Coin collecting is an exciting hobby, and some pennies can be worth far more than their face value—sometimes even thousands or millions of dollars. Whether due to a minting error, rarity, or historical significance, certain pennies can make you rich. Here’s a guide to 10 of the most valuable pennies and their unique qualities that make them highly sought after by collectors.
1. 1943 Copper Penny
During World War II, copper was needed for the war effort, so the U.S. Mint switched to steel for penny production. However, a few pennies were mistakenly struck on leftover copper blanks, making these 1943 Copper Pennies extremely rare. They can sell for over $100,000 at auction, with some reaching even higher prices due to their scarcity.
2. 1955 Double Die Penny
The 1955 Double Die Penny is famous for its noticeable doubling in the date and inscriptions, caused by a misalignment of the die during the minting process. This error makes the coin highly collectible. Depending on its condition, it can sell for over $1,000.
3. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny is one of the first coins to feature Victor David Brenner’s design of Lincoln on the front. With only 484,000 produced, it is one of the rarest Lincoln pennies. A well-preserved example can fetch between $1,500 and $2,000 or more.
4. 1914-D Lincoln Penny
Minted at the Denver Mint, only 1.1 million 1914-D Lincoln Pennies were produced, making them rare and highly desirable. In top condition, they can be worth anywhere from $200 to over $5,000, depending on their grade.
5. 1944 Steel Penny
Similar to the 1943 Copper Penny, the 1944 Steel Penny was another minting error. Steel blanks left over from the previous year were mistakenly used to produce these pennies. Because of their rarity, some 1944 Steel Pennies have sold for more than $75,000.
6. 1922 No D Penny
In 1922, the Denver Mint accidentally omitted the mint mark on a small number of pennies, making the 1922 No D Penny a unique and valuable collector’s item. Even in average condition, they are worth around $1,000, with high-grade examples fetching much more.
7. 1931-S Lincoln Penny
The 1931-S Lincoln Penny was produced in very limited numbers—only 866,000 were made—during the Great Depression, which contributes to its rarity. Depending on its condition, its value ranges from $100 to $1,000.
8. 1969-S Double Die Penny
This rare error penny from 1969 features significant doubling in the word “LIBERTY” and the date. Well-preserved examples of this double die penny can command prices over $30,000, making it one of the most valuable coins from the 1960s.
9. 1909 Lincoln Wheat Penny
The 1909 Lincoln Wheat Penny marked the start of the Lincoln cent series. While many 1909 pennies are common, versions with a “VDB” mintmark (indicating the designer’s initials) and the 1909-S are especially rare. Their worth depends on the mint mark and condition, with some selling for thousands of dollars.
10. 1877 Indian Head Penny
The 1877 Indian Head Penny is the rarest coin in the Indian Head series, with only about 850,000 minted. Surviving examples, particularly those in good condition, are highly desirable and can sell for over $3,000.
FAQs
What makes a 1943 Copper Penny so valuable?
Its rarity and minting error make it extremely valuable, with some examples fetching over $100,000.
How much is the 1955 Double Die Penny worth?
Depending on its condition, the 1955 Double Die Penny can sell for over $1,000.
Why is the 1909-S VDB penny important?
It is significant because only 484,000 were minted, making it one of the rarest Lincoln pennies.
What is unique about the 1944 Steel Penny?
The 1944 Steel Penny is a rare error coin created when steel blanks from the previous year were mistakenly used for minting.
How rare is the 1877 Indian Head Penny?
With only 850,000 minted, it is the rarest Indian Head Penny, making it highly valuable.
