Collecting coins can be more than just a hobby—it can be a lucrative endeavor if you know what to look for. Among the most valuable coins are certain rare pennies that have fetched prices close to half a million dollars at auctions.
These elusive coins are worth a small fortune due to their historical significance, rarity, and unique characteristics. In this article, we’ll explore six pennies that you should keep an eye out for if you’re hoping to strike it rich.
1943 Copper Penny
The 1943 Copper Penny is one of the rarest and most sought-after coins in American history. During World War II, most pennies were struck in steel to conserve copper for the war effort.
However, a few copper pennies were mistakenly minted, making them incredibly valuable today. If you find one in good condition, it could be worth nearly $250,000.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
This penny was the first year that Abraham Lincoln’s portrait was featured on the coin, making it historically significant.
The “S” denotes that it was minted in San Francisco, and the “VDB” refers to the initials of the designer, Victor David Brenner. Only 484,000 of these pennies were ever produced, and they are highly sought after by collectors. A well-preserved example can fetch around $100,000 at auction.
1914-D Lincoln Penny
Another valuable penny is the 1914-D Lincoln Penny, minted in Denver. This coin is rare due to a low mintage and its scarcity in good condition.
It is estimated that only a few thousand of these pennies remain in collectible quality. Collectors often pay over $150,000 for one in excellent condition.
1922 No D Lincoln Penny
In 1922, pennies were only minted in Denver. However, a few coins were struck without the “D” mint mark due to a worn-out die.
These rare “No D” pennies are highly sought after by collectors. Depending on its condition, a 1922 No D penny can be worth up to $75,000 or more.
1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny
The 1955 Double Die Penny is famous among collectors for its misprinted design, which causes the date and lettering to appear doubled.
This error makes it one of the most recognizable and desirable coins. If you happen to come across one, it could bring you around $50,000 if in top condition.
1944 Steel Wheat Penny
Most 1944 pennies were struck in copper, but a few were accidentally minted in steel, like the 1943 coins.
These rare steel pennies are worth a considerable sum due to their rarity. If you find one in good condition, it could easily fetch $100,000 or more.
| Coin Name | Year | Estimated Value | Unique Feature | Potential Auction Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 Copper Penny | 1943 | $250,000 | Minted in copper by mistake | $500,000+ |
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny | 1909 | $100,000 | First Lincoln portrait | $150,000 |
| 1914-D Lincoln Penny | 1914 | $150,000 | Low mintage | $200,000+ |
| 1922 No D Lincoln Penny | 1922 | $75,000 | Missing mint mark | $100,000+ |
| 1955 Double Die Penny | 1955 | $50,000 | Double-struck design | $80,000 |
| 1944 Steel Wheat Penny | 1944 | $100,000 | Minted in steel by error | $150,000 |
Pennies like these are not only valuable due to their rarity but also for the stories they carry. Whether due to production errors or historical significance, these coins hold a special place in the numismatic world. If you’re lucky enough to find one of these pennies, you might be sitting on a small fortune.
