For most, pennies are just small change, but for coin collectors, they represent history, artistry, and a lot of value. Some pennies, thanks to minting errors, limited production, or historical significance, are worth a lot more than their face value. Let’s look into 10 highly sought-after pennies that could be hiding in your pocket change or old coin jars.
1943 Bronze Penny
The 1943 bronze penny is a legendary coin minted during World War II. That year, pennies were made from steel to conserve copper for the war effort, but a few bronze blanks were mistakenly used.
This penny’s rarity and historical significance make it one of the most valuable coins in U.S. history, with some examples selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars. If you find one, you’ve known a numismatic jackpot.
1955 Double Die Penny
The 1955 double die penny is a collector favorite because of the dramatic minting error. Doubling is visible without magnification on the date and lettering.
For some, well-preserved examples are worth hundreds and thousands of dollars, so anyone collecting error coins really needs to look for this example.
1909-S VDB Penny
In San Francisco, the 1909-S VDB penny has a special importance because it marked the first issuance of the Lincoln cent and contained the designer’s initials, “VDB,” on the reverse.
With a limited mintage, this coin is a treasure for collectors. High-quality examples are worth thousands of dollars, making it one of the most coveted pennies in American numismatics.
1943 Copper Penny
The 1943 copper penny is another rarity from World War II. While most pennies that year were steel, a few copper blanks were accidentally struck.
These coins are incredibly rare and thus highly valuable; you can pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for them. If you do find one, you have a piece of minting history.
1992 Close AM Penny
The 1992 close AM penny is a modern oddity, featuring a rare misprint in the spacing between the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” on the back.
Collectors cherish this error and will pay hundreds of dollars for good-quality pieces. A discerning eye could make a nice discovery.
1972 Double Die Penny
This error on the 1972 double-die penny has the appearance of a doubling of the obverse design, most noticeable in the lettering and date.
This penny is really popular among the collectors because the error is observable, and very high-grade examples sell for hundreds of dollars. An excellent addition for any collection specialized in minting mistakes.
2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Penny
The reverse of the 2004-D Wisconsin extra leaf penny features a minting anomaly where an additional leaf is noticeable on the ear of corn that is shown there.
This mistake, due to an error from a die, made this coin turn out to be a precious collector’s item. Depending on its condition, a dime can sell for hundreds of dollars.
1983 Double Die Penny
The 1983 double die penny is another dollar coin with double markings on the obverse design.
This is a rare and often-sought-after error coin. Perfect copies of the original may sell for hundreds of dollars. Modern minting errors reminded us of how they turn into gems.
1958 Double Die Penny
The 1958 double die penny is one of the rarest double die errors ever minted. Its dramatic doubling effect and extreme scarcity make it a numismatic treasure.
This penny can command prices in the thousands of dollars, making it a centerpiece for any serious coin collection.
1914-D Lincoln Penny
The 1914-D Lincoln penny is a classic rarity with low mintage, minted in Denver. It is highly valuable due to its historical significance and demand among collectors.
In good condition, this coin can sell for hundreds or thousands of dollars, making it a sought-after addition to any Lincoln-centric collection.
Rare Pennies
| Penny | Year | Estimated Value | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 Bronze Penny | 1943 | Hundreds of thousands | Mistakenly struck on bronze |
| 1955 Double Die Penny | 1955 | Hundreds to thousands | Prominent doubling in text and date |
| 1909-S VDB Penny | 1909 | Thousands of dollars | Designer’s initials, limited mintage |
| 1943 Copper Penny | 1943 | Hundreds of thousands | Rare copper strike during WWII |
| 1992 Close AM Penny | 1992 | Hundreds of dollars | Narrow spacing in “AMERICA” |
| 1972 Double Die Penny | 1972 | Hundreds of dollars | Doubling visible on obverse text |
| 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf | 2004 | Hundreds of dollars | Extra leaf error on reverse |
| 1983 Double Die Penny | 1983 | Hundreds of dollars | Doubling on obverse design |
| 1958 Double Die Penny | 1958 | Thousands of dollars | Extremely rare doubling |
| 1914-D Lincoln Penny | 1914 | Hundreds to thousands | Low mintage, high collector demand |
Valuable
The value of these pennies lies in their rarity, historical significance, and unique characteristics. Whether due to minting errors, limited production, or their connection to significant moments in history, these coins are treasures for collectors. For those with an eye for detail, even small differences can mean big rewards.