The 2005 Lincoln cent is a familiar coin to most Americans, but its value can far exceed one cent under the right conditions. In this guide, you’ll learn everything about the 2005 penny: including its history, physical features, grading tips, value charts, and rare errors. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a beginner, this comprehensive reference will help you determine the true worth of your 2005 penny.
2005 Penny Value Chart
| Type | MS-60 | MS-65 | PR-65 | Error Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 (No Mint Mark) | $0.10 | $1.00 | N/A | Up to $150+ |
| 2005-D (Denver Mint) | $0.10 | $1.00 | N/A | Up to $250+ |
| 2005-S (Proof Coin) | N/A | N/A | $2.00–$6.00 | Rarely higher |
| 2005 Error Coins | Varies | Varies | Varies | Up to $500+ |
Note: These values are approximate and based on third-party grading trends as of 2025.
History of the 2005 Penny
The 2005 Lincoln penny is part of the Lincoln Memorial series, which spanned from 1959 to 2008. Designed by Frank Gasparro, the reverse honored the Lincoln Memorial, replacing the wheat ears that had appeared on earlier Lincoln cents.
In 2005, the United States Mint continued high-volume production of Lincoln cents at its Philadelphia and Denver facilities. The San Francisco Mint struck proof versions exclusively for collectors. No design changes occurred that year, but several interesting error coins emerged from all three mints, captivating collectors and investors.
Features of the 2005 Penny
The Obverse of the 2005 Penny
As with all Lincoln Memorial cents, the obverse of the 2005 penny features Abraham Lincoln’s bust, originally designed by Victor David Brenner.
Key obverse features:
- “IN GOD WE TRUST” centered along the upper rim
- “LIBERTY” to the left of Lincoln
- The date “2005” to the right
- Mint mark under the date if applicable (D or S)
The Reverse of the 2005 Penny
The reverse, designed by Gasparro, shows the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., including the seated Lincoln statue visible between the columns under magnification.
Key reverse features:
- “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” along the top
- “E PLURIBUS UNUM” above the memorial
- “ONE CENT” centered beneath the memorial
Other Features of the 2005 Penny
- Composition: 97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper plating
- Weight: 2.5 grams
- Diameter: 19.05 mm
- Edge: Plain
2005 Penny Grading Guide
To determine value, you must evaluate the coin’s condition. Here’s a simplified grading overview:
- Circulated: Worn with visible signs of handling. Typically worth face value.
- MS-60 to MS-64: Uncirculated with noticeable marks or weak luster.
- MS-65 and above: Uncirculated with strong strike and minimal imperfections. Worth premium.
- PR-65 to PR-70: Proof coins, struck with polished dies, sold in collector sets. Best value at PR-69 or PR-70.
2005 Penny Value Guides
2005 No Mint Mark Penny Value (Philadelphia)
The Philadelphia Mint struck over 3.9 billion Lincoln cents in 2005. These coins are extremely common, though high-grade or error examples may be valuable.
Values:
- Circulated: $0.01
- MS-60: $0.10
- MS-65: $1.00–$2.00
2005-D Penny Value (Denver Mint)
Denver produced more than 4.45 billion pennies in 2005, making this version slightly more common than the Philadelphia issue.
Values:
- Circulated: $0.01
- MS-60: $0.10
- MS-65: $1.00–$3.00
Certain high-grade Denver coins have sold for over $100 at auction when certified by PCGS or NGC.
2005-S Proof Penny Value (San Francisco Mint)
The San Francisco Mint struck over 3.3 million proof Lincoln cents in 2005. These coins have mirror-like surfaces and are struck twice for clarity.
Values:
- PR-65: $2.00–$3.00
- PR-69: $4.00–$6.00
- PR-70 (perfect): $25–$45+
Rare 2005 Penny Errors List
Many 2005 pennies with mint errors are worth significantly more than face value. Here are some of the most desirable ones:
1. Double Die Obverse (DDO)
- Doubling of letters or numbers, especially in “LIBERTY” and the date
- Value: $50 to $200+, depending on sharpness and grade
2. Off-Center Strike
- A portion of the coin is missing design due to misalignment
- Value: $20 to $150+, more if over 50% off-center
3. Broadstrike Error
- Coin appears wider and has no raised rim
- Value: $15 to $100+
4. Clipped Planchet
- A visible curved section is missing from the edge
- Value: $20 to $75
5. Struck Through Errors
- Caused by debris or foreign material during the striking process
- Value: $10 to $80 depending on size and location of strike-through
6. BIE Error
- A die break creates the appearance of an “I” between the “B” and “E” in LIBERTY
- Value: $5 to $20
7. Die Cuds and Cracks
- Raised metal from broken dies; some examples are dramatic and highly collectible
- Value: $15 to $100+
FAQ about the 2005 Penny
1. What is the composition of the 2005 penny?
The 2005 Lincoln penny is made of 97.5% zinc with a 2.5% copper plating, featuring a copper-plated zinc core. This has been the standard composition since 1982.
2. Which mints produced the 2005 penny?
The 2005 penny was minted at the following U.S. Mint facilities:
- Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark)
- Denver Mint (“D” mint mark)
- San Francisco Mint (“S” mint mark) – for proof coins only
3. Are there any known errors or varieties in the 2005 penny?
Yes, several types of errors have been reported, including:
- Doubled dies (though not major listed varieties)
- Off-center strikes
- Die cracks and cuds
- Clipped planchets
Some 2005 pennies also show minor misalignments or strike-through errors, which can be valuable to collectors depending on condition and visibility.
4. What design is featured on the 2005 Lincoln penny?
- Obverse: Abraham Lincoln’s bust (by Victor D. Brenner)
- Reverse: The Lincoln Memorial, continuing the design used from 1959 to 2008
5. How many 2005 pennies were minted?
Mintages for 2005 were extremely high:
- Philadelphia: Over 3.9 billion
- Denver: Over 3.6 billion
- San Francisco (Proofs): Around 3.3 million
This makes the 2005 penny one of the more common modern coins.
6. What is the typical value of a 2005 penny?
- Circulated coins: Face value (1 cent)
- Uncirculated coins (MS65–MS67): $0.10 to $2+
- Proof coins (2005-S): $1 to $3+
- Error coins: Value varies by type and severity (can range from $10 to $100+)
7. Is the 2005 penny worth collecting or investing in?
Most 2005 pennies are not valuable as investments due to their high mintage and circulation. However, error coins, proofs, and high-grade uncirculated coins can be collectible and may increase in value.
