Though pennies are often seen as small change, some rare ones have become highly valuable. These special coins are treasures in the world of coin collecting. In this article, we’ll look at three of the most expensive pennies: the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent, the 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent, and the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent. These pennies are not just valuable but also hold a special place in U.S. history.
1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent: A World War II Error Worth Millions
One of the most expensive pennies is the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent. During World War II, the U.S. Mint used steel instead of copper to make pennies to save copper for the war effort. However, by mistake, a few pennies were still made from bronze. This error makes these pennies very rare. Only around 20 to 30 of these bronze pennies exist today, making them highly sought after by collectors.
In 2010, one of these rare pennies was sold for $1.7 million. The mistake of using bronze instead of steel has turned this coin into a collector’s dream, showing just how much a simple error can boost a coin’s value.
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1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent: A Printing Error That Made History
Another highly prized penny is the 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent. This penny has a unique error where the design appears doubled, especially in the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST,” as well as the date. This happened during the minting process, and thousands of these coins were made before the error was caught.
Collectors love this coin because of its printing mistake, and it is considered a rare find. Some of these pennies have been sold for more than $124,875 at auctions. The doubling of the design makes it one of the most famous error coins in U.S. history.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent: The First Lincoln Penny and Its Designer’s Mark
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent holds importance for collectors due to its historical significance. It was the first year the Lincoln penny was introduced, and the initials “VDB” represent the designer, Victor David Brenner. However, the initials were removed soon after the coin was made, which makes the 1909-S VDB pennies even rarer.
These coins are highly valued because they were part of the first run of Lincoln pennies and feature the designer’s initials, which were later removed. This coin is particularly prized because of its limited production, and it can sell for thousands of dollars today.
Why Are These Pennies So Valuable?
These rare pennies are valuable for different reasons, but they all share one thing: scarcity. Whether due to minting mistakes or being part of a limited production, these coins are highly desired by collectors. The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent is valuable because of a metal error during World War II, while the 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent has a printing error that made thousands of coins look unique. The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is special for its historical significance, being part of the first batch of Lincoln pennies ever made.
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How Much Are These Rare Pennies Worth?
- The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent has been sold for over $1.7 million due to its rarity.
- The 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent can sell for more than $100,000 at auctions.
- The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is often valued in the thousands of dollars because of its limited production and historical importance.
How to Know If You Have a Valuable Penny
If you think you might have a valuable penny, here are some things to check:
- Look for minting errors: Mistakes like doubling in the design or incorrect metals can make a penny rare.
- Check the year: Certain years, like 1943, 1955, or 1909, can indicate that your penny is worth more than face value.
- Get it graded: You can have your penny professionally graded to know its true value.
Conclusion: Why Even a Small Penny Can Be Worth a Fortune
Some pennies are worth more than most people imagine. Whether they’re rare due to minting errors or limited production, these coins are treasures for collectors. The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent, the 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent, and the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent have proven that even the smallest coins can be worth a fortune. Coin collecting can be a fascinating and rewarding hobby, especially if you find one of these valuable pennies.
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.