2023 Penny Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth)

In the 115-year history of Lincoln pennies, collectors have never encountered anything quite like the 2023 “Extra V” phenomenon – a mysterious raised letter appearing next to designer Victor David Brenner’s famous VDB initials.

This unprecedented minting quirk has already produced a modern numismatic sensation, with one pristine example valued at an astonishing $710,000 in private auction, while everyday collectors are successfully finding these error coins in bank rolls and pocket change, selling authenticated specimens for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

While standard Shield cents range from 30 cents to $11.84 in top condition, Extra V examples command $30-$50 for typical uncirculated specimens, with some exceeding $1,000.

 

2023 Penny Value By Variety

Current market values for 2023 pennies show significant premiums for mint state specimens. 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)

 

History of the 2023 Penny

The 2023 Lincoln penny continues the 114-year legacy of Victor David Brenner’s iconic design that debuted in 1909, maintaining its position as the longest-running coin design in U.S. history with annual production exceeding 4.5 billion coins across Philadelphia and Denver facilities.

The current Union Shield reverse design, introduced in 2010, symbolizes Lincoln’s preservation of the United States as a single unified country, featuring 13 vertical stripes representing the original colonies with the national motto displayed on a horizontal bar above. The 2023 production maintains the copper-plated zinc composition adopted in 1982, when rising copper prices forced the Mint to abandon the traditional 95% copper alloy.

What distinguishes the 2023 penny from its predecessors is the emergence of the mysterious Extra V error variety – the first of its kind in Lincoln cent history. This unprecedented minting anomaly has transformed an otherwise routine annual issue into a modern numismatic phenomenon, sparking nationwide coin roll hunting and establishing the 2023 penny as potentially one of the most significant Lincoln cent discovery since the famous 1955 doubled die.

Despite production costs of 3.07 cents per penny in 2023, the Mint continues striking billions annually to meet Federal Reserve demand, though recent legislative proposals suggest the penny’s future remains uncertain.

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

 

Is your 2023 Penny Rare?

For collectors seeking comprehensive rarity assessments and current market valuations, our CoinValueChecker APP provides detailed analysis and real-time pricing data to help navigate these intricate collecting dynamics with confidence.

 

Key Features of the 2023 Penny

Let’s now explore the physical attributes of the 2023 penny. Knowing these features will help you identify Lincoln pennies worth money.

The Obverse of the 2023 Penny

The 2023 penny’s obverse showcases Abraham Lincoln’s distinguished right-facing portrait, rendered slightly larger than Victor David Brenner’s original 1909 design, creating a more prominent presidential presence on the coin. The inscriptions follow classic numismatic conventions: “IN GOD WE TRUST” gracefully arches above Lincoln’s head, “LIBERTY” stands boldly to the left, and the date “2023” appears on the right side.

The designer’s initials “VDB” rest subtly on Lincoln’s truncated shoulder – a detail that gained extraordinary significance in 2023. The mysterious Extra V variety, appearing as an incuse letter immediately after the VDB initials, represents a unique phenomenon in Lincoln cent history, likely resulting from a deliberately modified hub that produced an unknown quantity of these intriguing specimens.

The Reverse of the 2023 Penny

The Union Shield reverse, a powerful symbol of American unity introduced in 2010, dominates the coin’s tail side with its 13 vertical stripes representing the original colonies bound together under the horizontal bar symbolizing federal authority. This design eloquently captures Lincoln’s greatest achievement – preserving the nation’s unity during its darkest hour.

The Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (Out of Many, One) crowns the shield, while the denomination “ONE CENT” stretches across a decorative scroll at the shield’s center, accompanied by the subtle designer initials “LB” (Lyndall Bass) and “JFM” (Joseph Francis Menna). The inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” curves along the upper rim, completing this masterful composition that transforms a humble penny into a miniature monument to national unity.

Other Features of the 2023 Penny

Technically, the 2023 penny adheres to specifications unchanged since 1982: a copper-plated zinc composition (97.5% zinc core with 2.5% copper coating), precisely calibrated weight of 2.5 grams, standard diameter of 19 millimeters, and a smooth, reeded-free edge.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 2023 Penny Value

Evaluating your 2023 penny requires examining mint location and condition carefully. Check below Lincoln’s date for Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) marks—the first year P-mint pennies carried visible marks. Standard circulation strikes hold one-cent value, but mint state examples with flawless zinc-plated surfaces reach $3-$10.

CoinValueChecker APP delivers real-time valuations by analyzing your coin’s features. The 2023-S proof pennies from San Francisco, available only in collector sets, trade for $5-$15. Error varieties—double strikes, off-center impressions, or planchet defects—generate substantial collector interest, potentially worth $50-$500+ depending on error severity and visual appeal.

 

2023 Penny Value Guides

2023 Penny Categories:

• 2023 No Mint Mark (Philadelphia)
• 2023-D (Denver)
• 2023-S Proof (San Francisco)

The 2023 penny production included circulation strikes from Philadelphia and Denver, plus limited proof coins from San Francisco. The year’s most significant discovery was the Extra V variety found exclusively on Philadelphia pennies, where an additional incuse “V” appears after Brenner’s VDB initials, creating collectibles worth 30-50 times face value and proving that modern minting variations can still generate substantial collector excitement.

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

 

2023 No Mint Mark Shield Penny Value

Philadelphia-minted 2023 pennies follow the historic practice of bearing no mintmark, a tradition maintained since 1793. These coins feature a distinctive smooth edge, 19mm diameter, and composition of 97.5% zinc with 2.5% copper plating, weighing exactly 2.5 grams. The most remarkable sale occurred when an MS65RD specimen achieved $200 at an eBay auction in 2024, establishing a record for regular-strike Philadelphia cents from this year.

Unlike Denver’s “D” marked coins distributed primarily in western states, Philadelphia pennies dominate eastern U.S. circulation, making them the most encountered variety despite being the exclusive source of the valuable Extra V discovery.

Beyond individual auction records, the broader market activity data demonstrates sustained collector enthusiasm, with interest indicating this coin’s growing prominence in the numismatic marketplace.

2023 No Mint Mark Extra “V” Shield  Penny Value

The Extra V variety achieved an 4.7% discovery rate when collector Dave Santiago found 75 examples among just 1,600 Philadelphia cents (32 rolls), demonstrating this wasn’t a random occurrence but a systematic die variety. The incuse extra V appears directly after the B in VDB, going into the coin’s surface rather than raised above it, with at least two distinct positions documented – the standard VDBV and the “Far V” variant positioned further right.

Expert Mike Diamond concluded the variety resulted from a deliberately modified hub that created at least one working die, potentially producing over 1 million specimens given modern die capabilities. While regular 2023 Philadelphia pennies trade for $1.25-$18 in mint state, Extra V examples command $30-$50 for typical uncirculated specimens, with some exceeding $1,000 in the months following discovery.

To better understand this variety’s value trajectory, let’s examine its complete auction record history.

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

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

 

2023-D Shield Penny Value

Denver’s 2023 penny production reached 2,260,800,000 coins, distinguished by the prominent “D” mintmark positioned directly below the date.

The valuation hierarchy for Denver strikes peaks at MS67, where pristine red specimens command $115 – nearly six times Philadelphia’s comparable grade value of $18. A milestone transaction established the Denver penny’s market strength when an MS65RD example achieved $183 at auction, setting the benchmark for regular-strike 2023-D cents.

Philadelphia facilities exclusively generated the Extra V variety phenomenon, Denver’s independent die production system ensured their coins remained free from this anomaly, instead flooding western state commerce with standard strikes that collectors identify solely through the “D” mintmark – a geographic distribution pattern that makes Denver pennies notably scarcer in eastern markets where Philadelphia coins predominate.

These valuation dynamics reflect broader collecting patterns visible in the coin’s market activity data.

 

2023-S DCAM Shield Penny Value

The San Francisco Mint, which has been used almost exclusively for proof coinage since 1975, produced the 2023-S proof pennies with extraordinary Deep Cameo (DCAM) characteristics that set them apart from all circulation strikes. These special 2023 pennies feature shiny, flawless surfaces with frosted devices resulting in sharply contrasting and attractive coins, with most specimens achieving grades of MS68 while a large portion of the population grades gem-quality PF70.

The DCAM designation requires deep, even frosting on Lincoln’s portrait and shield devices on both sides, creating a dramatic visual effect where frosted white elements appear to float above mirror-black fields. Worth between $5-$7 depending on preservation, these proof pennies represent the pinnacle of modern minting technology, achieving consistent Deep Cameo effects that were nearly impossible before the 1970s when computerized die preparation replaced manual polishing methods.

Rare 2023 Penny Error List

Production-stage errors are common and can sometimes improve a coin’s value. It is not uncommon for error coins to be worth many hundreds and even thousands more than their regular strike counterparts.

2023 Doubled Die Penny Error

Doubled die errors are some of the most commonly seen on Lincoln pennies. This error occurs when the die press strikes the coin severally at different angles resulting in some elements on the obverse and reverse overlapping and showing visible doubling.

In the case of 2023 pennies, very few examples have been found to have this error. Those that exist are valued between $50 and $100.

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

 

Where to Sell Your 2023 Penny?

Whether you’re searching for the elusive Extra V variety worth thousands or simply appreciating the artistry of a Deep Cameo proof, the 2023 penny proves that even in our digital age, the humble one-cent coin continues to surprise, delight, and reward those who take a closer look at the change in their pockets.

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

 

2023 Penny Market Trend

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

 

FAQ about 2023 Penny

1. Are 2023 pennies worth collecting?

Yes. If you are building out your Lincoln collection, adding a 2023 penny to your collection is wise. These coins are easy and affordable to acquire so there is no reason you should not have them in your collection. Uncirculated examples are also easy to add to your collection and the best part is that they can earn a premium. In the future, the value of 2023 Lincoln pennies may increase and those who already have these coins in their collection will stand to benefit.

2. Are 2023 pennies the last pieces of pennies the U.S. Mint is making?

There have been rumors about the Mint stopping production of Lincoln pennies. However, there has been no official announcement from the Mint that the production of Lincoln pennies will cease. The 2023 pennies are certainly not the last because the Mint produced and distributed 2024 Lincoln pennies. The act of ceasing production of any currency, including Lincoln pennies requires congressional approval and it’s not something the Mint can decide to do randomly.

3. Are 2023 pennies rare?

No. The Mint produced millions of Lincoln pennies in 2023 pennies; these coins are readily available and accessible to any collector. That said, there are some rare 2023 pennies such as those spotting the Extra V error on the obverse; only a few of these coins have been found and some are selling for hundreds and even thousands of dollars.