Penny ValuePennies › Penny value chart › 1981
Lincoln Memorial cent1981 Penny Value
When worn, every 1981 penny made for circulation (2 kinds) is typically worth about 4¢.
Check your own 1981 penny
Take a photo of each side. Penny Value helps you narrow down which 1981 penny you have and what to check.
Check your own pennyPenny Value is an Android app for now, so it isn't on the App Store. The values and checks on this page are free to use.Penny Value is an Android app. Open this page on your Android phone to check your own penny with a photo.
Every 1981 penny
Worn = typical value when worn (Good to Very Fine); MS-60 = uncirculated. Values as of Q4 2026 · Penny Value estimates · not an offer to buy.
- 1981Philadelphia · 7.5 billion made4¢worn
- 1981-DDenver · 5.4 billion made4¢worn
- 1981-S ProofSan Francisco · Proof · 4,063,083 made
The proof penny listed here was sold to collectors in sets, so you won't normally find it in change.
Mint marks
1981 pennies for circulation were struck in Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (mint mark D). The mint mark is below the date, on the front.
Questions
How much is a 1981 penny worth?
When worn, every 1981 penny made for circulation (2 kinds) is typically worth about 4¢. These are Penny Value estimates as of Q4 2026, for information only.
Where is the mint mark on a 1981 penny?
1981 pennies for circulation were struck in Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (mint mark D). The mint mark is below the date, on the front.
Is a 1981 penny silver or copper?
Regular 1981 pennies are brass (95% copper, 5% zinc; about 3.11 g). A silver-colored 1981 penny has usually been plated or altered after it left the Mint.
How much does a 1981 penny weigh?
About 3.11 g. Regular 1981 pennies are brass (95% copper, 5% zinc; about 3.11 g).
Is a 1981 penny rare?
No. About 12.9 billion were made for circulation, so a normal 1981 penny is common. Condition (uncirculated, original red color) and errors decide any premium.
What 1981 penny errors are worth money?
No major 1981 variety is listed on this page. Errors such as off-center strikes, die cracks and clipped planchets can happen on any date; their value depends on the error and condition.