1943 Copper Penny and More Rare U.S. Coins You Should Know About

If you’ve ever searched through old change or inherited a coin collection, you might be sitting on a small fortune without even knowing it. Some U.S. pennies minted between 1940 and 2000 have turned out to be incredibly valuable, mostly because of minting errors or unusual features that make them stand out. These aren’t just pocket change — they’re collector’s gold.

Let’s break down the rarest and most valuable pennies from this era and what makes them so special.

1943 Copper

Now this one is the holy grail of pennies. In 1943, the U.S. Mint made pennies out of steel due to a copper shortage during World War II. But a few copper blanks accidentally got used that year, resulting in the ultra-rare 1943 Copper Penny.

If you’re lucky enough to find one of these, you’re looking at a payday that could reach over $100,000, especially in top condition.

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1955 Doubled

The 1955 Double Die Penny is famous among collectors. You’ll notice doubling on the date and the inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” This minting mishap turned what would’ve been an ordinary penny into one worth anywhere from $1,500 to $15,000, depending on its condition.

Spotting the doubling is pretty easy with the naked eye, which makes it a favorite among beginners too.

1969-S Doubled

This one is a bit trickier to find but even more valuable. The 1969-S Double Die Obverse shows a clear doubling of the text on the front side. It was minted in San Francisco, and because fewer of these coins exist, high-quality examples can go for $10,000 to $50,000. That’s the kind of coin that turns heads at auctions.

1972 Doubled

Yet another double die penny — the 1972 version is easier to find than some of the others, but still valuable. If you see doubling on the date or inscriptions on a 1972 penny, you might be holding something worth between $300 and $3,000. Not bad for a coin you might find in a jar.

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1983 Reverse

This penny is unique because the doubling happens on the back — or reverse — side. The 1983 Double Die Reverse penny has visible doubling in “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” Even though fewer people know about this one, collectors still pay up to $2,500 for it.

1992 Close

This 1992 Close AM Penny is one of those subtle error coins that are only obvious if you know what to look for. On this version, the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” are so close they almost touch. If you have a sharp eye and catch this detail, it could bring in anywhere from $500 to $3,000.

1999 Wide

Here’s the flip side of the 1992 Close AM: the 1999 Wide AM Penny. In this case, the “A” and “M” are spaced noticeably apart. It’s not as valuable as the Close AM, but still worth grabbing if you find one. In pristine shape, this penny can earn you up to $1,500.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what these coins are worth:

Coin Name	Year	Mint	Key Feature/Error	Estimated Value ($)
1943 Copper Penny	1943	Philadelphia	Copper Instead of Steel	10,000 – 100,000+
1955 Double Die Penny	1955	Philadelphia	Double Die Obverse	1,500 – 15,000
1969-S Double Die	1969	San Francisco	Double Die Obverse	10,000 – 50,000
1972 Double Die Penny	1972	Philadelphia	Double Die Obverse	300 – 3,000
1983 Double Die Reverse	1983	Philadelphia	Double Die Reverse	200 – 2,500
1992 Close AM Penny	1992	Philadelphia/Denver	Close AM	500 – 3,000
1999 Wide AM Penny	1999	Philadelphia	Wide AM	200 – 1,500

So if you’ve got a jar full of old pennies lying around, it might be time to dig through it. You never know — one of those little copper coins could be your ticket to a big payday. From minting mistakes to historical quirks, these coins are more than just currency — they’re treasure in disguise.

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