A 2011-D Lincoln Shield cent graded MS68 RD sold for $667 at auction — and error coins like the capped die have cracked $1,000. Most circulated examples are worth face value, but a small fraction hiding in coin jars and rolls are genuine treasures. Find yours below.
The DDO is the most searched 2011 penny variety. Strong examples have sold for $100–$300+ in Mint State grades. Use this quick checker to see if your coin shows the hallmarks.
Check the four DDO diagnostic points on your coin:
Type a description of what you see on your coin and our analyzer will highlight what matters most for value.
Tell it your mint mark, condition, and any errors — get an instant value estimate in seconds.
Answer three quick questions to get an estimated value range for your coin.
Look below the date on the front of the coin.
How does your coin look overall?
Check any errors you've identified on your coin.
The calculator above works best if you already know your coin's mint mark and condition — if you're not sure yet, a 2011 Penny Coin Value Checker online tool lets you upload photos for an AI-assisted identification before you fill in the fields.
Jump to any section below:
Despite nearly five billion 2011 pennies being struck, a documented set of minting errors slipped through quality control. These are the six varieties that collectors actively pursue — each card below covers how to spot it, what drives value, and what it has actually sold for.
The 2011 DDO occurs when the working die received two or more hub impressions that were slightly misaligned in rotation or offset before the die was hardened. The result is a secondary image superimposed on the primary design elements of the obverse, most visibly affecting LIBERTY, the date, and IN GOD WE TRUST.
Visually, look for letters in LIBERTY that appear to have a shadow or "shelf" of extra metal on one side. The date digits — particularly the two "1" digits — may also show noticeable thickening. Unlike the dramatic 1955 or 1972 doubled dies, most 2011 DDO examples are subtle class IV or class VI hub doublings requiring a 10× loupe to confirm.
CONECA and Coppercoins.com list multiple hub doubled varieties for the 2011 Lincoln cent, with the strongest examples showing doubling across most obverse design elements simultaneously. Heritage Auctions recorded a 2011-D example graded MS64 with a doubled die obverse selling for $720 in a 2012 auction, establishing a firm market benchmark for high-grade DDO examples.
A die clash occurs when the obverse and reverse dies come together without a planchet between them during the minting process. The two dies strike each other directly, each picking up a mirror impression of the opposite die's design. The result is incuse (recessed) ghost images transferred from one die face to the other.
On 2011 Lincoln cents, die clash specimens can show a faint outline of Lincoln's portrait appearing in the shield area on the reverse, or elements of the shield design transferring to the obverse fields near Lincoln's neck and shoulder. The most spectacular examples — sometimes called "Saturn" die clashes by collectors — show the shield's curves appearing behind Lincoln's head. Examine both sides under good light and a loupe for any transfer imagery.
The value spread is enormous: mild examples sell for $51 (as confirmed by a GreatCollections sale of a 2011-P clashed cent in 2014), while a severe 2011-D die clash graded MS64 brought $1,030 at GreatCollections in a separate sale. The severity of the transferred image and the coin's grade are the primary value drivers.
A capped die error is one of the most dramatic mechanical errors that can occur during coin production. It happens when a struck coin adheres to one of the dies and is not ejected by the coin press. The stuck coin then acts as a makeshift die — a "cap" — deforming subsequent planchets that pass through the press with its own reverse impression.
On 2011-D examples, the error produces coins that can show a partial brockage impression (an incuse mirror image of the design) on one face, or significant distortion from being struck by the cap itself. The cap coin — the original stuck coin — tends to be heavily deformed on one side, showing a mushroomed or cupped surface where repeated strikes warped the metal. Both cap coins and brockage strikes from the same sequence are collected.
This error commands premium prices because of its rarity and visual drama. A 2011-D capped die example graded MS65 sold for $1,095 at Heritage Auctions in 2012 — the highest confirmed error-coin price for any 2011 penny. Error authentication specialists at PCGS and NGC are essential before selling any suspected capped die coin to confirm it is a genuine mint-produced error and not post-mint damage.
An off-center strike occurs when the planchet is not properly centered between the dies at the moment of striking. The result is a coin where one portion of the design is missing and a blank crescent-shaped area appears on the opposite side of the strike. The degree of misalignment determines both the visual drama and the collector premium.
For 2011 cents, minor off-center strikes of 5–10% are worth only $5–$10, as they barely look different from a normal coin. The sweet spot for collectors is 20–50% off-center examples that still show a complete date and mint mark — these confirm the coin's identity while providing maximum visual drama. A full date with mint mark on a 50% off-center 2011 penny can bring $100 or more. Strikes that are more than 50% off-center, while dramatic, often lack the date entirely, which reduces collector interest and value.
These errors occur when a planchet rides up into the press slightly out of position, or when a feeder finger misdelivers it to the die collar. Because the collar is not fully engaged, the off-struck coin lacks the normal edge reeding (though cents have plain edges regardless). Authentication is straightforward since genuine off-center strikes show consistent thickness and original planchet surface in the blank area.
The BIE error is a specific die break variety named after the apparent appearance it creates. A thin vertical crack develops in the working die between the letters "B" and "E" in the word LIBERTY on the obverse. As the die continues to strike coins, this crack raises metal on the coin's surface in the form of a thin vertical line, making LIBERTY appear to read "LIBEITY" — with an apparent extra "I" inserted.
BIE errors are progressive: early die state (EDS) examples show just the faintest crack outline, while late die state (LDS) specimens exhibit a bold, fully raised metal sliver that is easy to spot with the naked eye. The progression from hairline crack to full raised line happens over the life of the die as the crack widens with each strike. Collectors generally prefer later die state examples for their visual impact.
On 2011 pennies, BIE errors are a subset of the broader die crack family and are documented on both Philadelphia and Denver issues. They appeal to a dedicated community of die variety collectors who specialize in Lincoln cents. Values are modest compared to major errors, but BIE specimens are popular because they are visible without magnification in advanced stages — making them accessible to beginning collectors. Prices typically range from $10 for minor examples to $75 for bold late die state pieces in Mint State.
Die cracks appear when the hardened steel working die develops fractures from the repeated stress of millions of strikes. These cracks transfer to coins as raised lines of metal wherever the crack intersects the die face. On 2011 pennies, collectors have documented crack patterns running through Lincoln's portrait, the shield lines on the reverse, and across the coin's fields — some creating dramatic "scarred Lincoln" appearances through the motto IN GOD WE TRUST.
A retained cud is the most dramatic form of die crack: it occurs when a section of the die actually breaks away and the broken fragment remains temporarily held in place in the die. Coins struck with this retained fragment show a raised, featureless blob of metal (the "cud") at the rim where the die piece has filled with metal. Unlike a simple die crack — which only raises a thin line — a cud obliterates all design detail in the affected area and is immediately visible to the naked eye. Cuds always occur at the coin's periphery because that is where die steel stress concentrates.
Values depend on cud size, location, and coin grade. Minor die cracks running through Lincoln's portrait — especially those creating the "scarred Lincoln" pattern through the IN GOD WE TRUST motto area — typically sell for $15–$75. Prominent retained cuds along the rim in Mint State condition represent significant collector premiums, with dramatic examples reaching $150–$200 or more. Collectors refer to the CONECA die crack registry for attribution of specific die crack varieties by die state designation.
Run it through the calculator — select your mint mark, condition, and check the error box for an instant value estimate.
The table below consolidates current market values across all three 2011 mint varieties and major error categories. For a deeper dive into grading photographs and variety attribution, see this complete 2011 penny identification breakdown with step-by-step guide. Values reflect recent auction results and dealer pricing; RD (Red) color designation assumed for uncirculated grades.
| Variety | Worn (G–VG) | Circulated (F–AU) | Uncirculated (MS60–67) | Gem (MS68+ / PR70) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011-P (No Mint Mark) | $0.01 | $0.25 – $2 | $2 – $39 | $455 – $575 |
| 2011-D (Denver) | $0.01 | $0.25 – $2 | $2 – $55 | $575 – $667 |
| ⭐ 2011 DDO Error | $25 – $50 | $50 – $100 | $100 – $300 | $300 – $720+ |
| 2011 Die Clash Error | $15 – $30 | $30 – $75 | $75 – $300 | $500 – $1,030+ |
| 🔴 2011 Capped Die Error | N/A | $100 – $250 | $250 – $600 | $600 – $1,095+ |
| 2011 Off-Center Strike | $5 – $15 | $15 – $50 | $50 – $150 | $150 – $200+ |
| 2011-S Proof (PR65–69) | N/A | N/A | N/A | $2 – $5 (PR65) $34 – $390 (PR70) |
⭐ = Signature variety (DDO) | 🔴 = Highest error-coin sale | RD color assumed for uncirculated grades.
📱 CoinHix gives you on-the-go grade matching and instant value estimates for your 2011 Lincoln cents — a coin identifier and value app.
The 2011 Lincoln cent was the second year of the Union Shield reverse design (PCGS type "Type 6, Shield Reverse"), introduced in 2010 to symbolize Lincoln's preservation of the United States. Production was enormous: combined circulation output from Philadelphia and Denver exceeded 4.9 billion coins. In practical terms, this is one of the most common modern cents in existence.
| Mint | Mint Mark | Type | Mintage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | None (P) | Circulation Strike | 2,402,400,000 |
| Denver | D | Circulation Strike | 2,536,140,000 |
| San Francisco | S | Proof Only | 1,673,010 |
| Total | — | — | 4,940,213,010 |
Despite the astronomical circulation mintage, gem quality (MS67+) and error survivors are genuinely scarce relative to total production. PCGS notes that only MS68 or higher represents true rarity for 2011 Lincoln cents — a grade achieved by a tiny fraction of the billions struck. The San Francisco proof mintage of 1.67 million is comparatively small, but proof coins were struck for collectors and most have been carefully preserved, so pristine examples are not rare by collector standards.
🔎 CoinHix helps you cross-check your coin's condition against certified graded examples for an at-a-glance comparison — a coin identifier and value app.
The right venue depends on your coin's value. A worn 2011-P is not worth submitting to a major auction house. A MS68 RD or a confirmed capped die error almost certainly is.
The world's largest numismatic auction house. Best for high-grade certified coins (MS67+) and confirmed error specimens like capped dies. The $1,095 capped die 2011-D sold here. Requires PCGS or NGC certification. Commission applies.
The most liquid market for mid-range 2011 cents (MS64–MS67 and documented errors). Check recent sold prices for 2011 Lincoln Shield pennies on eBay before listing — completed sales show actual realized prices, not asking prices. Filter by "Sold" and search for your specific grade and mint mark.
Fast and convenient — walk in, get a quote, sell same day. Best for circulated examples where the value is modest. Expect wholesale pricing (50–70% of retail). Good coin dealers will quickly spot any errors you may have missed.
Peer-to-peer sales with zero seller fees. The numismatic community is knowledgeable — post clear photos and a reasonable price based on recent comps. Best for MS65–MS67 examples and documented minor errors where auction fees would eat most of the premium.
Most circulated 2011 pennies are worth face value — just one cent. Uncirculated examples (MS65 RD) are typically worth $5–$10. Top-graded MS68 RD specimens have sold for $575 (Philadelphia) and $667 (Denver) at auction. Error coins like the capped die or doubled die obverse can fetch $50 to over $1,000 depending on severity and grade.
The single highest recorded sale for a 2011 penny is $667, achieved by a 2011-D Lincoln Shield cent graded MS68 RD by PCGS and sold in a 2017 eBay auction. Among error coins, a 2011-D capped die error graded MS65 brought $1,095 at Heritage Auctions in 2012, making it the highest confirmed error-coin price for this date.
The Philadelphia Mint struck 2,402,400,000 pennies in 2011, while the Denver Mint produced 2,536,140,000 — the highest-mintage variety that year. The San Francisco Mint struck 1,673,010 proof specimens for collector sets. Combined circulation mintage totals nearly 4.94 billion coins, making 2011 pennies extremely common in circulated grades.
The 'D' mint mark on a 2011 penny indicates it was struck at the Denver Mint in Colorado. You'll find it on the obverse (front) of the coin, just below the date '2011.' The Denver Mint produced over 2.5 billion 2011 cents, making the 2011-D the highest-mintage variety of that year. In circulated condition it's worth face value; MS68 RD examples have sold for $667.
The 2011 doubled die obverse (DDO) occurs when the die shifted slightly between hub impressions during manufacture, leaving a doubling visible on design elements like LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date. Unlike the famous 1955 or 1972 doubled dies, 2011 examples are typically subtle and require a 10× loupe to confirm. Strong examples in high Mint State grades can sell for several hundred dollars.
The 2011-S proof penny was struck at the San Francisco Mint exclusively for collector sets, with a mintage of 1,673,010. Standard proof examples (PR65) are typically worth $2–$5. A perfect PR70 Deep Cameo example has sold for around $34–$390. These coins were never released for circulation and feature sharply mirrored fields with frosted design elements.
A BIE error on a 2011 penny is caused by a thin vertical die break (crack) appearing between the letters 'B' and 'E' in LIBERTY on the obverse. This raised metal sliver resembles the letter 'I,' making the word appear to read 'LIBEITY.' BIE errors are a specific type of die crack variety documented on many Lincoln cent dates. On the 2011 issue, specimens typically sell for $10–$40 depending on prominence and grade.
A capped die error occurs when a struck coin sticks to the die and gets carried into subsequent strikes, acting as a 'cap' that deforms the next coins struck. On 2011-D pennies, a capped die example graded MS65 sold for $1,095 at Heritage Auctions in 2012 — one of the highest prices ever paid for any 2011 cent error. These dramatic errors are always in high demand from error specialists.
For maximum value, look for the RD (Red) color designation, meaning the coin retains 85% or more of its original copper-red surface. RD coins command the highest prices. RB (Red-Brown) coins have partially toned and fetch moderate premiums. BN (Brown) coins have fully toned and carry little premium over face value. Color designation is assigned by PCGS or NGC during professional grading and can significantly affect realized auction prices.
Look at the obverse (front) of the coin directly below the date '2011.' If you see a 'D,' it was struck at the Denver Mint. An 'S' indicates a San Francisco proof. No letter means it came from the Philadelphia Mint. You'll need adequate lighting and possibly a magnifying glass to spot a small or faded mint mark. The mint mark location has been consistent on Lincoln cents since 1968.
The free calculator takes under 30 seconds — no signup, no email required.
Calculate My 2011 Penny Value →