If you’re someone who casually tosses pennies into a jar or ignores loose change, it might be time to take a second look. Some old pennies are now worth thousands—or even millions—of dollars due to their rarity, minting errors, and historical significance.
Whether you’re a seasoned coin collector or a curious beginner, here’s a list of 10 of the most valuable U.S. pennies and how much they’re currently worth.
1. 1943-D Lincoln Bronze Wheat Penny — Worth Up to $2.3 Million
During World War II, copper was reserved for military use, and pennies were minted using zinc-coated steel. However, a few bronze planchets from 1942 accidentally got used at the Denver Mint in 1943. Only one known specimen of this 1943-D bronze penny exists, and it sold at auction for an astounding $2.3 million.
2. 1944 Steel Wheat Penny — Worth Up to $408,000
In 1944, pennies returned to copper. However, a few steel blanks from the previous year were mistakenly used. These 1944 steel cents are incredibly rare and have sold for up to $408,000
3. 1943 Copper Wheat Penny — Worth Around $250,000
This is the inverse of the 1943-D bronze penny. While 1943 pennies were supposed to be steel, a few were accidentally struck in copper. These are also among the rarest coins, fetching around $250,000 depending on condition.
4. 1856 Flying Eagle Penny — Worth Around $25,000
Minted as a pattern coin to test public reaction to the smaller cent design, only about 2,000 1856 Flying Eagle pennies were struck. They’re extremely collectible and usually sell for $10,000 to $25,000.
5. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny — Worth Up to $4,150
This coin marked the debut of the Lincoln cent and includes the initials of designer Victor David Brenner. Only 484,000 were minted in San Francisco, making it highly sought-after.
6. 1877 Indian Head Penny — Worth Up to $10,000
This is one of the key dates in the Indian Head penny series. With only 852,500 coins minted, a high-quality specimen can go for more than $10,000.
7. 1914-D Lincoln Penny — Worth Around $5,600
Minted in Denver with a low mintage of just over 1 million, the 1914-D penny is another prized collectible. Prices vary based on condition, but top-grade coins can sell for $5,000+.
8. 1922 No D Plain Lincoln Penny — Worth Several Thousand Dollars
Due to worn dies, some 1922 pennies minted in Denver were left without the “D” mint mark. These “No D” pennies are rare errors and highly collectible.
Professional Coin Grading Service
9. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Penny — Worth Up to $1,800
This famous error coin features doubling on the date and inscriptions. You can clearly see the doubling with the naked eye. Mint-state examples can sell for $1,500 or more.
10. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Penny — Worth Up to $126,500
Another iconic error coin, this penny from the San Francisco Mint features dramatic doubling and is one of the most well-known modern rarities.
Want to Sell or Verify a Rare Penny?
If you believe you own one of these valuable coins, don’t rush to sell it on eBay. First, get it authenticated and graded by a professional third-party service like:
You can also visit the U.S. Mint’s website for more information on coin history and collector guidance.
Final Thoughts
It might be worth digging through your old jars or coin albums. While the average penny is worth just one cent, a rare error or historic minting can transform it into a six- or even seven-figure treasure.
With proper research and authentication, you could discover a fortune hiding in plain sight.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
Himanshu Sharma writes for Weekend Spy, focusing on recruitment, government schemes, and current affairs. He is dedicated to making complex information accessible to readers.
Himanshu enjoys playing chess, hiking, and trying new recipes, always seeking ways to combine his love for writing with his passion for exploration. Connect with Drop him an email at [email protected].
