Rare pennies are more than just pocket change; some of these coins can be worth a small fortune. If you’re a collector or someone who enjoys sifting through coins, you might be holding onto one of these valuable pennies without even realizing it. The excitement of potentially finding a rare coin adds an extra thrill to everyday transactions.
Let’s dive into some of the rarest pennies ever produced, each worth over $100,000, and see if you have any of these treasures in your collection.
Rare Pennies Worth Over $100,000
1. 1943 Copper Penny
The 1943 copper penny is one of the most famous rare coins in the United States. Most pennies produced in 1943 were made from steel due to wartime copper shortages, but a few were accidentally struck in copper. These rare copper pennies are incredibly valuable, often selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction.
2. 1944 Steel Wheat Penny
Much like the 1943 copper penny, the 1944 steel wheat penny came about due to a minting error. In 1944, pennies were supposed to return to their copper composition, but a small number of steel blanks from the previous year were mistakenly used. These steel pennies are another prized find for collectors, with values soaring well over $100,000.
3. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny was part of the first production run of the Lincoln cent. This penny includes the designer’s initials, VDB, on the reverse, which was quickly removed from later versions. As a result, the 1909-S VDB penny is highly sought after by collectors, especially in mint condition, where prices can easily surpass six figures.
4. 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny
One of the most well-known mint errors, the 1955 double die Lincoln penny, features a significant doubling of the date and inscriptions. This coin’s striking appearance makes it a favorite among collectors, with pristine examples fetching well over $100,000 at auctions.
5. 1922 No D Plain Lincoln Penny
The 1922 No D penny is an error coin minted in Denver without the “D” mint mark. While most pennies minted in Denver should feature the “D,” this error makes the 1922 No D penny incredibly valuable, particularly in higher grades.
6. 1969-S Double Die Obverse Lincoln Penny
The 1969-S double die obverse penny is another error coin that features noticeable doubling of the inscriptions on the obverse. This rare mistake can turn an ordinary penny into a coin worth more than $100,000, depending on its condition.
7. 1873 Indian Head Penny
The 1873 Indian Head penny comes in two varieties: open and closed 3 in the date. The closed 3 variety is much rarer, especially in high-grade condition, making it a valuable addition to any collection, with some examples exceeding $100,000 in value.
8. 1914-D Lincoln Penny
The 1914-D Lincoln penny is one of the key dates in the Lincoln cent series. While not an error coin, its scarcity, especially in mint condition, makes it highly prized by collectors. Well-preserved examples can sell for well over $100,000.
9. 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Penny
The 1943-S bronze penny is another rare coin resulting from a mint error during World War II. Most 1943 pennies were made of zinc-coated steel, but a few bronze blanks were used in error. These coins are now incredibly valuable, with high-grade specimens selling for over $100,000.
| Coin | Year | Material | Mint Mark | Value Over $100,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 Copper Penny | 1943 | Copper | None | Yes |
| 1944 Steel Wheat Penny | 1944 | Steel | None | Yes |
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny | 1909 | Copper | S | Yes |
| 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny | 1955 | Copper | None | Yes |
| 1922 No D Plain Lincoln Penny | 1922 | Copper | None | Yes |
As you can see, these rare pennies can fetch incredible sums at auction, and any collector would be thrilled to find one. Whether due to mint errors or simply low production numbers, these coins have become some of the most valuable in US history.
If you’re interested in coin collecting, it’s always worth checking your change. You never know what treasure you might find.
FAQs
1. What makes these pennies so valuable?
The value of these pennies is primarily due to their rarity. Mint errors, limited production, and historical significance contribute to their high prices.
Can I still find any of these rare pennies in circulation?
While it’s rare, it’s possible to find one of these pennies in circulation. Most are in the hands of collectors, but occasionally, one can turn up in pocket change.
How do I know if my penny is valuable?
To determine if a penny is valuable, you’ll need to carefully examine its date, mint mark, and condition. Professional coin grading services can provide an accurate assessment.
What should I do if I think I have a rare penny?
If you believe you have a rare penny, you should have it authenticated by a professional coin dealer or grading service. This will help confirm its value and authenticity.
Why do some pennies have errors?
Minting errors occur for various reasons, such as improper die alignment, incorrect materials, or mistakes during the minting process. These errors can significantly increase the value of a coin.