Here’s a look at the top 5 most rare and valuable pennies that you could potentially find in your spare change. While most pennies are worth just one cent, these specific rare pennies can fetch hundreds, thousands, or even millions of dollars depending on their rarity, condition, and historical significance.
1. 1943 Copper Penny
- Why It’s Valuable: Most pennies minted in 1943 were made of steel due to a shortage of copper during World War II. However, a few copper pennies were accidentally struck that year, making the 1943 copper penny extremely rare and highly valuable.
- Value: A 1943 copper penny can be worth anywhere from $100,000 to $1.7 million depending on its condition. One in pristine condition or with a high grade can fetch even more at auction.
- How to Identify It: It will look like a regular penny but is made of copper (a reddish-brown color), not the typical steel-coated appearance. The mintmark should be checked to verify it was struck in 1943.
2. 1955 Double Die Obverse Penny
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- Why It’s Valuable: The 1955 double die penny features a unique error where the obverse (front) of the coin shows a double image, making parts of the lettering and numbers appear doubled. This occurred during the minting process when the die was misaligned.
- Value: A 1955 double die penny can be worth around $1,000 to $25,000 depending on its grade, with high-quality examples reaching even higher prices.
- How to Identify It: The most noticeable feature is the double image on the words “LIBERTY” and the year “1955.” You can look closely with a magnifying glass to see the distinct doubling.
3. 1944 Steel Penny (or Silver Penny)
- Why It’s Valuable: Most pennies from 1944 were made of copper, but a few were mistakenly struck with steel left over from the 1943 production year. This rare coin can be highly valuable, as it is a wrong-metal error.
- Value: Depending on the condition, a 1944 steel penny can be worth anywhere from $50,000 to $250,000 or more.
- How to Identify It: Unlike the standard copper penny, this penny will appear silver or grey, similar to a steel-coated penny.
4. 1972 Double Die Obverse Penny
- Why It’s Valuable: The 1972 double die penny features another double die error where the obverse lettering and date are doubled. This error is noticeable on coins struck from the Philadelphia Mint.
- Value: A 1972 double die penny can be worth anywhere from $200 to $5,000 depending on its condition and the severity of the error.
- How to Identify It: The doubling will be most noticeable on the letters of “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the year “1972.”
5. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
- Why It’s Valuable: The 1909-S VDB penny is one of the most famous and sought-after pennies due to its historical significance and rarity. The “VDB” stands for Victor David Brenner, the designer of the Lincoln Cent. The initials were removed from the reverse side after some controversy, making the 1909-S VDB penny especially rare.
- Value: Depending on condition, a 1909-S VDB penny can be worth between $900 and $1,000 for coins in lower grades, with higher-grade specimens selling for $50,000 or more.
- How to Identify It: Look on the reverse side just below the “ONE CENT” inscription for the “VDB” initials. The coin should also have a mintmark “S” (for San Francisco).
Also See: How much value do my old coins have? Collectors explain how to identify them and earn lots of cash
| Coin | Key Feature | Value | How to Identify |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 Copper Penny | Made of copper instead of steel | $100,000 to $1.7 million | Copper color instead of steel |
| 1955 Double Die Penny | Double image on obverse (letters and year) | $1,000 to $25,000 | Look for doubled “LIBERTY” and “1955” |
| 1944 Steel Penny | Mistakenly struck in steel instead of copper | $50,000 to $250,000 | Silver/grey color instead of copper |
| 1972 Double Die Penny | Double die error on the obverse | $200 to $5,000 | Double letters on “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “1972” |
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent | VDB initials on reverse, first year of Lincoln cents | $900 to $50,000+ | “VDB” initials below “ONE CENT” on the reverse |
How to Identify These Valuable Pennies:
- Use Magnification: A magnifying glass or a jeweler’s loupe can help you spot subtle errors like double dies or misplaced mintmarks.
- Examine the Mintmark: Pennies from specific years with mintmarks from certain mints (such as “S” for San Francisco) tend to be rarer.
- Look for Color: For copper pennies (such as the 1943 copper penny), the color should be a distinct reddish-brown, not grey or steel-colored.
Where to Look for These Pennies:
- Change: Your spare change from grocery stores, vending machines, or even small purchases might contain these rare pennies.
- Coin Rolls: Some collectors have found valuable pennies while searching through rolls of coins from the bank.
- Estate Sales, Garage Sales, and Flea Markets: People often unknowingly sell rare coins at yard sales and estate auctions, so it’s worth keeping an eye out.
Selling Your Rare Pennies:
- Get It Graded: If you believe you’ve found one of these rare pennies, get it professionally graded by services like PCGS or NGC to ensure you know its true value.
- Consult a Dealer: If you have a valuable penny, consider selling it to a reputable coin dealer or through a coin auction. Be sure to research current market prices first.