15 Rare Pennies Worth Money: Check Your Pocket Change

Why Some Pennies Are Worth Far More Than One Cent

Every year, the United States Mint produces billions of pennies. Most of them are worth exactly one cent. But scattered among the billions are rare dates, mint errors, and low-mintage varieties that collectors will pay serious money to own. Some of these coins are hiding in jars, piggy banks, and loose change drawers across the country right now.

The key factors that make a penny valuable include low mintage numbers, minting errors, historical significance, and condition (grade). A penny graded MS-65 (Mint State, gem quality) by a service like PCGS or NGC will always be worth dramatically more than the same coin in worn condition.

Below are 15 pennies you should always watch for when sorting through pocket change or inherited coin collections. Prices listed reflect actual auction results and dealer asking prices as of early 2026.

The 15 Most Valuable Pennies

1. 1943 Copper Penny — $150,000 to $250,000+

In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to zinc-coated steel to conserve copper for World War II. However, a small number of copper planchets from 1942 were accidentally left in the hoppers and struck with 1943 dies. Only about 20 genuine examples are known to exist. A 1943 copper cent graded PCGS MS-62 Brown sold for $204,000 in 2019, and a PCGS MS-64 Brown example sold for $372,000 in 2023. Be cautious: many fakes exist. A 1943 steel penny is common and worth $0.25 to $5, but the copper version is a major rarity. Use a magnet — genuine copper cents will not stick.

2. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent — $1,000 to $2,500+

The 1909-S VDB is the most famous key date in the Lincoln cent series. It was the first year of the Lincoln design, created by Victor David Brenner (VDB). His initials on the reverse caused public controversy, and the Mint removed them partway through the year. Only 484,000 were struck at the San Francisco Mint with the VDB initials, making it the lowest-mintage regular-issue Lincoln cent. In Good condition, expect to pay $1,000 to $1,500. In MS-65 Red, prices exceed $10,000.

3. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent — $1,000 to $50,000

The 1955 doubled die penny is one of the most dramatic error coins in U.S. history. The doubling is visible to the naked eye on the date and lettering. Approximately 20,000 to 24,000 were released into circulation. In circulated grades (Fine to Extremely Fine), they trade for $1,000 to $3,000. In MS-63 Red, prices reach $25,000 to $50,000.

4. 1914-D Lincoln Cent — $300 to $5,000

With a mintage of just 1,193,000, the 1914-D is a major key date. In Good-4 condition, genuine examples sell for $300 to $500. In MS-65 Red, this coin can bring $100,000 or more. Watch for altered mint marks — some unscrupulous sellers add a "D" to common 1914 Philadelphia cents.

5. 1922 No-D Lincoln Cent — $600 to $25,000

In 1922, pennies were only minted in Denver (all should have a "D" mint mark). However, some were struck from heavily worn dies that failed to impress the mint mark, creating the famous 1922 "Plain" or "No-D" variety. Strong Die Pair 2 examples in VF-25 sell for $600 to $1,200. In MS-63 Brown, prices exceed $20,000.

6. 1877 Indian Head Cent — $800 to $5,000

The 1877 is the undisputed king of Indian Head pennies. With a mintage of only 852,500, it is the lowest-mintage date in the series. In Good-4 condition, expect to pay $800 to $1,200. An MS-65 Red example can bring $50,000 or more at auction.

7. 1909-S Indian Head Cent — $500 to $1,500

The last year of the Indian Head design at the San Francisco Mint had a mintage of only 309,000. In Good condition, these sell for $500 to $800. This coin is often overshadowed by the 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent, but it is actually scarcer.

8. 1944 Steel Penny — $75,000 to $110,000

The reverse of the 1943 error: steel planchets left over from 1943 were accidentally struck with 1944 dies. Only about a dozen are confirmed. A 1944 steel cent graded PCGS MS-63 sold for $108,000 in 2021.

9. 1972 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent — $100 to $700

A strong doubled die visible on the date and lettering makes this one of the most popular modern Lincoln cent varieties. In MS-65 Red, prices range from $500 to $700. Circulated examples can be found for $100 to $200.

10. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent — $25,000 to $100,000+

This is one of the rarest doubled die pennies. The Secret Service initially confiscated examples, believing they were counterfeit. A PCGS MS-64 Red example sold for $126,500 in 2008. Even circulated examples bring $25,000 or more.

11. 1908-S Indian Head Cent — $100 to $300

The first year of Indian Head cents minted in San Francisco. Mintage was 1,115,000. In Good condition, they sell for $100 to $150. A nice Extremely Fine example can fetch $250 to $400.

12. 1924-D Lincoln Cent — $30 to $350

With a mintage of 2,520,000, the 1924-D is a semi-key date. In Good-4 condition, expect $30 to $50. In MS-63 Red, prices jump to $1,500 or more.

13. 1931-S Lincoln Cent — $80 to $200

During the Great Depression, mintages dropped significantly. The 1931-S had a mintage of only 866,000. In Fine condition, it trades for $80 to $130. In MS-65 Red, prices can exceed $8,000.

14. 1856 Flying Eagle Cent — $5,000 to $25,000

Technically a pattern coin that was distributed to Congress and other dignitaries, the 1856 Flying Eagle cent is one of the most coveted small cents. About 2,000 to 3,000 were struck. In Proof-63, expect $15,000 to $25,000.

15. Wheat Pennies (1909–1958, Common Dates) — $0.05 to $5

Not every valuable penny is a rarity. Common-date wheat pennies from 1909 to 1958 are worth $0.05 to $0.15 in average circulated condition. Better dates from the 1910s and 1920s can bring $1 to $5. Even at modest values, they are worth pulling from circulation.

Quick Price Reference Table

Penny	Mintage	Good/Fine	MS-63 to MS-65
1943 Copper	~20 known	$150,000+	$250,000–$372,000
1909-S VDB	484,000	$1,000–$1,500	$10,000+
1955 Doubled Die	~20,000	$1,000–$3,000	$25,000–$50,000
1914-D	1,193,000	$300–$500	$50,000+
1922 No-D	Unknown	$600–$1,200	$20,000+
1877 Indian Head	852,500	$800–$1,200	$50,000+
1909-S Indian Head	309,000	$500–$800	$10,000+
1944 Steel	~12 known	$75,000+	$108,000+
1972 Doubled Die	Unknown	$100–$200	$500–$700
1969-S Doubled Die	Unknown	$25,000+	$100,000+
1908-S Indian Head	1,115,000	$100–$150	$2,000+
1924-D	2,520,000	$30–$50	$1,500+
1931-S	866,000	$80–$130	$8,000+
1856 Flying Eagle	~2,500	$5,000–$10,000	$15,000–$25,000
Wheat Penny (common)	Billions	$0.05–$0.15	$1–$5

How to Identify Valuable Pennies

When searching through pennies, keep these tips in mind:

• Check the date and mint mark first. Key dates listed above should be set aside immediately.
• Look for doubling. Use a loupe or magnifying glass to examine the date and lettering for any signs of doubled die varieties.
• Test 1943 cents with a magnet. If a 1943 penny does NOT stick to a magnet, it may be a rare copper example worth a fortune.
• Save all wheat pennies. Even common dates are worth more than face value, and key dates can hide among them.
• Check condition carefully. A coin in uncirculated condition can be worth 10 to 100 times more than the same coin in circulated grades.
• Get valuable coins professionally graded. Services like PCGS and NGC authenticate and grade coins, which can significantly increase their market value and buyer confidence.

Where to Sell Valuable Pennies

If you find a penny you believe is valuable, you have several options for selling:

• Auction houses: Heritage Auctions, Stack's Bowers, and Great Collections handle high-value coins and reach serious collectors.
• Coin dealers: Local coin shops and online dealers like APMEX and JM Bullion buy coins at wholesale prices.
• Online marketplaces: eBay is the largest marketplace for coins, though fees run 13% or more.
• Coin shows: Regional and national coin shows allow you to get multiple offers from competing dealers.

Think you might have valuable pennies? Upload a photo to our free AI valuation tool and get an instant estimate.