Did you know that some 2000 pennies are actually worth more than their face value?
If you dig through your coin jar or loose change, you might just come across a 2000 penny that’s worth way more than a single cent.
But before you start hunting for these valuable coins, it’s important to know what to look for.
Below are the key features that can help you identify if your 2000 pennies are truly valuable collectibles…
How Much Is A 2000 Penny Worth Today?
2000 Penny Value (No Mintmark)
The 2000 Lincoln cent without a mintmark beneath the date was produced at the Philadelphia Mint, which didn’t use mintmarks on pennies during that year. As a result, a 2000 penny lacking a mintmark is completely normal and one of the most frequently encountered coins in everyday change. In fact, the Philadelphia Mint released about 5.5 billion pennies that year, making this coin very common and easy to come across.
Because these pennies were minted in such large quantities, worn examples generally don’t carry any premium unless they have specific errors or unique varieties. Most 2000 pennies you find in circulation are worth just their face value — one cent.
That said, not all 2000 pennies are worth only a penny!
Uncirculated pennies from 2000—meaning coins that show no signs of use or wear—are often worth more than their face value. Typically, these pristine pennies fetch between 10 and 30 cents, and some examples can command even higher prices.
One standout example, a 2000 no-mint-mark penny graded MS69RD by the Professional Coin Grading Service, sold for an impressive $3,220 back in 2008!
2000-D Penny Value
Wondering how much a 2000-D penny is worth today?
The 2000-D penny was minted at the Denver Mint in Colorado, which marks its coins with a small “D” mintmark located just below the date. In total, the Denver Mint produced approximately 8.77 billion 2000-D pennies, making them very common.
Unless your 2000-D penny has a special error or variety (discussed below), these coins generally hold only their face value — one cent.
However, some 2000-D pennies without errors or varieties can still be worth more than face value.
Which ones are those?
Uncirculated 2000-D pennies — coins that have never been circulated or worn — usually fetch between 10 and 30 cents each.
In particular, exceptional uncirculated 2000-D pennies can command much higher prices. The highest priced 2000-D penny ever sold at auction was graded MS69RD by the Professional Coin Grading Service and went for an impressive $2,415!
2000-S Penny Value
The United States Mint in San Francisco produced a relatively limited number of special 2000 pennies intended for collectors.
These 2000-S proof pennies were struck twice using high-pressure presses with specially prepared dies and polished planchets, giving them a mirror-like finish that highlights every detail.
The mintage for the 2000-S pennies was only about 4,047,993 coins, which is much smaller compared to the billions produced by the Philadelphia and Denver Mints.
Unlike regular pennies, the 2000-S pennies were not released into circulation. Instead, they were sold as part of proof sets in 2000, which included proof versions of other coins from that year.
So, what are they worth?
A typical 2000-S penny usually sells for around $3 to $5.
However, the most valuable 2000-S proof penny sold for significantly more. In 2004, a 2000-S penny graded PR70DCAM (a perfect numismatic grade by the Professional Coin Grading Service) fetched an impressive $2,645!
Rare 2000 Penny Errors And Their Values
2000 Wide AM Penny Error
One of the most sought-after mistakes found on a 2000 penny is the 2000 Wide AM error.
You can identify a 2000 Wide AM penny by looking at the reverse side of the coin (the back).
If the bottoms of the letters “A” and “M” in the word “AMERICA” are touching, then you have a normal 2000 penny.
However, if there is a clear gap between the bases of the “A” and “M,” you own a 2000 Wide AM error penny.
This happens because the Wide AM dies were originally intended to strike proof Lincoln pennies, but apparently one or more of these dies were mistakenly used to produce pennies for general circulation.
How much is this error penny worth?
A typical 2000 Wide AM penny can be valued between $10 and $25, or even more.
The most expensive 2000 Wide AM penny ever sold at public auction was graded MS68RD by the Professional Coin Grading Service and fetched $800 in 2012.
2000 Cheerios Penny Error
If you remember the early 2000s, you might recall a special promotion by the cereal giant Cheerios. In this promotion, a newly minted 2000 penny was included inside 10 million boxes of Cheerios. These pennies, dated 2000 and with no mintmark, were sealed on black-and-yellow cards and distributed nationwide.
Most of these 2000 Cheerios pennies were taken out of their holders, spent as regular money, or tossed into coin collections and forgotten.
How much is it worth?
A 2000 Cheerios penny can’t be identified without its original colorful card, so if it’s worn, it’s generally only worth its face value.
However, if it happens to be a 2000 Wide AM penny (explained earlier), it could be more valuable.
A 2000 Cheerios penny still in its original packaging typically sells for $10 to $20.
2000 Doubled Die Penny Error
Some 2000 pennies show minor doubled die errors. This doubling is usually noticeable in the letters, Lincoln’s eye or tie, or the columns on the Lincoln Memorial.
How much is this error penny worth?
A 2000 doubled die penny can be valued between $20 and $50.
2000 Off-Center Penny Error
Many 2000 pennies show signs of being struck off center.
How much is it worth?
The value of a 2000 penny with an off-center error depends on how far off center the strike is:
- Pennies that are 1% to 3% off center are very common and usually have little to no extra value.
- Pennies that are 5% to 10% or more off center can be worth between $10 and $20.
- The most valuable off-center pennies are those missing about 50% of their design but still display a fully visible date.
2000 BIE Penny Error
As coin dies begin to wear down, they can develop cracks — and these imperfections often leave behind raised marks on the coins they strike.
One particularly interesting type of die crack found on Lincoln cents resembles the letter “I” appearing between the “B” and “E” in “LIBERTY.” These are known as BIE errors, and they’ve become a favorite among collectors.
How much are they worth?
A typical 2000 BIE penny can be valued anywhere from $7 to $15, and potentially even more depending on its condition and appearance.
FAQ about the 2000 Penny
1. What is the composition of the 2000 penny?
The 2000 Lincoln penny is composed of 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper. It features a zinc core with a thin copper plating, a standard composition used since mid-1982.
2. Which U.S. mints produced the 2000 penny?
The 2000 penny was struck at three locations:
- Philadelphia (no mint mark)
- Denver (“D” mint mark)
- San Francisco (“S” mint mark) — for proof coins only
3. Are there any known errors or varieties for the 2000 penny?
Yes. Collectors have reported several errors and varieties, including:
- Wide AM reverse variety (very rare and valuable)
- Die cracks and cuds
- Off-center strikes
- Doubled dies (less common but present)
The 2000 Wide AM penny is especially desirable and can sell for $100+ depending on condition.
4. What design is featured on the 2000 Lincoln penny?
The obverse shows Abraham Lincoln’s bust by Victor D. Brenner.
The reverse features the Lincoln Memorial, used from 1959 through 2008.
5. How common is the 2000 penny?
Extremely common. Billions were minted:
- Philadelphia: over 6.6 billion
- Denver: over 8.8 billion
- San Francisco (proofs): around 4 million
Circulated examples are easily found in pocket change.
6. What is the value of a 2000 penny?
- Circulated coins: Face value (1 cent)
- Uncirculated coins: $0.10 to $1+
- Proof coins: $1–$3
- Wide AM variety: $100–$500+ depending on grade
- Other errors: Varies widely by type and rarity
7. Is the 2000 penny worth collecting or investing in?
Most 2000 pennies are not investment-grade. However, the 2000 Wide AM variety, high-grade uncirculated coins, and proof coins are great for collectors and can gain value over time.
