A List of Pennies That Are Worth Money

Many people handle pennies daily without realizing some might hold significant value. While most are worth face value, specific characteristics can make them valuable collectibles. Understanding what makes a penny valuable can lead to an exciting discovery. This journey begins with knowing where to look and what features to identify.

Factors Contributing to a Penny’s Value

A penny’s value often extends beyond its face worth due to minting errors. These “mint errors” occur when something goes wrong during coin production, creating unique characteristics collectors prize. Examples include a “double die,” where the coin’s design elements appear doubled due to die misalignment. This doubling is often visible on the date, lettering, or other raised features.

Other mint errors include “off-center strikes,” where the coin blank is not properly centered, resulting in a missing design portion. “Planchet errors” refer to issues with the blank metal disc, such as incorrect thickness. “Re-punched mint marks” occur when a mint mark is punched more than once, creating a visible overlap. “Overdates” happen when a new date is punched over an old one, leaving traces of the previous year.

Beyond errors, a penny’s rarity influences its market value. Rarity is often determined by “low mintage,” meaning a limited number of coins were produced in a specific year or mint. Scarcer coins from low production runs drive up demand and price among collectors. Fewer examples available mean each coin becomes more valuable.

A penny’s physical condition also affects its worth. Coins in better condition, especially those with little circulation, command higher prices. “Uncirculated” describes coins with no wear, while “extra fine” indicates minimal wear. Even slight abrasions or environmental damage can reduce a coin’s value, making preservation important.

Mint marks also play an important role in a penny’s value. These small letters, like ‘D’ for Denver or ‘S’ for San Francisco, denote where the coin was produced. Specific date and mint mark combinations can be rare, especially with low mintage or error coins. The presence or absence of a mint mark, or its placement, can signify a sought-after variety.

Notable Valuable Pennies by Series

The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is a valuable penny. It features the “VDB” initials of designer Victor David Brenner on the reverse, between the wheat stalks. Its rarity comes from the San Francisco Mint’s limited production of 484,000 pieces before the initials were removed due to public controversy.

The 1943 Copper Penny is rare. During World War II, copper was needed for ammunition, so the U.S. Mint produced steel pennies coated with zinc in 1943. However, a small number of 1942 copper planchets were accidentally struck in 1943, creating a rare error coin. These copper pennies are non-magnetic, reddish-brown, and weigh about 3.11 grams, unlike steel cents (2.7 grams).

The 1955 Double Die Obverse Lincoln Cent is known for pronounced doubling of the date and lettering on the obverse. This error occurred when the working die was struck twice by the master die, with slight rotation. Doubling appears on the “1955” date and the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” This error is easily noticeable without magnification, making it popular with collectors.

The 1969-S Double Die Obverse Lincoln Cent is another double die error, similar to the 1955 variety. Doubling is visible on the date “1969” and “LIBERTY” on the obverse. This error is rare because many coins were confiscated by the Secret Service, who mistakenly believed them counterfeit, limiting availability.

The 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent is a subtle but valuable variety. The San Francisco Mint produced pennies with two date sizes: a common “large date” and a rarer “small date.” The small date is identified by the “7” in “1970” appearing lower than the “9” and “0,” and the “0” appearing more oval-shaped. “LIBERTY” lettering is also slightly thinner on the small date variety.

An error occurred with the 1982 Small Date Copper Lincoln Cent. In 1982, the U.S. Mint transitioned from copper pennies (95% copper, 5% zinc) to copper-plated zinc (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper). Both large and small date varieties were struck in both compositions. The rare 1982 small date copper penny weighs about 3.1 grams, unlike common zinc versions (2.5 grams).

The 1995 Double Die Obverse Lincoln Cent has noticeable doubling on the “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” legends, and the date. This modern error coin became known due to its distinct doubling, visible to the naked eye, particularly on “LIBERTY.” Its recent production makes it accessible, yet valuable, for new collectors.

The 1914-D Lincoln Cent is a key date coin. Its value stems from its low mintage of just over 1.1 million coins from the Denver Mint. The “D” mint mark below the date indicates its origin. Its scarcity, combined with demand from collectors, drives its market price.

Identifying and Verifying Valuable Pennies

Identifying a valuable penny requires careful observation and the right tools. A magnifying glass (5x to 10x) helps examine fine details like mint marks, dates, and subtle doubling. A strong light source reveals textures and slight variations. Some collectors also use a jeweler’s loupe for closer scrutiny.

A systematic approach helps ensure all valuable features are checked. Inspect the date and mint mark for unusual characteristics like doubling or re-punching. Examine legends (“LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST”) and main design elements for doubling or errors. Pay close attention to Lincoln’s bust and the wheat stalks or Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.

For specific varieties like the 1943 copper penny or 1982 small date copper penny, a precise weight check is important. A digital gram scale (0.01g capability) is necessary. A 1943 copper penny should weigh about 3.11 grams, and a 1982 small date copper penny about 3.1 grams, distinguishing them from common steel or zinc counterparts.

After physical examination, compare your findings with high-quality images and descriptions of authenticated valuable pennies from reputable numismatic resources. Online databases, coin collecting guides, and grading service websites provide detailed visual references highlighting distinguishing features of rare varieties. This comparison helps confirm if your coin matches known characteristics of a valuable error or key date.

Be aware of altered or counterfeit coins. Some individuals modify common pennies to resemble valuable errors, such as altering dates or adding mint marks. Comparing features meticulously with known genuine examples helps detect alterations. If in doubt about authenticity, seek a professional opinion.

Preserving and Valuing Your Penny

Proper handling is important once you suspect a penny might be valuable. Always hold coins by their edges to avoid transferring oils and dirt from your skin. Fingerprints can leave permanent marks and residues that damage the coin’s finish, reducing its value. Even a minor smudge can decrease a coin’s grade and market appeal.

Storing a valuable penny correctly protects its long-term condition. Use acid-free holders, such as Mylar flips or rigid plastic coin slabs, which are inert and will not react with the coin’s metal. Avoid soft PVC (polyvinyl chloride) flips, as plasticizers can leach out and cause irreversible damage, like a sticky film or green corrosion. Proper storage prevents environmental damage, scratches, and wear.

Never attempt to clean a valuable penny. While it might seem intuitive, cleaning can cause microscopic scratches, alter the coin’s original surface, or remove toning. This process almost always diminishes a coin’s numismatic value. Professional collectors and appraisers prefer coins in their original, untouched state, even if dirty or tarnished.

If you find a valuable penny, seek professional numismatic appraisal. Reputable coin dealers, numismatic organizations, or grading services can authenticate your coin and assess its condition and market value. These experts identify subtle details and verify genuineness.

A valuable penny’s market value can fluctuate based on its condition, collector demand, and recent auction results. Professional appraisal provides the most reliable estimate of a coin’s worth, considering all these factors. An appraisal involves examination, grading according to numismatic standards, and referencing market data to determine fair value.