This 1993 Lincoln Penny Mistake Is Worth $51,000 – Roosevelt Dime Reverse!

Are you curious about the value of a 1993 penny? You’ve landed in the perfect spot!

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the 1993 Lincoln penny — from its design and backstory to the factors that drive collectors to pay a premium for certain coins.

So, let’s dive right in!

1993 Penny Value Chart*

Mint Mark	XF45	MS63	MS67	MS69
1993 No Mint Mark Penny	1 cent	$4	$24	$4,250
1993 D Penny	1 cent	$6	$28	$2,500

Mint Mark	PR60	PR65	PR68	PR70
1993 S Proof Penny	$1	$4	$7	$38

*Values shown are for coins graded “Red.”

History of the 1993 Penny

The 1993 penny is part of the modern Lincoln cent series, which began in 1959. This iconic coin showcases the image of Abraham Lincoln on its obverse — a design introduced back in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his birth.

Lincoln’s inclusion marked a pivotal moment in U.S. coinage history, as it was the first time an actual historical figure appeared on a U.S. coin. Prior to this, Lady Liberty typically graced American coins, in contrast to the monarchs depicted on European currency.

The original Lincoln penny featured two wheat ears on its reverse side, but in 1959, that design was replaced by an image of the Lincoln Memorial to mark Lincoln’s 150th birthday.

Aside from its design, the 1993 penny is also distinct in its composition. Early Lincoln pennies were made of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. Due to copper shortages during World War II, the Mint briefly switched to a steel composition in 1943, but quickly reverted the following year.

A more lasting change came in 1982 when the coin’s core was altered to zinc with a thin copper coating — a composition still used for pennies today, including those minted in 1993.

You can even feel the difference: pre-1982 pennies are heavier, and when dropped on a wooden surface, they produce a clear ring, whereas the zinc-based 1993 penny sounds dull and muted.

Features of the 1993 Penny

The Obverse of the 1993 Penny

The front (obverse) side of the 1993 penny bears the familiar image of President Abraham Lincoln, designed by artist Victor David Brenner. Born in what’s now Lithuania, Brenner moved to the U.S. and eventually gained the attention of President Theodore Roosevelt, who was instrumental in selecting him for the Lincoln penny project.

Initially, Brenner’s initials appeared prominently on the coin’s reverse, but public backlash over the bold lettering led the Mint to remove them. In 1918, the initials returned — this time subtly placed on the obverse, where they remain today.

Surrounding Lincoln’s profile, you’ll see the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” at the top, “LIBERTY” to the left, and the mint year to the right. If the penny was minted in Denver or San Francisco, it will feature a “D” or “S” under the date; Philadelphia-minted coins lack a mint mark.

The Reverse of the 1993 Penny

The reverse features the Lincoln Memorial, a design introduced in 1959 by Mint engraver Frank Gasparro. If you look closely, you can spot the tiny depiction of Lincoln’s statue inside the Memorial, making this penny one of the few U.S. coins to show the same figure on both sides.

Above the Memorial is the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” with the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” just beneath it. The coin’s denomination, “ONE CENT,” is curved along the bottom edge.

Other Features of the 1993 Penny

While the penny’s base metal is zinc, the thin copper coating gives each coin its distinct color. Brand-new, the coin shines with a bright red hue, but exposure and handling gradually turn it brown.

Coin graders categorize these shades as follows:

• Red (RD): At least 95% of the coin’s surface remains the original bright red.
• Red-Brown (RB): A mix of red and brown tones.
• Brown (BN): Over 95% of the surface has darkened.

The coin’s color is a major factor in determining its market value.

1993 Penny Grading Scale

Grade	Description
1	Basal State-1
2	Fair
3	Very Fair
4-6	Good
7-10	Very Good
12-15	Fine
20-30	Very Fine
40	Extremely Fine
50	About Uncirculated
60-70	Mint State (MS)

Higher numbers reflect better condition, with MS70 being a flawless, perfectly preserved coin.

1993 Penny Value Guides

1993 No Mint Mark Penny Value

The Philadelphia Mint produced nearly 5.7 billion pennies in 1993, making this version extremely common. Most examples are only worth face value unless they’re in pristine condition or exhibit a rare mint error.

For red coins in uncirculated grades:

• MS63: Around $4
• MS64: $5
• MS65 (Gem): $8
• MS67: $24
• MS68: $100
• MS69: Rare, valued at about $4,250 (only eight known examples certified by PCGS).

1993 D Penny Value

The Denver Mint struck about 6.5 billion pennies in 1993, making the “D” marked coins very accessible. Like the Philadelphia versions, these are usually only worth face value unless in exceptional condition.

For red, mint state coins:

• MS63: About $6
• MS65: Roughly $10
• MS67: Around $28
• MS68: About $65
• MS68+: $350
• MS69: Roughly $2,500 (17 known examples).

1993 S Proof Penny Value

Proof coins were minted in San Francisco for collectors, with about 3.4 million produced in 1993. These coins are uncirculated and often found in excellent condition, usually designated as “deep cameo” proofs, meaning they feature a striking contrast between frosted design elements and mirror-like backgrounds.

Typical values:

• PR60: About $1
• PR65: Around $4
• PR69: About $14
• PR70: Approximately $38

Rare 1993 Penny Errors List

1993 D Penny with Roosevelt Dime Reverse

A highly unusual 1993 Denver penny was mistakenly struck with the reverse design of a Roosevelt dime, featuring a torch flanked by olive and oak branches. Graded MS65 Red, this rare “mule” error fetched over $51,000 at auction.

1993 No Mint Mark Penny, Double Struck with Off-Center Second Strike

This error occurred when a penny failed to eject properly after its first strike and was struck again — but off-center the second time. One such coin had an 80% off-center second strike. Due to the unclear design details, it couldn’t receive a numeric grade and sold for just $25 at auction.

Where to Sell Your 1993 Penny

Ready to sell your 1993 penny? There are plenty of reputable platforms where you can list your coins, including websites with user reviews and seller ratings. Check out our guide on the best places to sell coins online, along with their pros and cons.

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