Pennies are often overlooked, but some of them hold incredible value. As we approach 2025, a few rare pennies have become highly sought after by collectors and investors.
These coins, often hiding in plain sight, could be worth thousands or even millions. Let’s take a closer look at five of the rarest and most valuable pennies in the United States.
Table of Contents
1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny
The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny is one of the most famous and valuable mint errors in U.S. history.
Historical Background
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to zinc-coated steel for pennies to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a few bronze planchets from 1942 accidentally made their way into the 1943 production line, creating an extremely rare copper penny.
Key Features
- Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
- Mint Marks: Philadelphia (no mint mark), San Francisco (S), and Denver (D)
- Estimated Number in Existence: Fewer than 20
Value
In 2018, one of these pennies sold for $1.7 million. Even in circulated condition, they can be worth hundreds of thousands. Experts predict that by 2025, well-preserved specimens could reach $1.5 million or more.
How to Identify
- Check the date: Must be 1943
- Use a magnet: Should not stick to a magnet (unlike common steel cents)
- Verify the weight: Should weigh about 3.11 grams (compared to 2.7 grams for steel cents)
1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny
The 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny is one of the most recognizable error coins in U.S. history.
Historical Background
This penny was created when the die used to stamp the coin’s design was misaligned, causing a noticeable doubling of the lettering and date on the obverse side.
Key Features
- Mint Mark: Philadelphia (no mint mark)
- Total Mintage: Approximately 20,000-24,000
- Obvious doubling on lettering and date
Value
- Circulated: $1,000 to $2,000
- Uncirculated: $3,000 to $25,000
- High-grade specimens: Over $100,000
How to Identify
- Look for clear doubling on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”
- The date “1955” should have noticeable doubling
- Use a magnifying glass to confirm the details
1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny is one of the most iconic collectible pennies due to its historical significance and low mintage.
Historical Background
This penny was the first in the Lincoln series and featured the designer’s initials, “VDB” (Victor David Brenner). However, controversy over the prominent initials led to their quick removal, making these coins rare.
Key Features
- Mint Mark: San Francisco (S)
- Designer’s Initials: “VDB” on the reverse
- Total Mintage: 484,000
Value
- Good condition: $600 to $800
- Fine to extremely fine: $1,000 to $2,500
- Uncirculated: $3,000 to $10,000
- Pristine specimens: $20,000 to $60,000
How to Identify
- Look for the “S” mint mark on the obverse
- Check for “VDB” initials at the bottom of the reverse side
- Ensure the date is 1909
1922 No D Lincoln Penny
The 1922 No D Lincoln Penny is a unique error coin caused by a worn die at the Denver Mint.
Historical Background
In 1922, all pennies were produced at the Denver Mint, but some were struck without the “D” mint mark due to excessive die polishing.
Key Features
- Mint: Denver (but missing the “D” mint mark)
- Estimated Number in Existence: 10,000 to 15,000
- Strong reverse die makes these more valuable
Value
- Good to very good condition: $500 to $1,000
- Fine to extremely fine: $1,000 to $5,000
- Uncirculated: $10,000 to $30,000
- High-grade specimens: $50,000+
How to Identify
- Confirm the date is 1922
- Look for the absence of a mint mark where the “D” should be
- Ensure the reverse die is strong (weaker reverse varieties are less valuable)
1914-D Lincoln Penny
The 1914-D Lincoln Penny is a key date coin with a low mintage, making it highly valuable.
Historical Background
This penny is not an error coin, but its scarcity and demand among collectors have made it one of the most sought-after Lincoln cents.
Key Features
- Mint Mark: Denver (D)
- Total Mintage: 1,193,000
Value
- Good to very good condition: $200 to $400
- Fine to extremely fine: $500 to $2,000
- Uncirculated: $3,000 to $10,000
- Pristine specimens: $20,000 to $50,000
How to Identify
- Ensure the date is 1914
- Look for the “D” mint mark on the obverse
- Beware of altered dates from 1944 pennies
Could You Have One of These Valuable Pennies?
These rare pennies could be hiding in old collections, coin jars, or even in pocket change. Checking your pennies carefully could lead to an incredible finding. Whether it’s the million-dollar 1943 Bronze Penny or the historic 1909-S VDB, these small copper coins prove that sometimes, a penny really is worth a fortune.
FAQs
How much is a 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny worth?
Depending on condition, it can be worth over $1.5 million.
What makes the 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny special?
It has noticeable doubling on the date and lettering due to a die misalignment.
Why is the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny valuable?
It was the first Lincoln penny and had a low mintage before the initials were removed.
How do I know if I have a 1922 No D Lincoln Penny?
Check for the missing ‘D’ mint mark and ensure the reverse die is strong.
Is the 1914-D Lincoln Penny worth collecting?
Yes, it’s a key date penny with high demand, worth up to $50,000.
