2015 Penny Value Guide: Current Prices by Mint and Grade

The modern American coinage is regularly criticized for not being eloquent enough or groundbreaking. However, in 2010, the numismatic scene saw a new iteration of the Lincoln cent – the Union Shield design. It was a logical continuation of the long-standing program that started with the 1909 VDB penny and went through a few notable changes, i.e., the Wheat cent, Lincoln Memorial, Lincoln Bicentennial, and the Union Shield.

By 2015, the cent had already been strongly associated with its new appearance, and most examples were already common in circulation. However, certain instances may still be worth relatively a lot (especially, after the announcement of the 2025 halt to circulating penny production). Explore the most up-to-date coin value chart for 2015 pennies and learn more about what these modern cents may offer as a long-term collectible.

2015 Lincoln Penny Overview

"This one–cent coin honors the preservation of the union, which was Abraham Lincoln's ultimate achievement. Because of his presidency, despite bitter regional enmity and a horrific civil war, we remained the United States of America."
— Edmund C. Moy, former United States Mint Director
The United States Mint

According to Coin ID Scanner, i.e., one of the most reliable tools for coin identification and collection management, the 2015 cent is a numismatic creation that belongs to the modern Union Shield series, introduced in 2010 and eventually suspended in 2025. 

As for the meaning, hidden inside the metal plates, it should have referred to the symbols of the unity of the states under the federal government, and the design itself was selected by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee after intense competition and a few minting tests.

Specifications and Design Features

Obverse: Demonstrates the profile of Abraham Lincoln, originally created by Victor D. Brenner (with a modern re-engraving), as well as the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” along the upper rim, the word “LIBERTY” to the left of the portrait, Brenner’s initials “VDB” approximately at the “7 o'clock” position, the year of mintage "2015" from the right side, and a mint mark (if present) below.

Reverse: Shows a Union Shield with 13 vertical stripes, connected with a horizontal bar (a metaphor to the states joined together under one federal union), as well as a banner with the inscription “ONE CENT” running across the shield, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” around the top rim, the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” below, and the initials "LB" and "JFM" (referring to the artist/designer and sculptor-engraver) right beneath the banner with the denomination on it.

2015 Penny No Mint Mark Value

The price of the 2015 no mint mark penny, which comes from the Philadelphia Mint, has not reached its highest. And since billions were made, the main part may be sold for its face value only. Nevertheless, the worth of the high-grade pieces mainly depends on the color designation (RD/RB/BN), the level of preservation, and the certificates attached.

2015 D Penny Value Explained

The 2015 D penny value might generally be considered more impressive, although the mintage from Philadelphia and the Denver Mint were almost the same. The really valuable pieces can be found in Mint State grades, but their presence is extremely limited, which is proved by the auction record from David Lawrence RC.

What About the 2025 S Penny Price?

Auction Record: $113 for PR70

The 2015-S Lincoln cent is a San Francisco proof coin made for collectors, not for circulation. And because of this fact, all the issues came well struck, which is why it is not a problem to locate examples, graded PR69 to PR70 Deep Cameo. Anyway, it is a beautiful coin in the end.

2015 Penny Error List with Pictures (Updated)

Coin Struck on a Defective Planchet

Estimated value: $500

A mint-made flaw in the blank (planchet) that causes unusual plating patterns after striking. This, however, may also result in the appearance of rough or porous areas, laminations/peeling, or unusual surface texture, which was not caused by damage after the coin left the Mint.

Rim-to-Rim Die Crack

Estimated value: $150

A long die crack that runs across the coin from one rim to the opposite. This usually appears as a raised, jagged line (because the crack is in the die, not cut into the coin).

Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)

Estimated value: $135

A genuine doubled die error that more frequently than any other imperfection appears on the 2015 D penny error lists. It is usually created during the process of die making; the result is the doubling of the parts of the obverse lettering or date (these are the most common areas to illustrate the deviation). 

Explore coins now – preserve them for the better. 

Related Coin Value Guides:

• 1998 D Lincoln Memorial Cent Value
• 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial Penny Value
• 2010 Lincoln Union Shield Penny Value 
• 2011 Lincoln Union Shield Penny Value
• 2018 Lincoln Union Shield Penny Value
• 2025 Lincoln Union Shield Penny Value