Most people overlook pennies, thinking they have little to no value. However, some rare U.S. pennies are worth hundreds, even thousands of dollars to collectors. Whether due to minting errors, limited production, or unique characteristics, these pennies have become highly sought after in the numismatic world.
If you’ve got an old penny collection—or even just some spare change lying around—you might want to take a closer look. There’s a chance you could be holding onto a fortune without even knowing it.
Getting started with searching for rare pennies is easier than you might think, and it doesn't require any special equipment beyond a keen eye and a little patience. The best place to begin is right in your own home—check your spare change, old coin jars, and any rolls of pennies you might have lying around. Many people have unknowingly spent valuable pennies without realizing their worth, so taking the time to inspect each one could lead to a surprising discovery. For a more targeted search, consider visiting banks and exchanging cash for penny rolls, as this allows you to sift through large quantities at once. Additionally, using tools like a magnifying glass or a digital scale can help identify key details, such as mint marks, errors, and weight differences that set rare penniess apart. With a little effort and persistence, you might just stumble upon a penny worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
In this guide, we’ll cover the top 10 most valuable U.S. pennies, how to identify them, and how to sell them for maximum profit.
1. 1943 Copper Penny ($100,000 – $1,000,000+)
The 1943 Copper Penny is one of the rarest and most valuable pennies in U.S. history. During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to making pennies out of steel instead of copper to preserve materials for the war effort. However, a small number of 1943 pennies were accidentally struck in copper instead of steel, making them incredibly rare.
How to Identify:
- Use a magnet—if your 1943 penny sticks to the magnet, it's steel (not rare).
- If it doesn’t stick, you may have a valuable copper penny.
- Check for a strong strike and clear details, as counterfeits exist.
Value: A genuine 1943 copper penny can sell for over $100,000, with the highest recorded sale reaching $1.7 million!
2. 1944 Steel Penny ($75,000 – $500,000+)
While most 1944 pennies were made of copper again, a few steel pennies were accidentally struck that year, making them exceptionally rare.
How to Identify:
- Use a magnet—a 1944 steel penny will stick, unlike regular copper pennies.
- Look for a “1944” date with no copper tone on the surface.
Value: Depending on condition, these pennies are worth between $75,000 and $500,000+.
3. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny ($700 – $60,000)
The 1909-S VDB penny is one of the most famous collector coins, featuring the initials “VDB” of its designer, Victor David Brenner. The initials were quickly removed after controversy, making the San Francisco-minted version (S VDB) extremely rare.
How to Identify:
- Look for the "S" mintmark under the date on the front.
- The VDB initials are located at the bottom on the reverse.
Value: Low-grade versions sell for around $700–$1,500, while high-quality specimens can exceed $60,000.
4. 1877 Indian Head Penny ($1,000 – $30,000)
The 1877 Indian Head Penny is the key date in the series, making it highly collectible due to its low mintage.
How to Identify:
- Look for the 1877 date on the obverse.
- Check the condition—higher grades fetch big money.
Value: In well-worn condition, this penny is worth over $1,000, but uncirculated versions sell for $30,000+.
5. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny ($1,500 – $25,000)
The 1955 Doubled Die Penny is one of the most famous error coins in U.S. history. The doubling effect happened due to a misalignment during the minting process, making the text and numbers appear doubled.
How to Identify:
- Look for clear doubling in "LIBERTY" and "IN GOD WE TRUST."
- The numbers in "1955" may also appear slightly overlapped.
Value: These pennies range from $1,500 to $25,000, depending on condition.
6. 1922 No D Wheat Penny ($2,000 – $20,000)
In 1922, pennies were only minted in Denver (D mintmark), but some were mistakenly struck without the "D" mintmark, making them extremely rare.
How to Identify:
- A 1922 penny missing the “D” mintmark is a rare error coin.
- Compare with other 1922 pennies to check for mintmark absence.
Value: These coins sell for $2,000 – $20,000+, depending on condition.
7. 1969-S Doubled Die Penny ($10,000 – $100,000)
Another rare doubled die penny, the 1969-S version is extremely valuable due to its bold doubling effect on the lettering and numbers.
How to Identify:
- Look for strong doubling in “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
- The "S" mintmark should be clear and normal—if doubled, it’s likely a fake.
Value: Ranges from $10,000 to over $100,000, depending on quality.
8. 1914-D Lincoln Penny ($2,500 – $15,000)
The 1914-D penny is one of the hardest Lincoln Wheat Pennies to find due to its low mintage.
How to Identify:
- Look for a "D" mintmark under the date.
- Worn examples still hold high value.
Value: Commonly sells for $2,500 to $15,000+.
9. 1983 Doubled Die Reverse Penny ($250 – $5,000)
This error coin features doubling on the reverse side, making it a must-have for collectors.
How to Identify:
- Look at “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” for clear doubling.
Value: Sells for $250 to $5,000 based on condition.
10. 1992 Close AM Penny ($1,000 – $25,000)
A small design change in 1992 led to some pennies featuring a "Close AM" error, where the "A" and "M" in "AMERICA" are nearly touching.
How to Identify:
- Look at “AMERICA” on the reverse—if the A and M are too close together, it’s a rare find.
Value: These pennies are worth $1,000 – $25,000 based on condition.
How to Find These Rare Pennies
- Check Your Spare Change: Look through old jars and piggy banks—you never know what you’ll find!
- Use a Magnifying Glass: Errors like doubling or missing mintmarks can be small but valuable.
- Weigh Your Pennies: A 1943 copper penny should weigh 3.11 grams, while a steel penny weighs 2.7 grams.
- Search Bank Rolls: Buying rolls of pennies from banks and searching through them is a great way to find rare coins.
How to Sell Rare Pennies for Maximum Profit
1. Coin Shops & Dealers
Local coin dealers can buy rare pennies on the spot.
2. Online Marketplaces
Sell on eBay, Heritage Auctions, or PCGS CoinFacts to reach collectors.
3. Get It Graded
Have rare pennies professionally graded by PCGS or NGC to increase value.
4. Coin Shows & Auctions
Serious collectors attend numismatic shows, where rare coins fetch top dollar.
Final Thoughts
Rare pennies are still out there, waiting to be discovered. Whether it’s an error coin, a low-mintage key date, or a unique design variation, these pennies can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Keep an eye on your change, check old coin jars, and start hunting—you might just find a fortune in your pocket!
