While pennies often go unnoticed in our daily transactions, certain rare specimens can be worth a fortune. Discovering one of these elusive coins in your spare change could lead to a significant financial windfall. Here are five ultra-valuable pennies to watch for:
Contents
1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
The 1909-S VDB penny marks the debut of the Lincoln cent series and is highly coveted due to its limited mintage.
- Mintage: 484,000
- Design: Features Abraham Lincoln on the obverse; the reverse showcases two wheat ears with the designer Victor David Brenner’s initials (VDB) at the bottom.
- Value: In well-worn condition, it can fetch around $700; uncirculated examples can command over $2,000.
2. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent
During World War II, pennies were primarily struck in zinc-coated steel to conserve copper. However, a few bronze planchets were mistakenly used, resulting in this rare penny.
- Mintage: Estimated at 20
- Design: Standard Lincoln design with the date 1943; appears copper-colored instead of the typical steel gray.
- Value: One example sold for $1.7 million in 2010.
3. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
This penny is famous for its prominent doubling error, making the date and inscriptions appear blurred or doubled.
- Mintage: Approximately 20,000
- Design: Standard Lincoln cent design with noticeable doubling on the obverse inscriptions and date.
- Value: Circulated coins can be worth $1,000 to $1,500; uncirculated specimens can exceed $15,000.
4. 1972 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
Another striking error coin, the 1972 doubled die penny, exhibits clear doubling on the obverse, especially on the inscriptions and date.
- Mintage: Unknown; estimated in the thousands
- Design: Standard Lincoln cent with noticeable doubling on the obverse inscriptions and date.
- Value: Circulated examples range from $100 to $500; uncirculated pieces can reach up to $1,000 or more.
5. 1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent
This penny features a rare variation where the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” on the reverse are closely spaced, differing from the typical wide spacing.
- Mintage: Unknown; very limited
- Design: Standard Lincoln cent with the “AM” in “AMERICA” on the reverse nearly touching.
- Value: Circulated coins can be worth $500 to $2,500; uncirculated examples can command over $10,000.
| Year | Description | Mintage | Approximate Value (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | First Lincoln cent with designer’s initials | 484,000 | $700 – $2,000+ |
| 1943 Bronze | Error coin struck in bronze instead of steel | ~20 | Up to $1.7 million |
| 1955 Doubled Die | Prominent doubling error on obverse | ~20,000 | $1,000 – $15,000+ |
| 1972 Doubled Die | Doubling on obverse inscriptions and date | Thousands | $100 – $1,000+ |
| 1992 Close AM | Close spacing between “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” | Unknown | $500 – $10,000+ |
Tips for Identifying These Pennies:
- Magnification: Use a magnifying glass to inspect details like doubling or letter spacing.
- Weight Check: A 1943 bronze cent weighs about 3.11 grams, compared to 2.7 grams for the steel version.
- Professional Verification: Consult a reputable coin dealer or grading service to authenticate and grade your find.
FAQs
How can I tell if I have a 1955 Doubled Die penny?
Look for clear doubling on the obverse inscriptions and date; the doubling is prominent and easily noticeable.
Why is the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent so valuable?
Its rarity, due to the minting error during wartime metal conservation, makes it highly sought after by collectors.
What does “Close AM” mean on the 1992 penny?
It refers to the close spacing between the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” on the reverse side, a rare variation from that year.
Are all 1909 pennies valuable?
Not all; the 1909-S VDB is particularly valuable due to its low mintage. Other 1909 pennies without the “S” mintmark or “VDB” initials are more common and less valuable.
Where can I sell these rare pennies?
Consider selling through reputable coin dealers, auction houses, or online platforms specializing in numismatics.
