9 Rare Pennies: Did you know some pennies are worth far more than just one cent? While most pennies are common and circulate daily,
a select few can fetch thousands or even hundreds of thousandsof dollars. These valuable coins often come from minting errors, low production numbers, or significant historical moments.
Here’s a list of 9 rare pennies from the 20th century that collectors would love to add to their collection.
1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
Estimated Value: $1,000–$3,000+
The 1909-S VDB penny is a famous and highly sought-after coin among collectors. This was the debut of the Lincoln cent, and only 484,000 were minted. The initials “VDB” of the designer Victor David Brenner on the reverse side make it particularly desirable.
2. 1943 Copper Penny
Estimated Value: $150,000–$250,000+
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to steel pennies to save copper for the war effort. However, a small number of copper pennies were accidentally minted in 1943, making them extremely rare and valuable.
3. 1955 Double Die Obverse
Estimated Value: $1,000–$25,000+
This penny is famous for its noticeable doubling on the obverse (front), especially in the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The error is visible to the naked eye, making it a must-have for serious collectors.
4. 1922 No D Lincoln Cent
Estimated Value: $500–$15,000+
Most 1922 Lincoln cents were minted in Denver, and therefore should have a “D” mintmark. However, a few coins were struck with worn dies, causing the “D”
5. 1972 Double Die Obverse
to disappear. This rare mistake makes the 1922 No D penny one of the most valuable Lincoln cents.
Estimated Value: $300–$1,000+
Another well-known error coin, the 1972 Double Die Obverse features noticeable doubling on “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date. While not as rare as the 1955 version, it remains highly valuable.
6. 1969-S Double Die Obverse
Estimated Value: $50,000–$100,000+
The 1969-S Double Die Obverse penny is one of the rarest Lincoln cents, with only a few known specimens. The doubling on the obverse is very obvious, which makes it one of the most expensive pennies.
7. 1944 Steel Penny
Estimated Value: $75,000–$100,000+
In 1944, the U.S. Mint returned to using copper for pennies. However, some leftover steel planchets from 1943 were mistakenly used to strike pennies, creating the rare 1944 Steel Penny. These are highly valuable due to their rarity and historical context.
8. 1992 Close AM Penny
Estimated Value: $10,000–$25,000+
This modern rarity features a small design change—on the reverse side, the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” are closer together than usual. Only a few of these pennies were minted, making them highly sought-after by collectors.
9. 1909-S Indian Head Penny
Estimated Value: $500–$3,000+
The last year of the Indian Head penny, the 1909-S Indian Head was minted in limited numbers (only 309,000). Its historical significance and low mintage make it a prized coin among collectors.
Why Are These Pennies So Valuable?
Several factors contribute to the high value of these rare pennies:
- Low Mintage: Coins with a limited number of copies, like the 1909-S VDB and 1944 Steel Penny, are harder to find, boosting their value.
- Minting Errors: Coins with mistakes—like double dies, missing mintmarks, or incorrect planchets—are unique and highly desirable.
- Historical Significance: Some pennies, such as the 1943 Copper Penny, were minted during significant historical events, adding to their allure.
Quick Reference Table: Top 9 Rare Pennies
| Coin Name | Mint | Estimated Value | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent | San Francisco | $1,000–$3,000+ | “VDB” initials; only 484,000 minted |
| 1943 Copper Penny | Various | $150,000–$250,000+ | Struck on copper instead of steel during WWII |
| 1955 Double Die Obverse | Philadelphia | $1,000–$25,000+ | Prominent doubling on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” |
| 1922 No D Lincoln Cent | Denver | $500–$15,000+ | Missing “D” mintmark due to worn dies |
| 1972 Double Die Obverse | Philadelphia | $300–$1,000+ | Doubling on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” |
| 1969-S Double Die Obverse | San Francisco | $50,000–$100,000+ | Strong doubling on “LIBERTY” and date |
| 1944 Steel Penny | Various | $75,000–$100,000+ | Struck on leftover 1943 steel planchets |
| 1992 Close AM Penny | Various | $10,000–$25,000+ | Close spacing between “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” |
| 1909-S Indian Head Penny | San Francisco | $500–$3,000+ | Last year of Indian Head design; only 309,000 minted |
Coin collecting is more than just a hobby—it’s an exciting treasure hunt. Whether you’re checking your change or digging through old coin collections, you never know when you might stumble upon one of these rare pennies.