2016 D Penny Value: Prices, Errors, and Other Mint Marks

The 2016 D penny is a product of the Denver Mint, released within the Lincoln Union Shield design series, along with other iterations from the Philadelphia and San Francisco facilities. Its value is subject to changes all the time: there are a few vital (fluctuating) components that constitute the current price – its condition, errors, mint mark interest, surface quality, and grade above all. 

This coin is common: it belongs to the program, the latter part of which was launched with the 2010 Union Shield cent. In fact, this denomination went from Wheat cents to Lincoln Memorial and Lincoln Bicentennial types, and the last iteration introduced the Union Shield reverse as a long-running modern design. But how much do these numismatic creations cost? Let us check coin value and grasp why the 2016 penny D variety might be so special.

2016 Lincoln Penny Design and Composition

Obverse: The front side showcases the portrait of Abraham Lincoln (first introduced by Victor D. Brenner on the 1909 VDB penny), along with the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” running above the profile, the word “LIBERTY” positioned to the left, the initials VDB at the base of Lincoln's portrait, the year "2016"  to the right, and a mint mark just below.

Reverse: The back, on its part, features a Union Shield, inscribed with the symbols phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM” at the top, which, in turn, holds 13 vertical stripes of the shield (13 stripes = 13 original states), and a banner that bears the denomination “ONE CENT” closer to the center, as well as the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” along the upper rim, and the initials "LB" and "JFM" on each side of the banner beneath.

2016 D Penny Value Today

Denver Mintage: 4,420,400,000

Auction Record: $1,550 for MS68RD

The worth of the 2016 D Lincoln cent is rather impressive when compared to other denominations and types of that period. However, it still depends on the condition: most circulated examples trade at face value, yet those pieces in Mint State can be sold for more.

Keep in mind that prices also differ, depending on the color designation (BN, RB, or RD). Red coins may boast the highest 2016 penny value so far. 

2016 Penny No Mint Mark Value

Philadelphia Mintage: 4,698,000,000

Auction Record: $900 for MS68RD

As for the issue from the Philadelphia Mint, the 2016 no mint mark penny value is generally higher, since it is also a common modern coin, with many pieces found in circulation (the more pieces that are out, the harder it is to find the pristine one). In general, these can be sold for 1 cent, but premium options are also possible (online coin auctions prove it every day).

The Price of the 2016 S Penny 

San Francisco Mintage: 977,355

Auction Record: $168 for PR69DCAM

We cannot analyze the price of the coin without the proof variety involved. In fact, these are the collectors-only issues that do not enter circulation. This is why the main part of them remains well-preserved and, thus, is of no numismatic interest for those who enjoy coin hunts. 

“The 2016-S Proof Lincoln Cent is considered a common coin in the series. Most examples were well struck, yielding many PR69 and PR70 Deep Cameo coins that most collectors can afford easily.”
— Jaime Hernandez, numismatist, PCGS price guide editor
PCGS CoinFacts

2016 Penny Error List: Collectible Varieties

Defective Planchet Strike

Estimated value: ~$1,250

The error that consists in the striking on a flawed blank (planchet), which can show rough texture, laminations, pits, or missing metal that was present before the coin was struck. The case in the picture shows lamination imperfections. 

Misaligned Die Clash

Estimated value: ~$1,000

A die clash that happens when the dies hit each other without a planchet in between. The result is the faint “ghost” design transfer, with the clash marks looking shifted or unusually placed.

Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)

Estimated value: ~$650

An extremely common deviation that can be produced when the obverse die receives a doubled impression during hubbing. In the end, there appears doubling of letters or numbers (or other design elements that are more prominent and harder to be mistaken for ordinary wear).

For more details about modern or, in turn, old coins, please use reputable resources like Coin ID Scanner. It is a fine way to look at numismatics from a professional perspective.

Related Coin Value Guides:

• 2011 Lincoln Union Shield Penny Value
• 2018 Lincoln Union Shield Penny Value
• 2019 Lincoln Union Shield Penny Value
• 2021 Lincoln Union Shield Penny Value
• 2025 Lincoln Union Shield Penny Value