While most pennies are worth just one cent, some rare varieties can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. These hidden treasures excite coin collectors and might be waiting unnoticed in your change jar or old coin collection.
Here are 10 rare penny varieties highly prized by collectors—and potentially valuable to you:
1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny
Value: $600 to $1,500+
The very first year of the Lincoln cent, this penny features the “S” mint mark for San Francisco and the designer’s initials “VDB” on the reverse. Its rarity and historical significance make it one of the most sought-after pennies.
2. 1914-D Lincoln Wheat Penny
Value: $200 to $1,000+
Minted in Denver with a limited production run, this penny is especially valuable in high-grade condition. It’s a prized find for collectors focused on early 20th-century coins.
3. 1922 No D Lincoln Wheat Penny
Value: $300 to $1,500+
Due to a worn die, some 1922 pennies were struck without the Denver “D” mint mark, creating a rare and valuable error coin.
4. 1931-S Lincoln Wheat Penny
Value: $100 to $500+
With one of the lowest mintages during the Great Depression, this San Francisco-minted penny is a must-have for any serious Lincoln cent collector.
5. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny
Value: $100,000 to millions (if verified)
Most 1943 pennies were made of steel due to wartime metal shortages, but a few rare bronze versions were accidentally struck. These coins are among the rarest and most valuable in U.S. history.
6. 1944 Steel Lincoln Wheat Penny
Value: $500 to $1,000+
The reverse situation of 1943: while most 1944 pennies are bronze, a few were mistakenly struck on leftover steel blanks, making them rare and collectible.
7. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Wheat Penny
Value: $500 to $1,500+
This penny is famous for its pronounced doubling effect on the date and inscriptions, making it a favorite among collectors who specialize in error coins.
8. 1970-S Small Date Penny
Value: $50 to $300+
Subtle but valuable, this San Francisco mint penny’s date appears slightly different than the common version. Its rarity and uniqueness attract collectors.
9. 1983 Doubled Die Reverse Penny
Value: $75 to $300+
This penny features doubling on the reverse side, particularly on “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” making it a sought-after error coin.
10. 1992 Close AM Penny
Value: $200 to $1,000+
Most 1992 pennies show a clear space between the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA,” but the rare “Close AM” variety has these letters almost touching—a small difference that can mean big value.
Keep an Eye on Your Change!
These rare pennies prove that valuable coins might be hiding in your everyday change. Examine dates, mint marks, and any unusual details carefully—you might uncover a hidden gem worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
