Many everyday pennies are common, but a few rare examples can be worth thousands or even millions. This guide describes seven of the most valuable pennies in America, how to spot them, and practical steps to protect and sell valuable finds.
Top 7 Most Valuable Pennies in America
1. 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent
The 1943 copper penny is an error coin because most 1943 cents were struck in steel. A genuine 1943 copper cent is extremely rare and often fetches huge sums at auction.
Collectors look for weight and composition tests to confirm authenticity. Depending on grade and provenance, examples have sold for more than one million dollars.
2. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
The 1909-S VDB is a key date in the Lincoln cent series. The initials VDB (for designer Victor David Brenner) appear on some 1909 cents and the San Francisco mint produced relatively few.
Well-preserved 1909-S VDB pennies regularly command high prices, often tens of thousands in mint state grades.
3. 1914-D Lincoln Cent
The 1914-D Lincoln cent is another scarce Denver-minted key date. Low mintage and heavy collector demand make it one of the more valuable common-series pennies.
Even circulated examples are worth significantly more than face value; high-grade coins bring premium auction prices.
4. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
The 1955 doubled die obverse is a famous strike error with clear doubling on the date and inscriptions. It is easy to identify under magnification.
Collectors prize sharp examples; circulated specimens can still be worth hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on severity of the doubling.
5. 1877 Indian Head Cent
The 1877 Indian Head penny is a key date in the Indian Head series due to low mintage. It’s widely collected and difficult to find in high grade.
Value ranges vary by condition, but high-grade pieces can command significant sums from specialized collectors.
6. 1793 Chain Cent
The 1793 Chain Cent is one of the first American large cents and a significant historical coin. It is extremely rare and important to early-U.S. coin collectors.
Surviving examples appear at major auctions and can sell for tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on variety and grade.
7. 1922 No D Lincoln Cent
The 1922 No D (often a weakly struck Denver mintmark) is a well-known rarity in circulated condition. Errors and altered mintmarks make authentic examples valuable.
Certified examples in higher grades can bring strong bids from specialists in Lincoln cents.
How to Identify Most Valuable Pennies in America
Identifying valuable pennies requires attention to date, mint mark, and unusual features. Use a magnifier and follow a systematic approach.
- Check the date and mint mark carefully under good light.
- Look for doubling, repunched mint marks, or missing mint marks.
- Test suspicious 1943 pennies for weight or X-ray fluorescence (composition), since copper and steel weigh differently.
- Compare with reference photos from grading services like PCGS or NGC.
Where to Get Pennies Appraised or Sold
When you suspect a valuable penny, avoid cleaning it and seek professional advice. Grading and certification add credibility and value.
- Submit to trusted grading services (PCGS, NGC) for authentication.
- Use reputable auction houses (Heritage, Stack’s Bowers) for high-value coins.
- Local certified coin dealers can offer immediate appraisals and cash offers.
- Avoid unknown online buyers and sharp private-sale offers without verification.
At auction, some error pennies have sold for more than one million dollars. The most famous modern example is a 1943 copper Lincoln cent confirmed genuine and sold for over $1 million.
Simple Steps to Protect and Evaluate Your Pennies
Protect any suspected valuable penny by storing it safely and avoiding cleaning. Even light cleaning can destroy collector value.
- Handle coins by the edges and wear cotton gloves if possible.
- Store in non-PVC flips or labeled coin holders.
- Take clear photos (obverse and reverse) and note provenance if known.
- Get a preliminary opinion from a reputable dealer before paying for grading.
How to Find Most Valuable Pennies in America
Valuable pennies are often found in old collections, bank rolls, estate sales, and circulation (though rare). Systematic searches and coin roll hunting can yield surprises.
Regularly check dated pennies and errors and keep records of finds for later verification.
Real-World Case Study
A collector found a worn 1955 doubled die obverse in a roll of change and took it to a local dealer. After a professional opinion and certification, the coin sold at auction for several thousand dollars.
The collector credited careful handling, prompt certification, and choosing the right auction for achieving a strong final price.
Final Practical Tips
Not every old penny is valuable, but knowing the key dates and errors raises your chances of finding something rare. Quick checks and conservative handling are the best first steps.
- Keep reference books or reputable online catalogs handy.
- Join coin clubs or online forums to learn from experienced collectors.
- When in doubt, get a second opinion before altering or selling a suspected rare penny.
With patience and basic knowledge, everyday pennies can turn into memorable discoveries and, occasionally, substantial value.