A 2010-D Lincoln Shield cent in MS-67 RD sold at Heritage Auctions for $4,994 — all from a coin worth one cent at the register. Most circulated examples are still face value, but the first-year Union Shield design and a handful of rare errors make hunting high-grade rolls very rewarding.
The table below summarizes current retail value ranges for all major 2010 Lincoln Shield cent varieties by grade. For a complete, illustrated step-by-step 2010 penny identification walkthrough, the CoinValueApp guide covers every variety with color photos. Values shown are for Red (RD) color designation; Red-Brown (RB) and Brown (BN) examples are worth significantly less.
| Variety | Worn (G–AU) | Unc. MS-63–65 RD | Gem MS-66–67 RD | Superb MS-68 RD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010-P (no mint mark) | Face value | $2 – $25 | $20 – $150 | $1,250+ |
| ⭐ 2010-D (Denver) | Face value | $2 – $25 | $20 – $220 | $1,000 – $4,994 |
| 2010-S Proof DCAM | N/A | $2 – $15 | $15 – $59 | $75 – $150+ |
| 2010-P Satin Finish SP | N/A | $8 – $24 | $20 – $100 | $75 – $150+ |
| 🔴 2010-D Satin Finish SP | N/A | $8 – $25 | $19 – $100 | $75 – $995+ |
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⭐ Gold row = highest value at top grades. 🔴 Red row = rarest satin finish type. All values in USD. Based on PCGS auction data · 2026 edition.
With over 4 billion pennies struck, the 2010 Lincoln Shield cent generated a significant number of minting errors that slipped through quality control. What makes these especially interesting to variety collectors is the historical context: 2010 was the inaugural year of the Union Shield reverse design, so errors from this first year carry an added layer of collectibility. Below are the five most significant errors documented and sold at major auction houses.
The doubled die obverse error occurs when the working die used to strike the coin receives an impression from the master hub on two slightly misaligned exposures during the hubbing process. The result is two distinct impressions offset from each other on the final coin. Because 2010 was the first year of the Shield reverse, die production was ramping up, and a handful of obverse dies with this class of error made it into production.
Visually, look for doubling on the letters of LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, the date numerals, and Lincoln's portrait details — particularly his ear, bow tie, and jaw line. Strong hub doubling is visible as a clear secondary image offset from the primary, typically between 10 and 15 degrees. Mechanical doubling (also called machine doubling or MD) produces a shelf-like smear rather than a rounded secondary image, and carries minimal premium.
True hub-doubled 2010 DDO pennies are scarce and generate real collector demand. Stronger specimens sell for $100–$500 or more in mid-grade uncirculated condition, while minor class-VI machine doubling examples bring a modest $5–$25 over face value. Authentication by PCGS or NGC is essential before attributing a high value — most examples submitted are ultimately determined to be machine doubling or post-mint damage.
A broadstrike error happens when the coin is struck outside the restraining collar that normally controls the planchet's expansion during the striking process. Without the collar holding the copper-plated zinc blank in place, the metal spreads outward freely during the strike, producing a coin that is wider and thinner than normal but retains the full design impression. The collar's absence means no rim is formed on one or both sides.
A 2010 broadstrike will measure noticeably larger than the standard 19.05mm diameter — broader examples can reach 20mm or beyond. The rim will be flat, rounded, or absent along the affected portion. Full design is typically present, though the coin looks "squashed" compared to a normal example. The planchet itself is visually thinner at the edges than a standard cent. Verify by measuring with precision calipers, not a ruler.
Broadstrike 2010 cents are among the most valuable single errors for this date, with documented auction sales well into the hundreds. A 2010-P broadstrike example graded MS-62 sold at Heritage Auctions for $775. Typical broadstrike examples in lower grades range from $200 to $400, while top-grade certified specimens push toward $800+. Broadstrikes with full design visibility and original red color carry the highest premiums.
A struck-through error results when a foreign object — such as grease, cloth fibers, a piece of wire, or another fragment — is lodged between the die face and the planchet at the moment of striking. The obstruction displaces or prevents the normal transfer of the die's design elements to the planchet surface. The resulting coin shows an area where the design appears missing, recessed, or textured differently from surrounding areas.
Struck-through grease is the most common form and produces a flat, design-free area where the die's relief was filled with debris. More dramatic and valuable are "retained" struck-throughs, where the foreign material is partially embedded in the coin's surface and visible to the naked eye. Check the obverse for blank or bubbled patches in Lincoln's portrait, across LIBERTY, or on the shield stripes on the reverse, particularly where grease-filled dies would cause letters or devices to vanish entirely.
A 2010-D Lincoln cent with a retained struck-through error sold for $980 at Great Collections in 2017 — one of the highest single-error sales for this date. Standard struck-through grease examples on 2010 cents sell for $100–$500 depending on the extent and visibility of the obstruction. Retained-material struck-throughs are significantly rarer and command proportionally higher premiums when the retained material is still visible or partially embedded.
The BIE error is a specific variety of die crack that forms between the "B" and "E" of the word LIBERTY on Lincoln's obverse. As the die accumulates stress and metal fatigue through thousands of strikes, a crack may develop at that precise location. When the die strikes subsequent planchets, the crack fills with metal from the coin blank, leaving a raised line on the struck coin. Because that raised line resembles the letter "I," the word appears to read "LIBIERTY" — hence the nickname BIE.
BIE errors are a popular entry point for Lincoln cent variety collectors and occur across many Lincoln cent dates, not just 2010. On 2010 pennies, the crack appears on the obverse die between the second and third letters of LIBERTY. The raised line should be clearly visible under 5× magnification; dramatic examples are visible without any aids. The crack's width, height, and completeness determine premium value — partial hairline cracks bring modest premiums while bold, full cracks command higher prices.
Minor BIE cracks on 2010 pennies typically sell for $5–$25, making them approachable for new collectors building a type set of Lincoln cent die varieties. On the high end, a 2010-P penny graded MS-65 with a prominent obverse die crack (including a BIE location) sold at Great Collections in 2018 for $810 — demonstrating that dramatic, certified examples with full original red color can fetch remarkable sums even for this common date.
An off-center strike occurs when the planchet is not properly centered under the dies at the moment of striking. A misaligned blank gets struck with the full force of the die, but because only part of the planchet sits within the die's design area, the resulting coin shows the design shifted to one side with a crescent-shaped area of blank, unstruck planchet visible at the opposite edge. The degree of misalignment is expressed as a percentage — a 10% off-center coin is mildly shifted, while a 50% off-center coin is dramatically shifted.
For 2010 Lincoln cents, look for the design visibly off-center with a blank area at one edge. The critical diagnostic for value is whether the date is still visible: off-center coins with the full date showing (2010) command the highest premiums because they are dateable. Off-center examples missing the date or mintmark are worth less regardless of the shift percentage. A 10%–20% shift with the full date still visible is the sweet spot collectors seek.
Off-center 2010 pennies with modest 10%–20% shifts and the date visible trade in the $50–$150 range in lower grades. More dramatic 30%–50% off-center examples with the date visible can reach $200–$500 or more in uncirculated condition. These were a popular error type on early Shield cents as the new reverse design alignment was being established, making 2010 off-centers particularly sought after by first-year-of-issue error collectors.
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| Mint / Strike Type | Mint Mark | Mintage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia — Business Strike | None (P) | 1,963,630,000 | Circulation coins; most abundant type |
| Denver — Business Strike | D | 2,047,200,000 | Highest single-facility mintage in Shield series history |
| San Francisco — Proof DCAM | S | 1,689,216 | Collector sets only; mirror fields + frosted devices |
| Philadelphia — Satin Finish SP | P | 583,897 | 28-piece uncirculated mint set inclusion |
| Denver — Satin Finish SP | D | 583,897 | 28-piece uncirculated mint set; PCGS auction record $995.95 |
| TOTAL (all types) | — | ~4,013,687,010 | Combined across all three mints and all strike types |
Condition is the single largest driver of value for 2010 pennies above face value. Use the guide below and the grading strip to match your coin to a grade tier.
Lincoln's cheekbone is flat with no hairline detail. The wheat stalks on the bow tie are merged. Heavy bag marks or rim nicks common. All circulation 2010 pennies fall here regardless of date legibility.
Slight wear on Lincoln's cheekbone and hair above the ear. Luster is visible in the recessed areas only. At AU-58, only a trace of high-point wear disturbs an otherwise lustrous coin. Still essentially face-value territory.
No trace of wear. Full cartwheel luster flows across both sides. Contact marks from bag-handling are visible but moderate. The RD color designation (≥95% original copper) is required for these values. Gems start here.
Virtually flawless surfaces with only the most minor imperfections visible under magnification. Full blazing red luster, sharp strike on shield stripes, and exceptional eye appeal. MS-67 RD is the collector benchmark where real premiums are realized.
A 2010-D in MS-66 RD can be worth $20–$65, but the same coin in MS-66 RB (Red-Brown) may only bring $3–$8. Always evaluate both the numeric grade and the color designation. Original red coins stored in mint rolls or sealed bank bags have the best chance of retaining the RD designation that commands top dollar.
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The Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) is the most searched variety for 2010 Lincoln Shield cents. Work through the checklist below to assess whether your coin may have genuine hub doubling.
Check all that apply to your coin:
The calculator below maps your mint mark, condition, and any error to a specific value range — free and instant.
Use the Value Calculator →Select your mint mark, condition, and any errors to get an instant estimated value range based on documented auction records and current price guides.
Not sure about your coin's mint mark or condition yet? There's a 2010 Penny Coin Value Checker free online tool that accepts coin photos and provides an AI-powered identification before you run the numbers above.
Describe what you see on your coin in plain language and our analyzer will flag potential varieties and value drivers.
Not all venues are equal for 2010 pennies. Match your coin to the right marketplace.
The top venue for high-grade certified 2010-D pennies at MS-66 RD or better, especially MS-67 RD and above. Heritage achieved the all-time record of $4,994 for this date. Best for PCGS or NGC-certified examples where competitive bidding drives the final price well above retail estimates. Minimum consignment thresholds apply.
The most liquid marketplace for 2010 pennies across all grades. Check recently sold prices for 2010 Lincoln Shield pennies and current listings under the "Sold" filter for real comps before pricing your coin. Uncertified MS-65 RD examples typically sell for $5–$20, while certified MS-67 RD pieces command $100–$300. Error coins with clear photos attract strong buyer interest.
Good option for face-value to circulated examples where you want immediate cash. Dealers pay wholesale (typically 50–70% of retail for raw coins, slightly more for certified). Bring any suspected error coins here first for an expert opinion before deciding whether to submit for certification — most dealers can quickly distinguish genuine errors from post-mint damage.
A growing peer-to-peer community for direct collector-to-collector sales. Works well for lower to mid-grade uncirculated 2010 pennies in the $5–$50 range, especially error examples where you can share clear photos. No platform fees. Buyers are knowledgeable and skeptical, so certified coins or detailed photo documentation help close sales at fair prices.
If your 2010 penny appears to be MS-66 RD or better — bright copper color with no wear or major marks — professional grading from PCGS or NGC often pays for itself. A raw MS-67 RD 2010-D might sell for $75–$100 on eBay as an unverified coin, but PCGS-certified MS-67 RD examples regularly achieve $200–$1,000+. Submission costs typically run $20–$45 per coin for standard service. Submit through an authorized PCGS or NGC dealer to ensure proper handling.
Most circulated 2010 pennies found in pocket change are worth face value — $0.01. However, uncirculated examples start to carry a premium around MS-63 RD ($2–$5) and climb steeply at MS-66 RD ($20–$65) and MS-67 RD ($75–$220 for Philadelphia, higher for Denver). The top recorded sale for any 2010 penny is $4,994 for a Denver MS-67 RD specimen sold at Heritage Auctions in April 2013.
Three factors drive value: grade (condition), color designation, and errors. A coin must grade MS-66 RD or higher to command a meaningful premium. The Red (RD) color designation — meaning at least 95% original copper color — is critical; Red-Brown (RB) or Brown (BN) coins of the same grade trade for a fraction of RD prices. Error coins such as doubled die obverses, off-center strikes, and die cap errors add further collector premiums, sometimes reaching several hundred dollars.
In circulated grades, both the 2010-P and 2010-D are worth face value. In top uncirculated grades, the Denver 'D' mint mark coin consistently sells at higher premiums. The all-time auction record for any 2010 penny belongs to the 2010-D at $4,994 in MS-67 RD. At MS-65 RD, the spread is small, but by MS-67 RD, Denver examples typically bring 30–50% more than equivalent Philadelphia pieces.
The value of a 2010 penny doubled die obverse (DDO) error depends on the strength of the doubling. Minor class-VI mechanical doubling on the lettering brings only modest premiums of $5–$25 over a regular coin. Stronger, more dramatic hub doubling visible on LIBERTY or the date without magnification can reach $100–$500 or more in uncirculated condition. Always have suspected DDO coins authenticated by PCGS or NGC before assigning high values.
An uncirculated 2010 penny shows no wear on Lincoln's cheekbone, jaw line, or the high relief areas of the shield stripes on the reverse. The coin should display complete original cartwheel luster — a flowing, reflective sheen that moves across the surface as you tilt the coin under a light. Any flat, dull areas on the high points indicate circulation wear. Red (RD) designation requires at least 95% intact original copper-orange color, with no significant darkening or toning.
The 2010 Lincoln Shield cent was produced in enormous quantities across three mints. Philadelphia struck approximately 1,963,630,000 business strikes plus 583,897 satin finish coins. Denver produced approximately 2,047,200,000 business strikes plus an additional 583,897 satin finish pieces. San Francisco struck 1,689,216 proof specimens for collector sets. The combined business strike mintage of roughly 4 billion coins makes circulated examples extremely common with no collector premium.
The BIE error occurs when a die crack forms between the letters 'B' and 'E' in the word LIBERTY on Lincoln's obverse. The crack creates a raised line resembling the letter 'I,' so the word appears to read 'LIBIERTY.' BIE errors are common across the entire Lincoln cent series. On 2010 pennies, minor BIE examples sell for $5–$25, while more dramatic examples with larger, bolder cracks can reach $50–$100 depending on grade and visibility.
Yes. The 2010 Lincoln cent is the inaugural year of the Union Shield reverse design, which replaced the four commemorative reverses used only in 2009 for the Lincoln Bicentennial. The shield design — featuring 13 vertical stripes representing the original states within one unified shield — was unveiled November 12, 2009, at the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial in Washington D.C. Being the first year of this ongoing design series makes 2010 error coins especially collectible to variety enthusiasts.
The 2010-S proof penny was struck at San Francisco with a mintage of 1,689,216 pieces, included in 14-coin proof sets sold at $31.95 each. In typical Proof-69 Deep Cameo (DCAM) condition, these coins are worth approximately $15–$59. Even the finest PR-70 DCAM examples remain relatively affordable collector pieces compared to the high-grade business strikes. The 'S' mint mark below the date identifies these immediately.
Both the 2010-P and 2010-D satin finish pennies were produced for inclusion in the 28-piece uncirculated mint sets, with exactly 583,897 of each struck. These coins have a distinctive matte-like surface that is neither the brilliant mirror of a proof nor the normal cartwheel luster of a business strike. In SP-68 RD condition they typically sell for $20–$61 each, while SP-69 RD examples bring $75–$150 or more. The 2010-D satin finish holds the PCGS auction record for its type at $995.95.
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