While most pennies are valued at just one cent, some rare varieties can be worth a small fortune. These extraordinary coins, often the result of minting errors or wartime changes, have become highly sought-after among collectors. Here’s a closer look at six rare pennies that could be hidden in your spare change, along with tips on how to identify them.
1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny: The Holy Grail
The 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny is often considered the most coveted coin among collectors. During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to steel pennies to conserve copper. However, a few copper blanks accidentally made it into production, resulting in some rare copper pennies. These can fetch anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000 or more in pristine condition, especially if they feature the “D” (Denver) or “S” (San Francisco) mint mark.
How to identify it? Simply perform a magnet test—if your 1943 penny doesn’t stick, it may be the copper rarity you’re looking for.
1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent is another prime example of a minting error creating tremendous value. This penny features noticeable doubling in the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY,” making the error clearly visible to the naked eye.
1968 No S Proof Dime
Although not a penny, the 1968 No S Proof Dime is worth mentioning due to its high collector value. This coin was mistakenly struck without the “S” mintmark, creating an exceptionally rare variety. Circulated versions can go for around $1,000, while uncirculated versions are valued at over $10,000.
1983 Doubled Die Reverse Penny
The 1983 Doubled Die Reverse Penny is a modern error that occurs during the minting process when doubling appears on the reverse side of the coin. This includes the words “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” Mint-condition examples can be worth up to $15,000, making it an exciting find for collectors.
How to verify it? Check for visible doubling on the reverse side and ensure that it weighs around 2.5 grams, as it’s made from zinc.
1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Penny
The 1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Cent is notable for its combination of the San Francisco mint mark and a significant doubling error. You can clearly spot the doubling in the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY” on the obverse side.
1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny
The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny is an incredibly valuable find, often fetching anywhere between $10,000 and $70,000 for high-grade specimens. This error coin occurred when a few pennies were struck on bronze planchets instead of steel during the wartime transition.
1972 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny
The 1972 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent features noticeable doubling on the obverse side, particularly in the inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” While this error is not as rare as some of the others, uncirculated examples can still be worth several thousand dollars.
1982-D Small Date Copper Penny
The 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny is a transitional coin that was struck on a copper planchet instead of a zinc one. This variety, marked with the Denver mint mark, is incredibly rare and can be worth over $10,000 in top condition.
How to identify it? Look for a copper-colored penny with the “D” mintmark, and weigh it to confirm it weighs about 3.1 grams.
