1993 Penny Value: From Face Value to Nearly $5,000 (Complete Guide)

Introduction to 1993 Pennies

The 1993 Lincoln Memorial cent is a common coin that most Americans have likely encountered in circulation. While most 1993 pennies are worth only their face value of one cent, certain varieties and errors can be surprisingly valuable to collectors. This comprehensive guide will help you determine the true value of your 1993 penny, whether it’s a regular strike from Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco, or a rare error coin worth thousands.

1993 Penny Values by Mint Mark

The value of a 1993 penny largely depends on its mint mark, condition, and whether it contains any errors or varieties. Let’s explore the value of each type in detail.

According to USA Coin Book, the estimated value of an uncirculated 1993 Lincoln Memorial Penny is about $0.36, though as noted above, specimens in extraordinary condition can be worth much more.

According to Coin Appraiser, the 1993-D penny has a diameter of 19mm and weighs 2.50 grams, matching the standard specifications for modern Lincoln cents.

According to Toolify.ai, a perfect 1993-S proof penny (PR70) can sell for over $90, making it one of the more valuable 1993 pennies for collectors.

Valuable 1993 Penny Errors and Varieties

While most 1993 pennies are common and worth face value, certain error coins and varieties can be quite valuable. These rarities are what many collectors actively seek, and finding one could mean your 1993 penny is worth significantly more than one cent.

According to eBay listings like this one, the Close AM error is considered rare and significantly affects the value of a 1993 penny, making it a prized find for error coin collectors.

How to Identify Valuable 1993 Pennies

If you’re wondering whether your 1993 penny might be valuable, there are several key features to check. Use this condition checklist to evaluate your coin.

The Lincoln cent was first introduced, featuring Victor David Brenner's portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and wheat stalks on the reverse.

The reverse design was changed to feature the Lincoln Memorial, created by Frank Gasparro, to commemorate Lincoln's 150th birthday.

The penny's composition changed from 95% copper to copper-plated zinc (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper) due to rising copper prices.

1993 pennies were minted, including the valuable Close AM variety that would later become a sought-after error.

Four different reverse designs were issued to celebrate Lincoln's 200th birthday, ending the Lincoln Memorial design.

The Union Shield design was introduced on the reverse and continues to be used on today's Lincoln cents.

Selling and Preserving Your 1993 Pennies

If you’ve discovered a potentially valuable 1993 penny, you’ll want to know how to properly preserve it and potentially sell it for its maximum value.

According to PCGS CoinFacts, professionally graded 1993 cents have established auction records that can guide expectations for similar coins.

1. Coin Dealers: Local or online coin dealers can offer immediate payment, though typically less than retail value.
2. Coin Shows: These events bring together dealers and collectors, potentially resulting in better prices.
3. Online Auctions: Platforms like eBay can reach many collectors, but require attention to proper listing details and shipping.
4. Coin Forums: Specialized forums like CoinTalk or Reddit’s r/Coins can connect you with knowledgeable collectors.
5. Auction Houses: For extremely valuable coins (generally $500+), traditional auction houses might be appropriate.

FAQs About 1993 Penny Values

A regular 1993 penny in circulated condition is generally worth only its face value of one cent. Even in uncirculated condition, most 1993 pennies are worth between $0.25 and $1 unless they're in pristine condition (MS67 or higher) or have valuable errors.

Several factors can make a 1993 penny valuable:

- Pristine uncirculated condition (MS67 or higher)
- The Close AM variety (letters A and M in AMERICA are close or touching)
- Double die errors causing visible doubling
- Off-center strikes and other minting errors
- Being a proof coin (S mint mark)

To identify a 1993 Close AM penny, examine the word "AMERICA" on the reverse side using a magnifying glass. On a normal 1993 penny, there's a visible gap between the A and M. On the valuable Close AM variety, these letters are positioned very close together or even touching. This variety is most valuable on Philadelphia-minted pennies (those with no mint mark).

The most valuable 1993 pennies are the MS69 specimens of the Philadelphia (no mint mark) issue, which have sold for nearly $5,000. For error coins, the 1993 Close AM variety in high grades can sell for $2,000-$5,000. These premium prices are extremely rare and represent the absolute finest known examples.

Like their Philadelphia counterparts, most 1993-D pennies in circulation are worth only face value (one cent). Uncirculated examples typically range from $0.25 to $10 depending on their condition, with pristine MS67+ examples potentially worth $50-$100. The 1993-D penny generally isn't known for valuable errors like the Close AM variety found on the Philadelphia coins.

An uncirculated 1993 penny will show no signs of wear on its high points. Lincoln's hair and ear details will be sharp, not flattened. The coin will typically have its original mint luster, appearing somewhat shiny or satiny, and may be copper-red, reddish-brown, or brown depending on how it has toned over time. Any marks present will be from the minting and handling process, not from circulation wear.

Absolutely not! Cleaning a coin, even gently, damages its original surface and can significantly reduce its value to collectors. Cleaned coins are easily identified by experts and typically sell for much less than coins with original surfaces, even if those original surfaces have naturally darkened over time. If you have a potentially valuable 1993 penny, keep it in its original condition.

Yes, there are several other valuable pennies from the 1990s:

- 1992 Close AM penny (similar to the 1993 variety)
- 1995 Doubled Die Obverse penny
- 1998, 1999 Wide AM penny
- 1999-S Proof 9 cent (with a mintmark that appears to be an upside-down 9)

Like the 1993 penny, these are all worth checking for in your change or collection.

External Resources for 1993 Penny Collectors

Comprehensive price guide and information for 1993 Lincoln Memorial cents, including market values for different conditions.

Official PCGS information on 1993 Lincoln cents, including auction records, specifications, and grading standards.

Detailed guide on 1993 penny values, including errors, varieties, and historical context.

Specific information on the Denver mint variety of the 1993 penny, including technical specifications and values.

News article highlighting valuable 1993 pennies that have sold for significant sums at auction.

Educational video explaining valuable 1993 coins, including pennies, with visual examples of what to look for.

Conclusion

While the vast majority of 1993 pennies are worth only their face value of one cent, certain specimens can be quite valuable to collectors. The most valuable 1993 pennies include those in pristine uncirculated condition (MS67 or higher), the rare Close AM variety, and those with significant minting errors.

If you think you might have a valuable 1993 penny, take the time to examine it carefully using a magnifying glass. Look for the tell-tale signs of the Close AM variety, any doubling on the lettering or date, and assess its overall condition. For potentially valuable coins, consider getting them professionally authenticated and graded.

Remember that coin collecting is not just about monetary value—it’s also about the joy of discovery and the appreciation of numismatic history. Whether your 1993 penny is worth one cent or several thousand dollars, it represents a tangible piece of American coinage history that you can hold in your hand.