually worth.

2. 2021 Doubled Die Shield Penny

A doubled-die error happens while the hub is striking the die… This type of doubling is clearest on the numbers and letters though you can sometimes see DDOs on Lincoln’s eye (doubled eye) or ear (doubled ear). Doubled die errors result from the hub striking the die multiple times at slightly different angles, creating overlapping images.

For 2021, look for doubling on “LIBERTY,” the date, or “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” on the reverse (DDR). No major $1,000+ doubled die has surfaced for this year, but minor DDO and DDR varieties with visible hub doubling have sold in the $25–$50 range. Good cherrypicking territory. Just don’t confuse genuine hub doubling with machine doubling — that worthless flat, shelf-like duplication that fools a lot of beginners.

3. 2021 Die Crack Shield Penny

For this particular Philadelphia Penny, the die break is on the side rim above the UNI in United States. The error makes that part of the rim look like it’s about to peel off… This mint mistake is worth about $16. Die cracks form as dies wear down through repeated use, leaving raised lines on the struck coins.

One fun sub-variety to hunt for: the “spiked head” penny. That’s a die cud where raised metal blobs appear on or near Lincoln’s head, giving him a spiky profile. Not hugely valuable, but distinctive and popular with error collectors. Larger, more dramatic breaks that displace big chunks of design can bring higher premiums depending on location and size.

4. 2021 Strike Through Error Shield Penny

A strike through (or struck thru) error happens when a foreign object gets trapped between the die and the blank. The pressure of the die presses the contaminant’s shape into the coin’s surface… One unverified strike thru shows a piece of string cutting through the words “In God” over Lincoln’s head.

The wildest 2021 example I’ve seen was listed on eBay — it appeared to show traces of a 2019 Texas America the Beautiful quarter facing the wrong direction on both sides of the penny. Unverified by a grading service, but it sold for $822. Dramatic visual anomalies like that attract serious buyer interest even without third-party certification.

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

 

Where to Sell Your 2021 Penny Value — Best Venues Explained

Your best venue depends on what you’re selling. eBay reaches the widest audience for standard specimens — both the $3,335 Philadelphia record and the $3,300 Denver record happened there. Established auction houses work better for significant errors or slabbed high-end coins where competitive bidding pushes prices past what a fixed listing can get. Local dealers offer quick cash but typically at wholesale. Coin shows put you face-to-face with collectors who may pay retail for the exact variety they need.

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

 

FAQ about the 2021 Penny Value — 10 Questions Answered

1. How much is a 2021 penny worth?

Circulated? A cent. Uncirculated examples range from $0.10–$0.40 at MS65, jump to $44 at MS67RD, and can top $3,000 at MS68RD — the grade that set the series auction record.

2. What is the mintage of the 2021 penny?

The Philadelphia Mint struck approximately 3,560,800,000 cents and the Denver Mint struck approximately 4,035,600,000 — making Denver the higher-output facility in 2021. The San Francisco Mint produced just 861,607 proof pennies for collectors, per U.S. Mint production data.

3. What is the 2021 penny made of?

A 97.5% zinc core with copper plating making up the remaining 2.5%. It weighs 2.5 grams and measures 19.05 mm in diameter. This composition has been standard since 1982, when the Mint switched from 95% copper bronze to cut costs.

4. What is the difference between RD, RB, and BN on a 2021 penny?

Color grades assigned by PCGS and NGC. RD (Red) requires 95% or more original copper luster — highest value. RB (Red-Brown) covers 5–95% red remaining. BN (Brown) means less than 5% original red. An RD coin typically sells for 20–30% more than an RB at the same numerical grade.

5. What makes 2021 Shield pennies different from other years?

Eleven years of production refinement — better plating chemistry, upgraded die steel, tighter edge quality control. They’re also among the final Lincoln cents produced before the U.S. Mint permanently ceased penny production in November 2025.

6. Are there any valuable 2021 penny errors?

Yes — documented error types include off-center strikes ($20–$30), minor doubled die obverse and reverse varieties ($25–$50), die crack/cud errors like the “spiked head” variety (around $16 for small cracks), and dramatic struck-through examples. One unusual 2021 penny showing imagery consistent with a 2019 Texas ATB Quarter struck through sold for $822 on eBay.

7. What is a Deep Cameo (DCAM) designation on the 2021-S proof penny?

DCAM describes the strong contrast between heavily frosted raised devices and mirror-polished background fields on a proof coin. This effect is strongest on the earliest strikes from a freshly prepared die, making true DCAM examples scarcer within the proof mintage. The 2021-S proof achieved $32 at PR70DCAM — perfect grade with flawless contrast.

8. Should I have my 2021 penny graded by PCGS or NGC?

Only if it looks MS67 or higher, has a significant error, or is a proof in exceptional condition. Certification starts around $30 per coin before shipping. That investment makes sense when it can turn a $20 raw error into a $75–$150 slabbed coin with verified market credibility.

9. Will the end of penny production make 2021 pennies more valuable?

The U.S. Mint permanently stopped striking pennies for circulation on November 12, 2025. That gives every circulating Lincoln cent — including 2021 — added significance as part of a closed series. Billions exist, so circulated grades stay common. But high-grade certified examples and documented errors from this final generation may see growing premiums as the penny becomes purely numismatic.

10. How do I tell the difference between a 2021-P and a 2021-D penny?

Look below the date. Philadelphia cents carry no mint mark — that blank space is the Philly identifier. Denver shows a small “D.” San Francisco proofs show an “S.” Grab a 10× loupe to make spotting these tiny letters easier, especially on worn examples.