Pennies are more than just spare change—they could be worth a small fortune. Some of the rarest pennies have become highly valuable due to minting errors, low production numbers, or historical significance. Many people unknowingly hold valuable coins in their collections, waiting to be discovered.
This article highlights 10 of the most valuable pennies ever minted. Whether due to a design variation or a rare mistake, these coins are some of the most sought-after treasures in the numismatic world.
| Penny | Estimated Value | What Makes It Valuable? |
|---|---|---|
| 1943-D Lincoln Bronze Wheat Penny | $2.3 million | Minted on bronze during WWII instead of steel |
| 1944-S Steel Wheat Penny | $1.1 million | Transition year error with steel instead of copper |
| 1793 Strawberry Leaf Cent | $862,500 | Extremely rare design with a strawberry leaf pattern |
| 1943-S Lincoln Bronze Planchet Penny | $282,000 | Error penny from leftover bronze blanks |
| 1909 VDB Matte Proof Lincoln Penny | $258,000 | Limited production matte proof with designer’s initials |
| 1958 Doubled Die Obverse Cent | $224,831 | Minting error with doubled inscriptions |
| 1856 Flying Eagle Cent | $172,500 | Early prototype of the small cent series |
| 1864 Indian Head Penny “L” on Ribbon | $161,000 | Rare variant featuring the designer’s initial on the ribbon |
| 1914-D Lincoln Penny | $159,000 | Low mintage from the Denver Mint |
| 1926-S Lincoln Penny | $149,500 | Rare in pristine condition with intact red color |
Table of Contents
- 1 1943-D Lincoln Bronze Wheat Penny
- 2 1944-S Steel Wheat Penny
- 3 1793 Strawberry Leaf Cent
- 4 1943-S Lincoln Bronze Planchet Penny
- 5 1909 VDB Matte Proof Lincoln Penny
- 6 1958 Doubled Die Obverse Cent
- 7 1856 Flying Eagle Cent
- 8 1864 Indian Head Penny “L” on Ribbon
- 9 1914-D Lincoln Penny
- 10 1926-S Lincoln Penny
- 11 FAQs
1943-D Lincoln Bronze Wheat Penny
During World War II, the U.S. Mint replaced copper pennies with steel to conserve materials. However, a few 1943 pennies were mistakenly struck on leftover bronze planchets. Among them, the 1943-D Lincoln Bronze Wheat Penny is the most valuable, selling for up to $2.3 million.
Only one confirmed example from the Denver Mint exists. If you come across a 1943 penny, check its metal composition—it could be a life-changing finding.
1944-S Steel Wheat Penny
As the mint returned to copper pennies in 1944, some steel blanks were accidentally used. The 1944-S Steel Wheat Penny, minted in San Francisco, is one such rare error coin. Only two examples are known, making it one of the most highly sought-after pennies.
In perfect condition, this coin is valued at $1.1 million. Even worn examples are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
1793 Strawberry Leaf Cent
The 1793 Strawberry Leaf Cent is an extremely rare piece of early American history. This penny features a unique four-leaf strawberry pattern instead of the usual three-leaf clover design.
Only four examples exist today, making it one of the rarest U.S. pennies. In 2009, one sold at auction for $862,500.
1943-S Lincoln Bronze Planchet Penny
Similar to the 1943-D Bronze Penny, the 1943-S Lincoln Bronze Planchet Penny was mistakenly struck on a leftover bronze planchet instead of steel.
Depending on its condition, this penny can sell for as much as $282,000.
1909 VDB Matte Proof Lincoln Penny
When the Lincoln penny was introduced in 1909, its designer, Victor D. Brenner, placed his initials “VDB” on the reverse. However, this caused controversy, leading to the removal of his initials from later coins.
The 1909 VDB Matte Proof Penny is an early proof coin with exceptional detail. It is valued at up to $258,000.
1958 Doubled Die Obverse Cent
The 1958 Doubled Die Obverse Cent is a rare minting error where the inscriptions “In God We Trust” and “Liberty” appear doubled. This mistake makes the coin highly collectible.
Pristine examples of this penny have sold for as much as $224,831.
1856 Flying Eagle Cent
The 1856 Flying Eagle Cent was one of the first small cents produced in U.S. history. It marked the transition from larger pennies to a more practical size. Due to its limited production, it is considered a rare collector’s item.
Its value ranges from $4,500 to $172,500, depending on condition.
1864 Indian Head Penny “L” on Ribbon
Midway through 1864, the designer James Longacre added a small “L” to the ribbon of the Indian Head Penny. This minor detail created a rare variation.
In near-perfect condition, this penny is worth up to $161,000.
1914-D Lincoln Penny
The 1914-D Lincoln Penny is one of the most valuable Lincoln cents due to its low mintage. Produced at the Denver Mint in limited numbers, this penny is highly desirable.
In top condition, it has sold for as much as $159,000.
1926-S Lincoln Penny
The 1926-S Lincoln Penny is difficult to find in mint condition, especially with its original red color intact. A pristine example of this coin sold for $149,500 at an auction in 2006.
FAQs
How can I tell if I have a rare penny?
Look for unusual dates, minting errors, or low-mintage years.
What is the rarest Lincoln penny?
The 1943-D Lincoln Bronze Wheat Penny is the most valuable, worth $2.3 million.
Are 1943 steel pennies valuable?
Most 1943 steel pennies are common, but bronze ones are worth millions.
Where can I sell my rare penny?
You can sell rare pennies through coin dealers, online auctions, or numismatic shows.
Why is the 1958 Doubled Die Penny valuable?
It features a rare minting error with doubled inscriptions, making it highly collectible.
