Most of the time, people don’t think much about pennies. But maybe they should, because some pennies are worth way more than just one cent.
In the world of coin collecting, rare pennies can sell for tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. But which pennies are the ones collectors are after?
We’ve put together a list of 15 rare pennies that you might come across, and they could make you a lot of money today.
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1. 1943 Copper Penny
- Why it’s valuable: Most pennies in 1943 were made from steel due to copper being used for World War II. However, a few copper pennies were mistakenly made. These rare coins can fetch up to $250,000.
2. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
- Why it’s valuable: This penny, made in San Francisco, features the initials “V.D.B.” of its designer Victor David Brenner. Only 484,000 were produced, making it worth up to $100,000.
3. 1955 Doubled Die Penny
- Why it’s valuable: Due to a minting error, the date and some letters appear doubled. This mistake makes it highly collectible, with prices reaching up to $2,000 for well-preserved pieces.
4. 1944 Steel Penny
- Why it’s valuable: Most pennies in 1944 were made of copper, but a few steel pennies were accidentally minted. These rare steel pennies can be worth up to $100,000.
5. 1873 Indian Head Penny (Doubled Liberty)
- Why it’s valuable: This penny has a noticeable doubling of the word “LIBERTY.” The rare error makes it a hot item for collectors, with values reaching up to $10,000.
6. 1914-D Lincoln Penny
- Why it’s valuable: Minted in Denver, only 1.1 million of these pennies were made, making it one of the rarer Lincoln pennies. It can sell for up to $5,500 depending on the condition.
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7. 1922 No D Penny
- Why it’s valuable: This penny was minted in Denver but lacks the usual “D” mint mark, a result of a minting mistake. It can be worth up to $10,000.
8. 1969-S Doubled Die Penny
- Why it’s valuable: This penny has a prominent doubling in the date and inscription. Only a few were made, and it can fetch prices up to $35,000.
9. 1983 Doubled Die Reverse Penny
- Why it’s valuable: A minting error caused doubling on the back (reverse) side of the coin, making it valuable. Some have sold for up to $2,000.
10. 1856 Flying Eagle Penny
- Why it’s valuable: This penny was part of a small test production before the Flying Eagle design was widely released. It’s rare and can sell for up to $25,000.
11. 1877 Indian Head Penny
- Why it’s valuable: Only about 852,500 of these were minted, and its scarcity makes it valuable, often selling for up to $3,000 or more.
12. 1926-S Lincoln Penny
- Why it’s valuable: Only 4.5 million of these were made in San Francisco, and they’re particularly rare in good condition, with values reaching up to $4,000.
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13. 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny
- Why it’s valuable: Similar to the 1943 copper penny, a few bronze pennies were mistakenly minted instead of steel. This rare coin is worth up to $1.7 million.
14. 1917 Doubled Die Penny
- Why it’s valuable: Like other doubled die errors, this penny shows doubling in the text. Well-preserved versions of this penny can be worth up to $3,000.
15. 1960 Small Date Penny
- Why it’s valuable: This penny features a smaller-than-usual date, making it rare and sought after by collectors. It can be worth up to $500 in excellent condition.
Ethan is a passionate rare coin collector with years of experience uncovering the stories and history behind unique coins. His insightful articles are a go-to for anyone curious about coin values or their fascinating backstories.