The humble Lincoln penny has been in our pockets for over a century. It’s often overlooked, tossed into jars, or dropped on sidewalks. But not all pennies are created equal—some are worth far more than just one cent. In fact, a few rare Lincoln pennies have been known to sell for thousands—even hundreds of thousands—at auctions. These valuable coins often appear ordinary at first glance but carry subtle features that make collectors go wild. Here are three Lincoln pennies that might turn your spare change into serious cash.
1. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny
During World War II, copper was needed for ammunition, so the U.S. Mint produced most 1943 pennies in zinc-coated steel. However, a few copper planchets were accidentally used, creating one of the rarest error coins in U.S. history—the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny. Only a few dozen are known to exist, and they are considered the “Holy Grail” of penny collecting. One sold for over $1 million in 2010. If you have a 1943 penny, test it with a magnet—if it doesn’t stick, it could be a life-changing find.
2. 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny
The 1955 Double Die Penny is one of the most well-known mint error coins. A misalignment during the die process caused noticeable doubling of the text on the coin, especially in “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” This doubling is visible to the naked eye and highly sought after by collectors. A crisp, uncirculated 1955 Double Die penny can fetch $1,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on its condition.
3. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
When the Lincoln cent was first introduced in 1909, it featured the initials of its designer, Victor David Brenner, on the reverse of the coin. However, public backlash led to the initials being removed shortly after release. The 1909-S VDB (minted in San Francisco) had a very limited mintage of just 484,000 coins, making it a key rarity in the Lincoln penny series. In good condition, it can be worth $800 to over $5,000—and in mint condition, even more.
Check Every Penny You Have
Most of us have jars full of loose change collecting dust. But as you’ve seen, one special penny could be worth thousands. Whether it’s a wartime error, a famous double die, or an early mintage rarity, these Lincoln pennies continue to surprise collectors and everyday people alike. So next time you come across a penny, take a moment to inspect it—you might be holding a small piece of history with a big payout.
FAQ’s:
1. How do I know if I have a rare Lincoln penny?
Check the date, mintmark, and look for any unusual errors like doubling or off-color metal. Compare your coin to verified rare versions online or have it checked by a professional.
2. Is a 1943 steel penny worth anything?
Most 1943 steel pennies are common and worth around 10 to 50 cents. However, a 1943 copper version is extremely rare and can be worth thousands to over a million dollars.
3. Can I still find these rare pennies in circulation?
It’s rare, but possible. Many have been found in old jars, family coin collections, or inherited estates.
4. Where should I go to get a coin appraised?
Visit a certified coin dealer or submit your coin to professional grading services like PCGS or NGC for an official appraisal.
5. Are modern pennies worth collecting?
Yes, some modern pennies with minting errors or special compositions can also be valuable to collectors.
