For coin collectors, rare pennies are a treasure hunt, with some pennies worth far more than their face value of just one cent. While most pennies are worth only a few cents, there are certain rare varieties that can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Here’s a list of 10 of the most valuable and sought-after pennies that could make any collection a goldmine.
1. 1943 Bronze Penny
One of the most legendary and valuable pennies in U.S. history, the 1943 Bronze Penny was a mistake caused by a switch to steel during World War II to conserve copper. A small number of bronze planchets were accidentally struck as pennies that year. These rare pennies can sell for anywhere between $100,000 and $250,000, depending on their condition.
2. 1955 Double Die Penny
The 1955 Double Die Penny is highly prized by collectors for its striking error. The “double die” effect happens when the coin’s design is stamped twice, creating a noticeable doubling in the text and numbers. Depending on its condition, this penny can be worth anywhere from $1,000 to $25,000 or more.
3. 1909-S VDB Penny
The 1909-S VDB is one of the most famous coins in the Lincoln penny series. Produced in San Francisco, this penny features the initials “VDB” of its designer, Victor David Brenner, on the reverse side. With only 484,000 of these coins struck, it’s an extremely rare and valuable piece, with well-preserved examples fetching between $700 and $2,000. Mint-condition pieces can be worth much more.
4. 1943 Copper Penny
Another rare penny from 1943, the Copper Penny is part of a mistake during the war when a few pennies were accidentally struck on copper blanks instead of steel. These copper pennies are incredibly rare and valuable, with auction prices reaching over $200,000 for high-quality specimens.
5. 1992 Close AM Penny
The 1992 Close AM Penny is a modern error coin that’s become a rarity. The “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” on the reverse are unusually close together, a mistake that was corrected shortly after production. These pennies are hard to find, and depending on their condition, they can fetch up to $25,000 at auction.
6. 1972 Double Die Penny
The 1972 Double Die Penny features a similar error to the 1955 Double Die, with noticeable doubling on the obverse side. Although not as rare as other double die pennies, they still hold significant value, with prices ranging from $300 to over $1,000, depending on the coin’s grade.
7. 2004-D Extra Leaf Penny
The 2004-D Extra Leaf Penny, also known as the Wisconsin Extra Leaf Penny, is another error coin that collectors covet. The extra leaf is part of the corn design on the reverse, and its rarity makes these coins worth anywhere from $300 to $3,000, depending on how well the error is defined.
8. 1983 Double Die Penny
The 1983 Double Die Penny, which features doubling on the obverse, is another sought-after coin among collectors. These pennies can sell for hundreds of dollars, with higher-quality specimens fetching more than $1,000.
9. 1958 Double Die Penny
The 1958 Double Die Penny is one of the rarest of all double die coins. Its extreme scarcity and the uniqueness of the error make it one of the most valuable pennies, with pristine versions often going for over $100,000 at auction.
10. 1914-D Lincoln Penny
The 1914-D Lincoln Penny is a key date coin in the Lincoln penny series, produced with a low mintage of just 1.2 million pieces. It’s highly prized by collectors, and its value can range anywhere from $150 to over $5,000, depending on its grade.
For both experienced numismatists and newcomers to coin collecting, these rare pennies represent the thrill of the hunt. A seemingly ordinary penny might just be hiding a surprising amount of value. If you have any of these rare varieties in your collection, it might be time to get them appraised—you could be holding onto a hidden treasure!