The 1993 Lincoln penny may seem ordinary, but some versions are highly sought after by collectors. In this guide, we’ll break down its design, history, value, and what makes certain coins worth significantly more than face value.
1993 Penny Value Chart (Red Coins)
| Mint Mark | XF45 | MS63 | MS67 | MS69 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 (No Mint Mark) | 1 cent | $4 | $24 | $4,250 |
| 1993 D | 1 cent | $6 | $28 | $2,500 |
| Mint Mark | PR60 | PR65 | PR68 | PR70 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 S Proof | $1 | $4 | $7 | $38 |
Historical Background of the 1993 Penny
The 1993 penny is part of the modern Lincoln cent series, which began in 1959. It features Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and was introduced to honor the 100th anniversary of his birth back in 1909. The first U.S. coin to depict a real person, it replaced earlier designs that typically featured Lady Liberty.
By 1959, the reverse was updated to showcase the Lincoln Memorial, replacing the wheat design that had graced the coin for fifty years. That reverse design continued through 2008.
Metal Composition Changes
Originally made from bronze, the penny underwent a major composition shift in 1982 due to rising metal costs. The modern 1993 penny is primarily zinc with a thin copper coating. These newer coins are noticeably lighter and sound different when dropped compared to pre-1982 coins.
1993 Penny Obverse Design Details
The front of the coin displays a right-facing bust of Abraham Lincoln, designed by Victor David Brenner. His initials, “V.D.B.”, appear discreetly under Lincoln’s shoulder. The words “IN GOD WE TRUST” arc above Lincoln’s head, “LIBERTY” is to the left, and the date is on the right. Mint marks—“D” for Denver and “S” for San Francisco—are found below the date; Philadelphia-minted coins have no mint mark.
1993 Penny Reverse Design Details
On the back is the Lincoln Memorial, including a visible statue of Lincoln inside. The design was created by Frank Gasparro. Above the Memorial are the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM”. At the bottom, “ONE CENT” identifies the coin’s denomination.
Importance of Color in Copper Coins
Lincoln pennies are graded based on the coloration of the copper surface. A “red” coin has at least 95% of its surface with its original red copper color. A “brown” coin has mostly oxidized, while “red-brown” coins fall somewhere in between. Red coins in pristine condition are typically worth more.
Grading the 1993 Penny
Coin grading ranges from 1 (poor) to 70 (perfect). Uncirculated coins begin at MS60, and “gem” coins are typically graded MS65 or higher. Proof coins, designed for collectors, are graded with a PR prefix.
1993 No Mint Mark Penny Value
Produced in large numbers at the Philadelphia Mint—over 5.7 billion coins—most 1993 pennies without a mint mark are only worth one cent. However, uncirculated red coins in higher grades can bring more. An MS63 red penny may fetch $4, while MS67 coins can go for $24. Only a few MS69 coins exist, valued around $4,250.
1993 D Penny Value
With over 6.5 billion struck in Denver, these coins are common in circulated condition. In mint state, however, a red MS63 is worth about $6. The value increases to $28 at MS67 and up to $2,500 at MS69. These coins are valued slightly higher than the Philadelphia counterparts at lower grades.
1993 S Proof Penny Value
Proof pennies were struck at the San Francisco Mint specifically for collectors. Around 3.4 million were made. All proof coins from this year are considered deep cameos. A PR60 coin is worth about $1, a PR65 $4, and a perfect PR70 example commands around $38.
Rare and Valuable 1993 Penny Errors
One of the most famous errors is the 1993 D penny struck with a Roosevelt dime reverse—a rare mule error. It sold at auction for over $51,000.
Another notable error is a 1993 no mint mark penny that was double-struck, with the second strike 80% off-center. It sold for $25 due to weak details, despite the dramatic appearance.
Where to Sell a 1993 Penny
There are numerous trusted online platforms for selling valuable coins, including dedicated auction sites and coin marketplaces. Always research buyer reviews and platform fees to get the best value.
FAQs
Is the 1993 penny valuable?
Most 1993 pennies are worth face value, but uncirculated red examples or error coins can be worth from a few dollars to thousands.
Which 1993 penny error is worth the most?
The 1993 D mule penny with a Roosevelt dime reverse is the most valuable, fetching over $51,000 at auction.
What does a red 1993 penny mean?
A red penny has retained its original copper color on at least 95% of its surface, making it more valuable to collectors.
Where is the mint mark on a 1993 penny?
The mint mark, if present, is located below the date on the obverse; “D” stands for Denver, “S” for San Francisco, and no mark for Philadelphia.