When most people think of pennies, they imagine loose change lying at the bottom of their wallets or scattered across the floor. However, some pennies are far more valuable than their face value.
There are several rare pennies that could fetch over $1,000 at auction, and the good news is that you might still find them circulating in your change.
These pennies hold historical significance, are the result of minting errors, or are made from valuable materials. In this article, we’ll explore five pennies worth more than $1,000, and give you tips on how to spot them.
1. 1943 Copper Penny
The 1943 Copper Penny is one of the most well-known and valuable pennies you might find in circulation. In 1943, due to a shortage of copper, the U.S. Mint switched from using copper to steel for the production of pennies.
However, a few copper pennies were mistakenly struck, making them incredibly rare and highly valuable.
Key Features of the 1943 Copper Penny
- Mint Year: 1943
- Material: Copper (unlike the usual steel)
- Mintage: Only a few were mistakenly produced
- Value: Pennies in good condition can fetch over $1,000, with some selling for as much as $1.7 million at auctions depending on their grade.
The 1943 Copper Penny is so rare that it has become the Holy Grail for coin collectors. These pennies are extremely difficult to come by, but if you find one, it could be worth a small fortune.
2. 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny
The 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny is another rare coin that collectors covet due to a striking mint error.
The obverse (front) of the coin features a double image, which resulted from a misalignment of the die during production. This error created a noticeable doubling of the letters in “Liberty” and the date.
Key Features of the 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny
- Mint Year: 1955
- Minting Error: Double die on the obverse
- Value: In good condition, these pennies can easily surpass $1,000, with high-grade coins valued at over $5,000.
If you find a 1955 Lincoln Penny, inspect it carefully for the double die error. If it is in excellent condition, it could be worth thousands of dollars.
3. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny is a rare and valuable coin from the early years of the Lincoln Penny series. The initials “VDB” stand for the designer, Victor David Brenner, and were initially included on the coin’s reverse.
After public outcry over the inclusion of the initials, the U.S. Mint removed them, but some coins were already produced, making the 1909-S VDB extremely rare.
Key Features of the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny:
- Mint Year: 1909
- Mint Mark: San Francisco (S)
- Minting Error: The “VDB” initials on the reverse
- Value: Well-preserved coins can fetch upwards of $1,000, with high-grade specimens reaching $100,000 or more.
This penny is a must-have for serious collectors, and if you find one in circulation, it could be worth thousands, depending on its condition.
4. 1922 Plain Lincoln Penny
The 1922 Plain Lincoln Penny is another penny with an interesting history. While most 1922 pennies were minted with a “D” mintmark from the Denver Mint, a few were struck without the mintmark due to a minting error.
These “Plain” coins, without the “D” mintmark, are exceptionally rare and highly prized by collectors.
Key Features of the 1922 Plain Lincoln Penny:
- Mint Year: 1922
- Mint Mark: Missing the “D” mintmark
- Minting Error: The “D” mintmark was omitted during production
- Value: In excellent condition, these pennies can be worth well over $1,000, with some high-quality examples fetching more than $30,000.
If you come across a 1922 penny, carefully examine it for the missing mintmark. If it’s a “Plain” variety, it could be worth a fortune.
5. 1970-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny
The 1970-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny is another valuable penny that you might find in circulation. This coin was struck with a doubled die error, which resulted in a noticeable doubling of the word “Liberty” and the date.
While many of these coins are not in perfect condition, those that are well-preserved can command high prices from collectors.
Key Features of the 1970-S Doubled Die Lincoln Penny:
- Mint Year: 1970
- Mint Mark: San Francisco (S)
- Minting Error: Doubled die on the obverse
- Value: Depending on condition, these pennies can be worth over $1,000, with higher-grade examples worth significantly more.
The 1970-S Doubled Die Penny is relatively easy to spot, especially if you look closely at the doubling of the date and the letters.
Overview of Valuable Pennies Worth Over $1,000
| Coin | Mint Year | Mint Mark | Minting Error | Value Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 Copper Penny | 1943 | None | Copper instead of steel | $1,000+ (up to $1.7 million) |
| 1955 Double Die Penny | 1955 | None | Double die on obverse | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| 1909-S VDB Penny | 1909 | San Francisco (S) | “VDB” initials on reverse | $1,000+ (up to $100,000) |
| 1922 Plain Penny | 1922 | None | Missing “D” mintmark | $1,000+ (up to $30,000) |
| 1970-S Doubled Die Penny | 1970 | San Francisco (S) | Doubled die on obverse | $1,000+ |
If you’re looking for rare and valuable pennies, the five coins highlighted in this article should be on your radar. Whether it’s the 1943 Copper Penny or the 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny, these coins could be worth thousands of dollars and are still circulating in everyday change.
Always keep an eye out for these rare varieties, and remember that condition plays a huge role in their value. If you think you’ve found one, it’s worth getting it professionally graded to determine its true worth.
FAQs
What makes the 1943 Copper Penny so valuable?
The 1943 Copper Penny is rare due to a minting error where a small number of pennies were struck in copper instead of the intended steel. Its rarity makes it extremely valuable, with some examples worth up to $1.7 million.
How can I identify a 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny?
Look for doubling on the letters of “Liberty” and the date. If you find this error, especially in higher grades, your penny could be worth over $1,000.
What is the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny, and why is it so valuable?
The 1909-S VDB penny features the designer’s initials “VDB” on the reverse, which were removed after public backlash. It’s extremely rare and valuable, often fetching thousands of dollars, especially in high-grade conditions.
How can I tell if I have a 1922 Plain Lincoln Penny?
Examine the mintmark. If your 1922 penny is missing the “D” mintmark, it’s a rare “Plain” variety, which can be worth thousands of dollars.