Many people keep jars of loose change without realizing some coins can be worth far more than face value. This guide explains five specific pennies that sometimes appear in household change and, if authentic and in high grade, could fetch significant sums at auction.
Top 5 Rare Pennies Sitting in Your Home
Below are five rare pennies to watch for. Each entry gives key ID traits, a realistic value range, and what makes the coin collectible.
1. 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent
Identification: Most 1943 cents are zinc-coated steel. A genuine 1943 copper cent is noticeably heavier and shows a reddish-brown color. Look for strong Lincoln obverse and reverse details.
Value range: Genuine specimens in circulated grades can be worth tens of thousands; high-grade certified examples have reached six-figure prices. Condition and authentication are critical.
2. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
Identification: The 1955 doubled die shows pronounced doubling of the word “LIBERTY,” the date, and the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the obverse. Use a magnifier to spot the doubled lettering.
Value range: Values vary widely by grade. Circulated examples can sell for hundreds to thousands; mint-state certified examples can reach high four- to five-figure sums.
3. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
Identification: Look for the designer initials “VDB” on the reverse near the rim at the base. The 1909-S VDB was produced in limited numbers at the San Francisco Mint.
Value range: Low-grade examples are collectible and modestly valuable; well-preserved, high-grade pieces can sell for tens to hundreds of thousands, depending on condition.
4. 1914-D Lincoln Cent
Identification: This Denver-minted 1914 cent is scarce. Check the date clarity and mintmark; the “D” should be well struck on the reverse near the rim.
Value range: Scarcity makes this issue valuable in higher grades. Circulated coins command solid premiums; uncirculated pieces can be worth thousands or more.
5. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent (Proof or Business Strike Varieties)
Identification: Some 1969-S Lincoln cents show strong doubling, especially on the obverse lettering. Proof and business-strike varieties differ; careful examination with magnification is required.
Value range: Most are modest, but rare fully certified doubled-die or exceptional proof strikes have sold for large sums at auction.
How to Identify and Verify Rare Pennies
Follow these practical steps before assuming a coin is valuable:
- Do not clean the coin. Cleaning damages surfaces and reduces value.
- Use a magnifier (10x recommended) to inspect for doubling, mintmarks, and designer initials.
- Weigh suspicious coins. For example, a copper 1943 cent will be noticeably heavier than a steel 1943 cent.
- Check for magnetic attraction. Steel cents will stick to a magnet; copper will not.
- Compare to reference photos from reputable numismatic sites or catalogs.
Authentication, Grading, and Selling
If a coin seems important, authentication is the next step. Professional certification by a respected grading service (PCGS, NGC, ANACS) greatly increases buyer confidence and market value.
Selling options include:
- Reputable coin dealers — good for quick sales but expect dealer margins.
- Auction houses — ideal for rare high-value coins where competitive bidding sets price.
- Online marketplaces — useful for lower-value coins but require careful listing and buyer vetting.
Keep documentation: photos, any previous appraisals, and a record of the coin’s condition. These help when asking for authentication or consignment.
One of the rarest modern Lincoln cents (a 1943 copper cent) exists because of wartime metal shortages and minting errors. Even small minting anomalies can create coins that collectors pay a premium to own.
Small Real-World Case Study
A homeowner cleaned out a change jar and found a 1955 doubled die cent. After consulting a local coin dealer and sending the coin for grading, it was authenticated and graded as a collectible mint-state example. The owner sold the certified coin at auction to a private collector and received a five-figure payout. The keys to this success were proper identification, professional grading, and choosing a sale method suited to the coin’s rarity.
Quick Checklist Before You Sell
- Confirm the coin’s date, mintmark, and any obvious errors or doubling.
- Avoid cleaning or polishing the coin.
- Photograph the coin under clear light from both sides.
- Seek a price opinion from a trusted dealer, then consider third-party grading.
- Compare offers from dealers, auction houses, and online platforms.
Finding a rare penny in everyday change is uncommon, but not impossible. If you suspect you own one of the Top 5 Rare Pennies Sitting in Your Home Could Be Worth Up To $700,000, take careful steps to document and authenticate the coin before selling. A small jar of pennies could hold a surprise worth investigating.