For most people, pennies are small change, but for the coin collector, they can be a piece of history, artistry, and a lot of value. Some pennies are rare because of minting errors, limited production, or historical significance. Here are 10 highly sought-after pennies that could be hiding in your pocket change or old coin jars.
1943 Bronze Penny
This is a legendary 1943 bronze penny, made during World War II. That year, pennies were actually made from steel in order to conserve copper for the war effort, but some bronze blanks were inadvertently used.
This rare penny and its long history make it one of the most valuable coins ever minted in the United States. Some examples have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars. If you come across one, then you have seen a numismatic jackpot.
1955 Double Die Penny
The 1955 double die penny is one of the favorite collector’s coins. It is a coin minted with an impressive error: doubling. The effect is easy to see on the date and lettering without magnification.
Some well-preserved specimens of this coin can command hundreds to thousands of dollars and, therefore, is a treasure for those interested in collecting error coins.
1909-S VDB Penny
The 1909-S VDB penny minted in San Francisco is collected for its historical value as the first Lincoln cent and the initials of the designer, “VDB” (Victor David Brenner), on the reverse.
With a low mintage, it is certainly a prized coin for collectors. High-quality examples can be valued in the thousands of dollars, making it perhaps one of the most valuable pennies in American numismatics.
1943 Copper Penny
The 1943 copper penny is another variation of WWII. Most pennies that year were made of steel, but a few copper blanks were mistakenly struck.
These coins are rare and can easily sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars. If you get your hands on one, you’re dealing with a bit of minting history.
1992 Close AM Penny
The close AM penny 1992 is a modern rarity with a space between the letters “A” and “M” in the word “AMERICA” of the reverse side.
This error is so rare that collectors place a very high price on it, with mint examples selling in the hundreds of dollars. Sometimes the smallest differences will reveal an unsuspected treasure.
1972 Double Die Penny
The 1972 double die penny has the appearance of a doubled die as it features doubled designs on the obverse, mainly the lettering and date.
This penny is sought after by collectors for its clear error, with high-grade pieces selling for hundreds of dollars. It’s a great addition to any collection of mint mistakes.
2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Penny
This 2004-D Wisconsin extra leaf penny features a unique minting error where an extra leaf appears on the ear of corn depicted on the reverse.
This error, caused by a die mistake, has made the coin a collector’s gem. Depending on its condition, it can sell for hundreds of dollars.
1983 Double Die Penny
The 1983 double die penny is another valuable error coin, with doubling visible on the obverse design.
This error is rare and highly sought after, with pristine examples fetching hundreds of dollars. It’s a modern reminder of how minting errors can create treasures.
1958 Double Die Penny
The 1958 double die penny is perhaps the rarest double die error ever minted. It boasts a dramatic doubling effect as well as extreme scarcity, and this makes it a numismatic treasure.
This coin can command prices in thousands of dollars, making it a centerpiece for any serious coin collection.
1914-D Lincoln Penny
The 1914-D Lincoln penny, with its low mintage, is a classic rarity minted in Denver. It holds historical value and high demand from collectors, so it’s extremely valuable.
Excellent-grade coins sell for hundreds or thousands of dollars. Any collector looking to complete a set of Lincoln cents would love to get this one.
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 |