The United States has a long history of coin production, dating back to 1792. The first Mint was established in Philadelphia, which was the capital at that time. Over the years, other Mints have been set up in San Francisco, Denver, and West Point.
Coin collecting became a popular hobby in the 1850s, and today, rare coins like pennies can be worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. Some of the rarest pennies are valuable because very few have survived over the centuries.
1. 1793 Chain Large Cent
The 1793 Chain Large Cent was the very first penny made by the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia. Its front features Lady Liberty, while the back has a ring of chains, giving it its name. Originally, around 36,000 of these pennies were minted, but only about 1,500 exist today. Most of these surviving pennies are in poor condition, but some in mint condition have sold for over $2 million, with one fetching $2.35 million in 2015.
- Estimated Number Left: About 1,500
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2. 1793 Liberty Cap Large Cent
Another rare penny from 1793 is the Liberty Cap Large Cent, which is even rarer than the Chain Cent. Only about 11,000 of these pennies were minted, and today, only two in mint condition exist. The highest price ever paid for one was $1.45 million. The Liberty Cap design, created by Joseph Wright, was inspired by the French Libertas Americana Medal.
- Estimated Number Left: Unknown; only 2 in mint condition
3. 1856 Flying Eagle Cent
The 1856 Flying Eagle Cent is significant because it helped popularize coin collecting in the United States. These pennies were smaller than earlier one-cent coins, which were large and impractical. Initially, about 634 Flying Eagle Cents were made as presentation pieces for Congress, and later, around 3,000 were circulated. These coins are highly sought after because of their historical importance.
- Estimated Number Left: Between 1,500 and 3,000
4. 1909 VDB Matte Proof Lincoln Cent
The 1909 VDB Matte Proof Lincoln Cent is the rarest of the matte proof pennies made between 1909 and 1916. Although 1,194 of these pennies were minted, less than 200 are known to exist today. In 2010, a 1909 VDB Matte Proof sold for a record $258,500.
- Estimated Number Left: Fewer than 200
5. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Penny
The 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Penny has a unique story. Due to an error, the lettering on the front of the coin appears doubled. Initially, many counterfeit versions of this penny were created, but some authentic ones survived. Today, only 31 real 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse pennies are known, making it extremely rare and valuable.
- Estimated Number Left: 31
6. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny
During World War II, the U.S. government needed copper for the war effort, so pennies in 1943 were made of steel. However, a few copper-coated bronze pennies were accidentally produced. These pennies are incredibly rare, with only about 15 known to exist. One of these pennies was sold for $1 million in 2012.
- Estimated Number Left: About 15
7. 1943-S Lincoln Cent Struck on Bronze
Similar to the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny, the 1943-S Lincoln Cent was accidentally made on a bronze planchet. Only six of these rare coins have been found. In 2016, one of these pennies was sold for an impressive $282,000.
- Estimated Number Left: 6
8. 1944-S Lincoln Steel Penny
In 1944, pennies were supposed to be made of copper again after the war, but a few steel planchets from 1943 were mistakenly used, creating the rare 1944-S Lincoln Steel Penny. Only two of these pennies are known to exist, making it one of the rarest U.S. coins.
- Estimated Number Left: 2
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9. 1943-D Lincoln Bronze Cent
The 1943-D Lincoln Bronze Cent is the rarest penny in the United States, with only one known to exist. Its mysterious origin adds to its appeal, and in 2010, this unique penny was sold for a staggering $1.7 million.
- Estimated Number Left: 1
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.