Pennies Worth Money List: From Common Cents to Hidden Gems

A penny could be worth over $1.7 million. The 1943-D Bronze Wheat Penny holds the record for the highest auction price, thanks to its extreme rarity and minting error.

Your pocket change might only be worth one cent each, but some pennies can bring thousands or millions of dollars. The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny recently sold for $1.2 million. Another remarkable find was the 1958 Wheat Penny with a doubled-die obverse that reached $336,000 at auction. 

The valuable penny market goes beyond these rare examples. Collectors are happy to pay around $50 for more available treasures like the 1995-D Doubled Die.

This piece will help you tap into the potential of penny collecting. You'll find a list of valuable pennies that range from the ultra-rare 1944 Steel Wheat Penny, which sold for $408,000, to common error coins possibly sitting in your change jar. 

You'll learn what makes these pennies valuable and how to spot potential treasures. We'll break down a year-by-year list of valuable pennies that might turn your spare change into a small fortune.

Top 8 Pennies Worth Money (List of Valuable Pennies)

Let me tell you about the most precious pennies in coin collecting - eight rare coins that sold at auctions for mind-blowing prices. These gems stand at the top of valuable pennies in the collecting world, with prices from tens of thousands to millions of dollars.

1. 1943-D Bronze Wheat Penny – $1.7 million

This penny rules them all and sold for an amazing $1.7 million in 2010. The Denver Mint made millions of steel cents in 1943 to save copper during World War II, but this unique coin ended up being struck on a bronze planchet. 

Only one real example exists, making it the rarest Lincoln cent you can find. Its MS64 Brown grade and fascinating story – likely created on purpose by someone at the Denver Mint – make it a true legend among collectors.

2. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent – $168,000

This penny marks the start of the Lincoln cent series and carries huge historical weight. The San Francisco Mint stopped using designer Victor David Brenner's "VDB" initials soon after they started, which led to only 484,000 being made. A perfect MS-67 RD (Red) example brought $168,000 at auction in 2022. These pennies sell for $850-$1,000+ even in worn condition, making them essential for serious collectors.

3. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse – $114,000

This coin stands as America's most famous error, showing clear doubling on "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and the date. The Philadelphia Mint ran 12-hour shifts during a penny shortage when these errors happened. About 24,000 were made, but finding top-quality ones remains tough.

Prices start at $1,000 for worn coins and go beyond $100,000 for perfect ones. People first found many of these in cigarette packs as change from vending machines.

4. 1999 Wide AM Penny – $138,000

This modern treasure shows unusual spacing between "A" and "M" in "AMERICA" on the back. The Philadelphia Mint meant this design just for proof coins but accidentally used it on some regular pennies. Out of 5.2+ billion cents made that year, very few have this error. Perfect examples have reached $138,000, while worn ones sell for $150-$300.

5. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse – $126,500

This rare penny shows dramatic doubling like its 1955 cousin. People thought it was fake when they first found it because of its strong doubling on the date, "LIBERTY," and "IN GOD WE TRUST." Only 30-40 real ones exist, making it about 100 times harder to find than the 1955 doubled die. A perfect MS-64 Red example brought $126,500 in 2008, and similar ones still fetch six-figure prices.

6. 1992 Close AM Penny – $25,850

The Mint accidentally used 1993's dies in 1992, creating this special error. You can spot it by looking at how close "A" and "M" sit in "AMERICA". Someone found the first one in 2006, and we know of fewer than 15 examples. One MS-67 Red example sold for $25,850. Even worn ones can bring thousands of dollars, making this one of the hardest modern Lincoln cents to find.

7. 1877 Indian Head Penny – $100,000

This Indian Head cent's value comes from its low production and poor survival rate. Fewer people collected coins in 1877, so it's harder to find than the 1909-S Indian cent despite having more made. A perfect MS-66 Red example reached $100,000. Even average worn ones sell for $781 or more.

8. 1944 Steel Penny – $408,000

A few steel planchets snuck into production when the Mint switched back to copper in 1944. Only about 30 examples exist from all mints, and the San Francisco version stands out with just two known coins. One of these rare pieces set a record at $408,000 in 2021, beating its old record of $373,750. Even lower-grade examples easily bring $75,000-$100,000 at auction.

What Makes a Penny Valuable?

Four critical factors determine if your one-cent coin could be worth hundreds or millions of dollars. These value drivers help collectors spot pennies worth more than their face value.

Minting errors and misprints

Minting errors rank among the most valuable aspects of penny collecting. Manufacturing mistakes create unique coins that bring extraordinary premiums. The U.S. Mint's quality control catches most errors, which makes escaped coins incredibly valuable.

The most profitable error categories include:

• Doubled die errors – A die gets multiple impressions from the hub during manufacturing and creates visible doubling of letters, numbers, or design elements. The 1955 Doubled Die Obverse stands out as the most famous example, showing doubling on "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and the date.

• Wrong planchet errors – Coins struck on metal meant for different denominations. The legendary 1943 Bronze Penny (worth over $125,000) happened because copper planchets stayed in the presses after the switch to steel.

• Off-center strikes – Coins positioned wrong during striking leave parts of the design missing. Coins that keep the full date despite being 50% off-center bring high prices.

Specific penny varieties like the "Close AM" (where the A and M in AMERICA touch) or "Wide AM" create exceptional value through tiny but important design variations.

Low mintage and rarity

The basic principle of lack drives coin values – fewer examples mean higher prices. Low original mintage numbers create natural rarity that grows over time.

The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent brings premium prices because only 484,000 were made. The 1914-D penny, with just 1,193,000 struck, has become a key date worth much more than common varieties.

The survival rate in high-grade condition adds another layer to rarity. Coins with moderate mintage can become valuable if few survived in pristine condition. The 1877 Indian Head Penny shows this perfectly – it's actually rarer than the 1909-S Indian cent because fewer people collected coins back then.

Metal composition and year

A penny's physical makeup affects its value. Before 1982, pennies had 95% copper and 5% zinc. After that year, the composition changed to 97.5% zinc with just a thin copper coating.Pre-1982 pennies have metal value higher than their face worth. 

By December 2019, each pre-1982 penny's copper was worth about 1.7 cents – 70% more than face value. This metal value creates a price floor that rises with copper prices.

The transitional years brought valuable errors. The 1982 series alone created seven different varieties as the Mint switched from bronze to zinc-coated composition.

Historical significance

Pennies tied to major historical events or controversies bring higher premiums. A coin's story often makes it more appealing beyond its physical traits.

The 1943 steel pennies show this well – made to save copper during World War II, they offer a real link to wartime resource management. The 1909-S VDB's value grows because of the controversy around designer Victor David Brenner's initials, which got removed right after minting.

The commemorative issues like the 1909 Lincoln cents (first to show a president) and the 2009 bicentennial designs capture important historical moments that attract more than just coin collectors.

These four basic value drivers help collectors spot pennies that might be worth much more than face value on any valuable penny list.

How to Identify Valuable Pennies

Finding valuable pennies takes knowledge, tools, and a sharp eye for detail. You need to spot specific features that can turn an ordinary cent into a collector's treasure. The right approach might help you find hidden gems in your spare change or inherited collection.

Check for mint marks and dates

The date and mint mark combination gives you the first hint of a penny's potential value. You'll find the mint mark (a tiny letter showing where the coin was made) beneath the date on Lincoln cents. Look carefully at the front side under the date for letters like "S" (San Francisco), "D" (Denver), or no mark (Philadelphia) on coins made before 1968.

Watch out for key dates like 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1922 (no mint mark), 1931-S, and 1943 bronze cents. Re-punched mint marks (RPMs) can be worth a lot more because mint marks were manually punched onto dies before the 1990s. Pre-1982 dates deserve extra attention since they contain more copper and collectors often value them higher.

Use a coin value app or guide

Technology has made coin identification much easier today. Apps like Coinoscope let you take a photo of your coin and get potential matches from their database right away. CoinSnap boasts 99% recognition accuracy for more than 300,000 coin types and shows detailed info about origin, issue year, and mint count.

These digital tools help identify rare error coins and even suggest grading estimates with market values. You can save your findings in these apps to create a digital catalog of your collection and track its total value as time goes by.

Weigh the coin to check metal type

A kitchen scale reveals a lot about a penny's makeup. Pennies made before 1982 are 95% copper and weigh about 3.11 grams. Those made after 1982 are mostly zinc with a copper coating and weigh around 2.5 grams. Finding a post-1982 penny that weighs 3.11 grams might mean you have a valuable transitional error.

A simple magnet helps detect 1943 steel cents or the very rare 1944 steel cent (worth $408,000). Steel pennies stick to magnets while copper or bronze ones don't. Genuine aluminum cents (very rare experimental coins) weigh much less—about 1 gram—making them easy to spot.

Look for doubling or off-center strikes

Error coins often bring the highest prices, so take time to inspect them carefully. To spot a doubled die penny, use strong magnification to check words like "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and the date for signs of doubling. Real doubling shows up as a clear secondary impression, not just a blur.

Off-center strikes happen when coins aren't lined up right during striking. The most valuable ones show 40-60% of the design off-center but still have the complete date. Here are other valuable errors to watch for:

• Broad strikes (wider than normal diameter due to being struck outside the retaining collar)

• Clipped planchets (crescent-shaped portions missing from the edge)

• Die breaks (raised lines on the coin's surface from cracked dies)

Note that professional grading services like PCGS or NGC can verify questionable finds and provide official documentation of a coin's authenticity and condition. Never clean your coins as this can substantially reduce their collector value.

Penny Value by Year: A Quick Reference

A penny's date helps collectors spot valuable coins quickly. The year on a penny gives the first hint about its value, and certain years are worth much more due to their lack, mistakes, or historical importance.

Pre-1982 copper pennies

These pennies contain about 95% copper and 5% zinc, which makes them worth more than one cent. You can tell these copper-rich coins apart because they weigh 3.11 grams - they feel heavier than modern zinc ones.

The copper in each pre-1982 penny was worth about 1.7 cents by December 2019. That's 70% above face value. The price changes based on copper market rates.

Here are some of the most valuable years:

• 1943 Copper (Bronze) Wheat Penny: One of the most precious pennies because copper planchets got mixed up during wartime steel penny making

• 1944 Steel Penny: This happened the other way around when leftover steel planchets ended up in copper production

• 1969-S Doubled Die: Shows clear doubling on letters and date

• 1972 Doubled Die: You can see doubling mostly on the front

Regular pre-1982 pennies are worth keeping just for their copper value. They might be worth even more as copper prices go up.

Wheat pennies (1909–1958)

Wheat pennies show wheat stalks on the back and rank among the most collected U.S. coins. You'll find mint marks under the date - "D" means Denver, "S" stands for San Francisco, and no mark tells you it's from Philadelphia.

These days, common wheat pennies in good shape sell for 25-50 cents. Mint condition ones can fetch $2-15. All the same, some special dates are worth way more:

• 1909-S VDB: $614 (Good) to $1,217 (Mint)

• 1914-D: $82 (Good) to $1,373 (Mint)

• 1922 Plain (No D): $238 (Good) with rare higher grades costing more

• 1931-S: $15 (Good) to $94 (Mint)

Grades range from "Good" (worn but main details visible) through "Fine" and "Very Fine" up to "Uncirculated" (no wear at all).

Memorial pennies (1959–2008)

Frank Gasparro designed the Lincoln Memorial reverse that started in 1959 to mark Lincoln's 150th birthday. This design lasted until 2008, making it the longest-running penny design ever.

Most used Memorial cents are worth one cent, but mint condition ones and certain years can be valuable:

• 1960 Small Date: Worth much more than Large Date versions

• 1970-S Small Date: Hard to find and valuable in better condition

• 1972 Doubled Die: Clear doubling shows on front lettering

• 1995 Doubled Die: Letters on the front appear doubled

A complete set of mint condition Memorial cents from all 50 years (1959-2008) usually costs around $85.

Shield pennies (2010–present)

The Shield design came out in 2010 with a union shield on the back that represents how Lincoln kept the United States together. Modern pennies are made of 97.5% zinc covered by 2.5% copper.

Most Shield pennies are worth face value. Some special ones cost more:

• 2010 "FDI" (First Day Issue): MS-65 grade sells for about $15

• 2017-P: Philadelphia's first penny with a "P" mark brings a small premium

• 2019-W: West Point Mint's first cents sell for $5-9 in top condition

Mint condition Shield pennies range from $1 (AU-50) to $15-30 (MS-66) based on year and shape. These newest pennies might become more valuable to collectors as time goes on.

Common Penny Errors That Increase Value

Error pennies are treasures that top every list of valuable pennies. Modern coins can sell for amazing prices when they have manufacturing mistakes that slipped past the U.S. Mint's quality checks.

Doubled die obverse

Doubled die pennies happen when the die gets multiple mismatched impressions during manufacturing. The result shows clear doubling of design elements that you can see best in text and numbers. True doubled die errors show consistent, clean doubling of equal height, unlike mechanical doubling.

The 1955 doubled die cent stands out as the most famous case. Its dramatic doubling shows up on "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and the date. These coins sell from $2,000 in circulated condition to over $114,000 in perfect grades.

Here are other valuable doubled die pennies:

• 1969-S (very rare, valued over $126,500)

• 1972 (worth up to $14,400 in MS-65 Red)

• 1995 (typically $50-$500 based on condition)

Off-center strikes

These errors show up when the mint doesn't line up planchets correctly between dies during striking. Collectors love off-center pennies that miss 40-60% of the design but still show the full date.

The value goes up with more off-center strikes, as long as you can still identify the coin. Today's off-center Lincoln cents usually bring $40-$100, though harder-to-find dates can sell for $200-$500.

Wrong planchet errors

The most eye-catching errors happen when the mint strikes pennies on metal meant for other coins. This mix-up creates pennies with wrong sizes, weights, or metal content.

Some amazing examples include:

• Lincoln cents struck on dime planchets (silver or clad)

• Pennies struck on foreign coin blanks

• 1943 steel cents struck on copper planchets (worth over $125,000)

• 1944 copper cents struck on steel blanks (worth up to $408,000)

Close AM and Wide AM reverses

This small detail focuses on the space between "A" and "M" in "AMERICA" on the back. Pennies from 1959-1992 had Wide AM spacing. The design switched to Close AM in 1993, where the letters almost touch.

The valuable versions came from dies used in the wrong years:

• 1992 Close AM (very rare, fewer than 15 known, worth $2,100-$26,000)

• 1992-D Close AM (only three confirmed examples)

• 1998-2000 Wide AM (worth $15-$1,400 based on year and condition)

These tiny differences can turn regular cents into valuable treasures worth checking your pocket change.

What to Do If You Think You Have a Valuable Penny

You've found what could be a rare penny? Your next steps will substantially affect its final value. Finding a potential treasure requires careful handling and proper verification to maximize its worth.

Don't clean the coin

Never try to make your old coins look shiny and new. Cleaning coins can drastically reduce their value. Note that collectors value original surfaces that show natural patina, even on used coins. What might look like dirt or tarnish to untrained eyes is actually desirable "toning" that numismatists seek.

Get it professionally graded

Your valuable pennies need authentication and grading from trusted services like PCGS, NGC, or CAC. These organizations grade coins on a 1-70 scale based on condition, verify their authenticity, and seal them in tamper-evident holders. This evaluation gives your coin market credibility and protection. The grading services also document specific traits that affect value.

Compare with a pennies worth money list by year

"The Red Book: A Guide Book of United States Coins" is a reliable source for coin valuation information. Check your coin's weight, mint marks, and unique features against detailed guides. Several apps can help identify coins, though their accuracy varies.

Consult a coin dealer or appraiser

Multiple expert opinions are a great way to get accurate valuation. Dealers with years of experience in the numismatic industry can teach you what makes certain pennies valuable. They might also spot subtle variety details that can dramatically increase value.

Conclusion

Finding pennies worth most important money takes knowledge, patience, and a sharp eye for details. Some pennies from specific years with unique characteristics can be worth thousands or even millions of dollars. The 1943-D Bronze Wheat Penny that sold for $1.7 million proves this point. 

Most pennies you use every day are worth just one cent, but error coins, low-mintage pieces, and historically important ones could be life-changing discoveries.

Knowledge about what makes pennies valuable gives the ability to collectors at every level. Mint marks, doubling errors, and different metal compositions are the foundations of determining worth. Modern pennies with off-center strikes or doubled die errors can still fetch impressive prices despite being made recently.

The search for valuable pennies continues to engage coin enthusiasts across the country. Finding a 1909-S VDB or 1955 Doubled Die Obverse might seem like a long shot. Yet many collectors have made amazing finds in their pocket change, bank rolls, and old family collections. 

Without doubt, the excitement of possibly finding a penny worth hundreds or thousands of dollars turns an everyday hobby into a treasure hunt.

We suggest you look at your coins carefully before spending them. You might only need a simple magnifying glass, accurate scale, and reference guide to spot a hidden gem worth nowhere near one cent. 

Of course, the most important rule stays the same - never clean your coins. This one mistake can drastically cut their collector value. Happy hunting! Your next valuable penny might be sitting in your pocket right now.

FAQs

Q1. What makes a penny valuable to collectors? 

Several factors can make a penny valuable, including minting errors, low mintage numbers, unique metal composition, and historical significance. Rare pennies with specific dates, mint marks, or errors can be worth thousands or even millions of dollars to collectors.

Q2. How can I identify a potentially valuable penny? 

To identify valuable pennies, check for mint marks and dates, use a coin value app or guide, weigh the coin to determine its metal composition, and look for doubling or off-center strikes. Pay special attention to pre-1982 copper pennies and those with visible errors or unusual features.

Q3. What should I do if I think I have a rare

penny? 

If you believe you have a valuable penny, avoid cleaning it as this can reduce its worth. Instead, consider getting it professionally graded by a reputable service, compare it with a pennies worth money list by year, and consult with an experienced coin dealer or appraiser for an accurate valuation.

Q4. Are there any modern pennies that are valuable? 

Yes, some modern pennies can be valuable. For example, certain error coins like the 1995 Doubled Die penny or the 1999 Wide AM penny can be worth significantly more than face value. Additionally, some uncirculated Shield pennies (2010-present) in high grades can command a premium.

Q5. What is the most valuable penny ever sold? 

The most valuable penny ever sold is the 1943-D Bronze Wheat Penny, which fetched an incredible $1.7 million at auction. This coin is extremely rare due to a minting error, as it was accidentally struck on a bronze planchet instead of the intended steel during World War II.