When we think of valuable coins, gold and silver often come to mind. But some of the most sought-after treasures in the coin world are actually humble pennies. That’s right—one-cent coins sitting quietly in jars, drawers, or your pocket might be worth far more than their weight in gold. Thanks to rare minting errors, low production numbers, and historical importance, certain Lincoln pennies have soared in value. Here are three such rare Lincoln cents you should never spend.
1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to steel planchets for pennies to save copper for the war effort. But a few bronze planchets from 1942 mistakenly slipped into the 1943 production run. These 1943 Bronze Lincoln Pennies are now among the most famous and valuable coins in the world. Fewer than 20 examples are known, and one has fetched over $1 million at auction. Even well-worn specimens can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
This coin marked the debut of the Lincoln cent and the initials of its designer, Victor David Brenner (“VDB”), on the reverse. But public backlash led the Mint to quickly remove the initials, and only a limited number of 1909-S VDB pennies were produced—just 484,000. The result? This penny became an instant collector’s item. Today, a decent-condition example can bring in $700 to $1,500, while mint-condition coins have sold for upwards of $50,000.
1995 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny
While it looks like an ordinary penny to most people, collectors know to check the lettering—especially “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” In some 1995 Lincoln pennies, a doubled die error caused a visible doubling in these areas. This fascinating flaw wasn’t widely discovered until after the coins were in circulation. A sharp-eyed collector could easily spot one in their change today. These error coins typically sell for $200–$1,500 depending on condition and rarity.
Before you toss your pennies into a coin jar or spend them without a thought, take a closer look—you could be holding a fortune. The 1943 Bronze, 1909-S VDB, and 1995 Doubled Die pennies may look average, but their hidden rarity makes them more valuable than their weight in gold. As coin values continue to climb, checking your spare change is one of the easiest—and potentially most profitable—habits you can form.
FAQ’s:
1. How can I tell if my penny is rare?
Start by checking the year and mint mark. Use a magnifier to spot unusual features like doubling, off-center strikes, or unusual spacing in the letters.
2. Where should I go to authenticate a rare penny?
Reputable grading services like PCGS or NGC can authenticate and grade your coin. Local coin shops may also provide guidance.
3. Is the 1943 penny always valuable?
Not all 1943 pennies are rare. Only the ones mistakenly struck on bronze planchets, not the common steel ones, are worth big money.
4. Can I find these pennies in everyday change?
It’s rare, but possible! Many have been found in circulation or old collections passed down in families.
5. Should I clean a penny before selling it?
No. Cleaning a coin can damage it and reduce its value. Always keep rare coins in their original condition.
