The 2006 Lincoln penny is often overlooked in everyday change, but it has its place in the world of numismatics. While billions were minted, high-grade examples and rare minting errors from this year are worth significantly more than face value. In this guide, you’ll learn about the design, mint varieties, error coins, and current market values of the 2006 penny.
2006 Penny Value Chart
| Type | MS-60 | MS-65 | PR-65 | Error Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 (No Mint Mark) | $0.10 | $1.00 | N/A | Up to $150+ |
| 2006-D (Denver Mint) | $0.10 | $1.00 | N/A | Up to $250+ |
| 2006-S (Proof Coin) | N/A | N/A | $2.00–$6.00 | Rarely higher |
| 2006 Error Coins | Varies | Varies | Varies | Up to $500+ |
Note: Values are based on third-party graded coins and may vary depending on the market.
History of the 2006 Penny
The 2006 penny is part of the Lincoln Memorial cent series, which ran from 1959 to 2008. These coins feature a bust of President Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.
By 2006, the U.S. Mint was producing billions of pennies each year. Most of these coins entered circulation, but high-grade and proof versions were produced specifically for collectors. Despite their abundance, 2006 pennies with unique errors or in pristine condition can fetch surprising prices at auction.
Features of the 2006 Penny
The Obverse of the 2006 Penny
Victor David Brenner’s portrait of Lincoln remains unchanged on the obverse. You can identify the mint mark just below the date.
Key features include:
- “IN GOD WE TRUST” across the top rim
- “LIBERTY” on the left
- Date “2006” on the right
- Mint mark under the year (if present)
The Reverse of the 2006 Penny
Designed by Frank Gasparro, the reverse depicts the Lincoln Memorial in remarkable detail.
Key elements include:
- “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” at the top
- “E PLURIBUS UNUM” above the memorial
- “ONE CENT” along the bottom
Other Specifications
- Composition: 97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper plating
- Weight: 2.5 grams
- Diameter: 19.05 mm
- Edge: Plain
2006 Penny Grading Guide
Grading helps determine a coin’s value. Below are basic grading categories:
- Circulated: Visible wear; only face value unless an error is present.
- MS-60 to MS-64: Uncirculated with minor blemishes.
- MS-65 and up: High-quality strike with minimal flaws.
- Proof (PR-65 to PR-70): Special collector-only strikes with mirror finishes.
2006 Penny Value Guides
2006 No Mint Mark Penny (Philadelphia)
More than 3.5 billion Lincoln cents were minted in Philadelphia in 2006 without a mint mark.
Values:
- Circulated: $0.01
- MS-60: $0.10
- MS-65: $1.00–$2.00
Look for coins with full red color (RD) and no contact marks for premium pricing.
2006-D Penny (Denver Mint)
The Denver Mint produced over 4 billion pennies in 2006. Though common, high-grade examples and error coins are collectible.
Values:
- Circulated: $0.01
- MS-60: $0.10
- MS-65: $1.00–$3.00
Some MS-67 examples have sold for over $100 in auctions.
2006-S Proof Penny (San Francisco Mint)
More than 2.8 million proof Lincoln cents were minted in San Francisco. These coins are easily recognized by their mirror finish and sharp details.
Values:
- PR-65: $2.00–$3.00
- PR-69: $4.00–$6.00
- PR-70: $25–$40+
Rare 2006 Penny Errors List
Several error coins from 2006 have drawn attention from collectors. Here are some key varieties:
1. 2006 Double Die Obverse (DDO)
- Look for doubling in “LIBERTY” or the date.
- Value: $50 to $200+
2. 2006 Off-Center Strike
- Design partially missing or shifted.
- Value: $20 to $150+, more for extreme examples
3. Broadstrike Error
- No raised rim; coin appears flattened.
- Value: $15 to $100+
4. Clipped Planchet
- A piece of the coin is missing from the edge.
- Value: $20 to $75
5. Struck Through Errors
- A foreign object or grease disrupted the strike.
- Value: $10 to $80+
6. Die Cracks or Die Cuds
- Raised lines or blobs due to die damage.
- Value: $15 to $100 depending on size and placement
7. BIE Error
- A small die break forms what looks like the letter “I” between the B and E of LIBERTY.
- Value: $5 to $20
FAQ about the 2006 Penny
1. What is the composition of the 2006 penny?
The 2006 Lincoln penny is composed of 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper, with a copper-plated zinc core. This composition has been standard since mid-1982.
2. Which mints produced the 2006 penny?
The 2006 penny was struck at three U.S. Mint locations:
- Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark)
- Denver Mint (with a “D” mint mark)
- San Francisco Mint (with an “S” mint mark) — for proof coins only
3. Are there any known errors or varieties in the 2006 penny?
Yes. While there are no major listed doubled die varieties for 2006, collectors have found various errors such as:
- Off-center strikes
- Die cracks and cuds
- Clipped planchets
- Die clashes and strike-through errors
Some 2006 pennies may also show minor misalignments, which can increase value depending on severity.
4. What design is featured on the 2006 Lincoln penny?
- Obverse: A right-facing portrait of President Abraham Lincoln, designed by Victor D. Brenner
- Reverse: The Lincoln Memorial, used from 1959 to 2008
5. How many 2006 pennies were minted?
The 2006 penny had very high mintage numbers:
- Philadelphia: Over 4.2 billion
- Denver: Over 3.8 billion
- San Francisco (Proofs): About 2.9 million
This makes the 2006 penny extremely common in circulation.
6. What is the average value of a 2006 penny?
- Circulated coins: Face value (1¢)
- Uncirculated (MS65–MS67): $0.10 to $2+
- Proof coins (2006-S): $1 to $3+
- Error coins: Value varies by type; certain rare errors can range from $10 to $100+
7. Is the 2006 penny a good investment?
Most 2006 pennies are not considered strong investments due to their abundance. However, high-grade uncirculated coins, proof coins, and notable error coins can be collectible and retain or grow in value over time.
