In the world of coin collecting, few coins generate as much excitement as the Lincoln penny. While millions are in circulation, only a select few are so rare that they command prices higher than cars—or even homes. Among these prized coins is one so scarce that only around 20 are believed to exist. It’s not just the age or the face value that matters—it’s the history, the minting mistakes, and the rarity that make these pennies worth thousands, even hundreds of thousands, of dollars.
1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny
The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny is considered the holy grail for penny collectors. During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to using steel planchets coated in zinc to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a small number of bronze blanks were accidentally left in the coin press machines and struck with the 1943 date. These bronze pennies are incredibly rare, with fewer than 20 known to exist. One of these coins sold for over $1 million at auction, making it one of the most valuable pennies in history.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
Another Lincoln penny that collectors dream of owning is the 1909-S VDB. It was the first year of the Lincoln cent, and controversy surrounded the prominent placement of the designer’s initials—V.D.B. (Victor David Brenner)—on the reverse. The San Francisco Mint produced only 484,000 of these coins before the initials were removed, making it one of the lowest mintages in the series. Even in worn condition, this penny can fetch $1,000 to $2,000, while uncirculated examples have sold for over $50,000.
1955 Double Die Obverse Lincoln Penny
The 1955 Double Die Obverse penny is a favorite among error coin collectors. A misalignment during minting caused the date and lettering on the front to appear doubled, creating a striking visual error that is easily spotted with the naked eye. Only a few thousand were released before the mistake was caught, and many ended up in circulation. Today, these coins can be worth anywhere from $1,500 to over $20,000, depending on condition.
One of These Pennies Could Be Hiding in Plain Sight
Whether it’s the extremely rare 1943 bronze error, the iconic 1909-S VDB, or the stunning 1955 double die, each of these Lincoln pennies carries more than just monetary value—they hold a piece of American history. With values ranging from thousands to millions, these small copper coins prove that everyday change could hold a life-changing surprise. So before you dismiss that old penny in your drawer, take a closer look. You just might have a collector’s dream in your hands.
FAQ’s:
2. Why is the 1943 Bronze Penny so valuable?
Look for specific dates like 1943, 1909-S VDB, or 1955 with clear minting errors or unusual features. Use a magnifying glass and weigh the coin if necessary.
2. Why is the 1943 Bronze Penny so valuable?
It was a minting error during a year when pennies were supposed to be made of steel. Only about 20 are known to exist.
3. What does “VDB” stand for on the 1909 penny?
VDB refers to Victor David Brenner, the designer of the Lincoln cent. His initials were later removed due to public criticism.
4. What makes the 1955 penny special?
It features a double image of the date and lettering due to a misalignment during production—this mistake makes it highly collectible.
5. Where can I sell a rare Lincoln penny?
You can consult professional coin dealers, attend auctions, or submit your coin to grading services like PCGS or NGC for proper valuation.
