You never know where treasure might be hiding. For one lucky individual, a simple glance through their grandmother’s old coin jar uncovered something extraordinary—a rare penny worth more than a brand-new car. Rare pennies, often overlooked due to their small size and common appearance, can hold immense value, especially if they feature minting errors or were struck in unusual years. Below are three incredibly valuable pennies that might be sitting unnoticed in a family coin jar.
1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to zinc-coated steel for penny production to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a few 1943 pennies were mistakenly struck on bronze planchets left over from 1942. These 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cents are among the rarest and most coveted U.S. coins, with some selling for over $100,000 at auction. If you find a 1943 penny that doesn’t stick to a magnet, it might be one of these legendary errors.
1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny
This penny is known for its dramatic doubling effect, especially visible in the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny is not only rare but also instantly recognizable due to the bold appearance of its error. In circulated condition, it can fetch several thousand dollars, while pristine, uncirculated examples have been known to exceed $50,000. These coins were released into circulation and are still occasionally found in old collections or jars.
1992 Close AM Lincoln Penny
The 1992 Close AM Penny is a modern rarity caused by a design mix-up. On most 1992 pennies, the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” are spaced apart, but on the Close AM version, the letters are nearly touching—an error that should have only appeared in proof coins. Only a handful of these error coins have surfaced, making them incredibly valuable. One sold for nearly $20,000, and they are still being discovered in circulation and personal coin hoards.
A trip down memory lane or a quiet afternoon sorting through old coins could turn into a life-changing discovery. Rare pennies like the 1943 Bronze Cent, 1955 Double Die, and 1992 Close AM are hiding in plain sight, waiting for someone with a sharp eye to spot them. So before you cash in that jar of coins, take a closer look—you might be sitting on a small fortune.
FAQ’s:
1. How do I know if my 1943 penny is bronze and not steel?
Try using a magnet—steel pennies stick, but bronze ones don’t. Also, bronze cents have a reddish-brown color compared to the silvery steel.
2. What does “Double Die” mean on a coin?
A double die coin has duplicated designs or lettering caused during the die-making process. It’s a mint error, not damage.
3. Is the 1992 Close AM easy to spot?
Yes, check the spacing between the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” on the reverse. If they’re nearly touching, you may have a rare coin.
4. Can these rare pennies still be found in circulation?
Although rare, these coins have been found in pocket change, old jars, and coin rolls. It’s uncommon, but not impossible.
5. What should I do if I think I found a rare penny?
Get it authenticated by a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. Proper certification can significantly increase the coin’s value.
