While most pennies are only worth a cent, some rare versions can be worth hundreds of dollars or more. These hidden gems are a dream for coin collectors and could be hiding in your change jar or old collection.
Here are 10 rare penny varieties that are highly sought after and can bring in big bucks:
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1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny
- Value: $600 to $1,500+
- This was the first year of the Lincoln cent. The “S” mint mark (San Francisco) and designer initials “VDB” on the back make it one of the most collectible pennies ever.
2. 1914-D Lincoln Wheat Penny
- Value: $200 to $1,000+
- Minted in Denver, this penny had a very low production. High-grade versions are especially valuable.
3. 1922 No D Lincoln Wheat Penny
- Value: $300 to $1,500+
- Some 1922 pennies were struck without the Denver “D” mint mark due to a worn die, making them extremely rare.
4. 1931-S Lincoln Wheat Penny
- Value: $100 to $500+
- One of the lowest mintage years during the Depression era. A must-have for collectors.
5. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny
- Value: $100,000 to millions (if verified)
- Most 1943 pennies were made of steel, but a few bronze versions were struck by mistake. These are among the rarest coins in U.S. history.
6. 1944 Steel Lincoln Wheat Penny
- Value: $500 to $1,000+
- A reverse of 1943—most 1944 pennies were bronze, but a few were mistakenly made of leftover steel blanks.
7. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Wheat Penny
- Value: $500 to $1,500+
- Known for its dramatic doubling effect on the date and inscriptions, this penny is a favorite among error coin collectors.
8. 1970-S Small Date Penny
- Value: $50 to $300+
- This coin is tricky to spot but valuable. The date looks slightly different from the regular version. Collectors love it for its subtlety and rarity.
9. 1983 Doubled Die Reverse Penny
- Value: $75 to $300+
- On this penny, the reverse side has clear doubling on the words “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”
10. 1992 Close AM Penny
- Value: $200 to $1,000+
- Most 1992 pennies have a noticeable space between the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA,” but a rare version has those letters very close together. It’s a small detail worth big money.
Check Your Change!
These pennies prove that even pocket change can hold valuable surprises. Look carefully at the dates, mint marks, and any unusual markings. You might just find a hidden treasure worth hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars.
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