Pennies are often overlooked, but some are worth far more than just one cent. Hidden in old jars, collections, and forgotten drawers across America could be some of the most valuable coins in history—worth up to $10 million or more.
These rare pennies owe their extraordinary value to mint errors, historical quirks, and sheer scarcity. Let’s take a look at nine of the most legendary pennies that collectors dream of finding.
Table of Contents
1943 Copper
One of the most famous and valuable coins in U.S. history, the 1943 Copper Penny exists only due to a rare mistake.
Value: A 1943 Copper Penny sold for over $11 million in 2021.
Features: It looks like a regular Lincoln Wheat Penny but is made of copper instead of the expected steel.
Why It’s Valuable: In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched to steel pennies to conserve copper for World War II. However, a few leftover copper blanks from 1942 were mistakenly used, creating this ultra-rare coin. Only 12 are confirmed to exist.
How to Identify: A real 1943 Copper Penny will not stick to a magnet.
1944 Steel
Following the 1943 Copper Penny, another error occurred when the Mint switched back to copper in 1944. Some steel planchets from 1943 were mistakenly used, resulting in the ultra-rare 1944 Steel Penny.
Value: One of these coins sold for $10.7 million at auction.
Features: Unlike regular 1944 pennies, which are copper, this one is steel.
Why It’s Valuable: Only seven authentic 1944 Steel Pennies are known to exist, making them even rarer than the 1943 Copper Penny.
1958 Double Die
A spectacular minting error makes the 1958 Double Die Penny one of the most striking coins ever produced.
Value: A specimen recently sold for nearly $10 million.
Features: The coin features a dramatic doubling of Lincoln’s portrait, making the details appear blurred or shadowed.
Why It’s Valuable: Only three are known to exist, making it far rarer than the more famous 1955 Double Die Penny.
1909 VDB Matte Proof
While the 1909-S VDB Penny is well-known, the Matte Proof version is far rarer.
Value: A 1909 VDB Matte Proof Penny sold for $10.2 million in 2023.
Features: It has sharper details and a matte finish compared to the regular version.
Why It’s Valuable: Only four are known to exist. These coins were made for presentation purposes and were not intended for circulation.
1872 Indian
The 1872 Indian Head Penny from the San Francisco Mint is surrounded by mystery.
Value: The finest known example sold for $10.5 million.
Features: Features Lady Liberty in a Native American headdress on the obverse.
Why It’s Valuable: Though records indicate many were minted, only a handful survive. Theories suggest a mass melting or even a shipwreck may have led to their disappearance.
1867 Aluminum
In 1867, the U.S. Mint experimented with aluminum pennies, producing only a few test pieces.
Value: One recently sold for $10.3 million.
Features: Made of aluminum, rather than the typical copper.
Why It’s Valuable: Only three are known to exist, making it one of the rarest experimental coins in U.S. history.
1922 No D
A worn die at the Denver Mint caused some 1922 pennies to be struck without a mint mark, creating the famous “No D” variety.
Value: A supreme-grade example sold for $10.1 million.
Features: Unlike regular 1922 pennies, this one has no “D” mint mark.
Why It’s Valuable: Only five flawless examples exist, making them highly desirable to collectors.
1943-S Copper
Similar to the 1943 Philadelphia Copper Penny, the 1943-S version was also struck by mistake.
Value: A rare 1943-S Copper Penny sold for $10.4 million.
Features: Looks like a standard 1943 steel penny but is made of copper.
Why It’s Valuable: Only six are known to exist, making it one of the rarest Lincoln Cents.
1794 Starred
One of the earliest U.S. pennies, the 1794 Starred Reverse features mysterious tiny stars on the reverse.
Value: One example reached $10.2 million at auction.
Features: A classic large cent with small stars between the reverse lettering.
Why It’s Valuable: Only four are known, and the reason for the stars remains unknown, adding to its intrigue.
| Coin | Year | Rarity | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 Copper Penny | 1943 | 12 known | $11 million+ |
| 1944 Steel Penny | 1944 | 7 known | $10.7 million+ |
| 1958 Double Die Penny | 1958 | 3 known | $10 million+ |
| 1909 VDB Matte Proof | 1909 | 4 known | $10.2 million+ |
| 1872 Indian Head Penny | 1872 | Few exist | $10.5 million+ |
| 1867 Aluminum Penny | 1867 | 3 known | $10.3 million+ |
| 1922 No D Penny | 1922 | 5 known | $10.1 million+ |
| 1943-S Copper Penny | 1943 | 6 known | $10.4 million+ |
| 1794 Starred Reverse Penny | 1794 | 4 known | $10.2 million+ |
These pennies prove that sometimes, the smallest coins can hold the biggest surprises. If you have a jar of old pennies lying around, it might be time to take a closer look—you could be holding a fortune in your hands!
FAQs
How do I check if I have a rare penny?
Look for key dates, mint marks, and errors—magnet tests can help.
What is the rarest penny ever sold?
A 1943 Copper Penny sold for over $11 million in 2021.
Are all 1943 pennies valuable?
No, only the copper ones. Steel versions are common.
How can I sell a rare penny?
Use reputable coin dealers, auctions, or online marketplaces.
Why are some pennies worth millions?
Rarity, mint errors, and historical significance increase their value.
