While pennies often seem insignificant, some rare pennies could be worth a small fortune! A few of these coins are so valuable that collectors are willing to pay thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, for them.
This guide explores 15 rare pennies that might be sitting unnoticed in your pocket or coin jar, just waiting to make you rich.
1. The 1944 Steel Wheat Penny
Why it’s valuable: While most pennies are made of copper, the 1944 Steel Wheat Penny was accidentally produced using steel. This makes it extremely rare and valuable.
Only a few were made, and they can fetch prices as high as $40,000 or more due to their rarity and the unusual material used.
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2. The 1943 Copper Wheat Penny
Why it’s valuable: Most 1943 pennies were made from steel because of the wartime metal shortage. However, a few were mistakenly struck in copper.
These copper versions are worth thousands, with some even selling for up to $82,500. If you have a copper penny from 1943, you might be holding a goldmine!
3. The 1856 Flying Eagle Penny
Why it’s valuable: This penny is a true rarity. Only about 2,000 of these were ever made, and very few still exist in good condition. If you find an 1856 Flying Eagle Penny, it could be worth between $10,000 and $20,000, with pristine examples selling for even more.
4. The 1873 Indian Head Penny
Why it’s valuable: Errors in the minting process, like the “Double-Dye” effect on the 1873 Indian Head Penny, make this coin highly sought after. While typical 1873 pennies can be worth between $30 and $100, those with minting errors could sell for as much as $20,000!
5. The 1858 Flying Eagle Penny
Why it’s valuable: Another Flying Eagle Penny that collectors covet is the 1858 edition. Especially valuable is the version with the number “8” over the number “7.” If you have this error penny in excellent condition, it could be worth around $10,000.
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6. The 1857 Flying Eagle Penny
Why it’s valuable: Unlike many other rare pennies, the 1857 Flying Eagle Penny’s value stems from its sheer scarcity. Depending on its condition, this coin could be worth anywhere from $25 to $500, with top-notch uncirculated coins reaching up to $11,000.
7. The 1969 S Lincoln Penny
Why it’s valuable: Some 1969 S Lincoln Pennies showed signs of “doubling,” a minting error that makes them highly prized.
The U.S. government initially believed these coins were counterfeit and destroyed many, making the few surviving examples rare. If you have one of these doubled pennies, it could be worth $20,000 or more.
8. The 1926 S Lincoln Penny
Why it’s valuable: The 1926 S Lincoln Penny is valuable due to its low mintage and the quality of surviving coins. A penny in excellent condition could sell for as much as $3,000 if it still has its original luster.
9. The 1877 Indian Head Penny
Why it’s valuable: Minted during tough economic times, few 1877 Indian Head Pennies were preserved, making them incredibly rare today. Depending on its condition, one of these pennies could be worth over $500.
10. The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent
Why it’s valuable: Mistakenly struck on bronze alloy instead of zinc, the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent is one of the rarest coins out there. If you come across one in good condition, it could be worth an astounding $144,000!
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11. The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
Why it’s valuable: This coin was part of the first batch of Lincoln pennies produced in 1909. The initials “VDB” on the reverse side were later removed, making the original design with “VDB” quite rare. In good condition, these pennies can sell for around $1,000 to $2,000.
12. The 1914-D Lincoln Penny
Why it’s valuable: The Denver Mint didn’t produce many pennies in 1914, so a well-preserved 1914-D Lincoln Penny is very rare. Its value can range from $200 for a heavily circulated coin to over $5,000 for one in mint condition.
13. The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny
Why it’s valuable: Due to a minting error, the 1955 Doubled Die Penny has a double image on the front, making it highly collectible. These coins can be worth $1,000 to $1,800, depending on their condition.
14. The 1922 No “D” Lincoln Penny
Why it’s valuable: The Denver Mint accidentally produced some 1922 pennies without the “D” mint mark. These coins are incredibly rare and can fetch up to $30,000 in top condition.
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15. The 1972 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny
Why it’s valuable: Like the 1955 Doubled Die, the 1972 version features a noticeable doubling on the front. While not as valuable as its 1955 counterpart, a high-grade 1972 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny can still be worth around $300 to $1,000.
Final Thoughts
These 15 rare pennies prove that even the smallest coin can hold a significant value. Whether due to minting errors, low mintage, or unusual materials, these pennies are worth much more than their face value.
So, before you dismiss those old coins in your pocket, take a closer look—you might just have a fortune hidden in your change!