As increasingly greater attention is being given to phasing out the U.S. penny, investors and collectors are looking in the direction of particular coins that would stand to significantly increase in value because pennies would no longer be manufactured. Among these coins are the Proof Lincoln Shield 2025 Coin and pennies produced prior to 1983. These possess attributes that would sit well for appreciation in price if pennies were no longer being manufactured.
The Proof Lincoln Shield 2025 Coin: A bicentennial gem
The 2025 Proof Lincoln Shield Coin is a commemorative penny created to honor Abraham Lincoln’s bicentennial birthday. Its obverse has a bust of Lincoln surrounded by “In God We Trust,” with “Liberty” and the date on either side of the portrait. The reverse has a shield inscribed with “E Pluribus Unum” and “United States of America,” and “One Cent” on a ribbon draped over the shield.
Why it may double in value
- Rarity and lower production: Proof coins are made in fewer numbers than circulating coins and are therefore inherently scarce. Should the U.S. discontinue the manufacturing of pennies, the 2025 Proof Lincoln Shield Coin may be a relic of times past as one of the final pennies ever made.
- Collector demand: The luxurious cameo finish and higher-quality minting of the coin would make it collectible. Its possible “final-year issue” status would increase its appeal even more.
- Historical significance: Since it is a bicentennial coin, it already possesses historical significance, which would grow with time.
Pre-1983 pennies: The copper advantage
Pennies produced before 1983 are made of 95% copper and 5% zinc, compared to more recent pennies that are mostly zinc with a thin coating of copper. With so much copper, pre-1983 pennies are particularly desirable for their metal content.
Why Pre-1983 pennies are special
- Metal value: Copper is a precious base metal with excellent industrial demand. The copper value of each pre-1983 penny is worth more than the penny itself, although melting American coins is prohibited nowadays.
- Potential legal changes: If pennies become outdated, prohibitive legislation against their melting will be rescinded, and the coins could be melted for copper value. This might bring enormous demand from metal investors.
- Scarcity over time: Because pennies are being withdrawn from circulation or stashed by collectors, the pre-1983 pennies’ supply will become limited, which will render them more desirable in the market.
The impact of stopping pennies
The argument against phasing out pennies is one of economic inefficiency and environmentalism. A penny in the modern era costs more to produce than it is worth—approximately 3.7 cents per penny—and costs the Treasury enormous amounts of funds. Furthermore, mining and smelting metals such as zinc and copper carry an environmental price tag.
If pennies were phased out:
- Collectors’ demand will skyrocket: Coins such as the 2025 Proof Lincoln Shield and pre-1983 pennies will be in high demand as nostalgic reminders of the past.
- Market scarcity will increase prices: Since no new pennies will be entering circulation, those already in circulation—particularly rare or high-denomination ones—will be worth more.
- Historical coins may experience exponential value appreciation: Error pennies or coins from certain years (e.g., 1943 Copper Penny) may see their prices skyrocket.
Lessons from Canada’s experience
Canada ended its penny use in 2013 for precisely such cost-saving reasons. A number of scarce Canadian pennies throughout the post-scrappage period saw additional collector involvement and increasing price points. The trend indicates American coins might continue similarly were the penny to be abolished.
It fails to persuade all observers.
Philip Diehl, a former U.S. Mint director, said eliminating the penny would not change the ban on penny minting.
The Proof Lincoln Shield 2025 Coin and pre-1983 copper pennies are special investments for collectors and investors alike. Because they are so rare, so historic, and so valuable as commodities, they are the favorites to increase in value if the U.S. stops producing pennies. Speculative, yes, these coins stand a strong chance of increasing in value over thousands in the coming years, making them a worthwhile addition to any collection or investment portfolio.
Read more: This is the classic 10-cent coin worth $500,000 – It was minted in 1975 and has an error in its creation that makes it…
Read more: This is the mythical 1976 Eisenhower coin worth $850,000 – It has a detail that makes it unique
