List of Pennies That Are Worth Money

While most pennies are worth only their face value, certain rare examples can command substantial prices from collectors. Understanding what makes a penny valuable can lead to a treasure hunt.

What Makes a Penny Valuable

Factors contribute to a penny’s value. Rarity, often tied to low mintage numbers, is a primary driver. Limited production increases a coin’s desirability and price among collectors.

A penny’s condition or grade also plays a significant role. Coins with little to no circulation and original mint luster are more valuable than those that are heavily worn or damaged. Preservation status determines a coin’s market worth.

Mint marks, small letters indicating production, can impact value. Errors and varieties in the minting process create valuable pennies. These include doubled dies, where the design appears blurred, or off-center strikes, where the coin blank is not aligned.

Key Dates and Varieties to Look For

Identifying valuable pennies requires knowing which dates and varieties are rare. The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is a prime example, known for its low mintage of 484,000 coins and the designer’s initials “VDB” on the reverse. This penny can be worth hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Another sought-after coin is the 1943 Steel Cent, particularly the rare copper versions. During World War II, pennies were temporarily made of zinc-coated steel to conserve copper. The few copper pennies mistakenly struck in 1943 are extremely valuable, fetching $100,000 to over $1 million.

The 1955 Doubled Die Obverse penny shows distinct doubling of the date and inscriptions like “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” This error was caused by a misaligned die strike. Depending on its condition, this penny can range from $1,000 to over $85,000.

The 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse penny also exhibits clear doubling on the date and lettering, similar to the 1955 error. Examples of this coin can be worth upwards of $30,000. The 1970-S Small Date penny is another variety where the “7” in the date is notably lower than the “1” and “0.”

The 1982 Small Date pennies changed composition mid-year from copper to zinc, resulting in large and small date variations. The rare 1982-D Small Date copper penny can be extremely valuable, potentially worth thousands of dollars. The 1995 Doubled Die Obverse penny also shows noticeable doubling on the obverse.

Identifying Mint Marks and Errors

Locating mint marks and recognizing errors determines a penny’s value. On Lincoln Cents, the mint mark is typically found below the date or Lincoln’s shoulder. Common mint marks include “D” for Denver, “S” for San Francisco, and a lack of a mint mark for Philadelphia.

Spotting errors requires careful visual inspection, often aided by magnification. Doubled dies display a clear, separated doubling of letters or numbers, rather than a smeared appearance. Re-punched mint marks (RPMs) show a faint, underlying second mint mark struck in a slightly different position.

Off-center strikes occur when the coin blank is not perfectly centered, resulting in a missing design portion and a blank curved area. Wrong planchet errors happen when a coin is struck on a blank for a different denomination, such as a dime blank, leading to an incorrect size and weight. Use a jeweler’s loupe or magnifying glass to observe these details.

Determining Condition and Value

Once a valuable penny is identified, assess its condition and worth. Coin condition is described using a grading scale from 1 to 70, where 1 signifies heavy wear and 70 represents a perfect, uncirculated coin. Terms like “Good” (G), “Fine” (F), “Extremely Fine” (EF or XF), and “Uncirculated” (Unc or MS) categorize a coin’s wear. A coin’s grade correlates with its market value; higher-grade coins command higher prices.

To estimate value, consult reputable coin price guides. Resources like the “Red Book” (A Guide Book of United States Coins) or online guides from PCGS and NGC provide estimated values based on the coin’s date, mint mark, and grade. Guides offer a range of values. For high-value pennies, seek a professional numismatist or coin dealer for an accurate appraisal.

Safeguarding and Next Steps

Proper handling and storage preserve a penny’s value. Always hold coins by their edges to avoid transferring oils and dirt, which can damage the surface. Cleaning a coin, even if dirty, is discouraged, as it diminishes its value.

For long-term storage, use non-PVC (polyvinyl chloride) coin flips or hard plastic slabs, as PVC can degrade and harm the surface. Store coins in a cool, dry environment to prevent environmental damage. If selling a valuable penny, reputable coin dealers, auction houses, or online marketplaces are safe avenues.

For high-value coins, professional grading services like PCGS or NGC provide authentication and an official grade. This enhances marketability. These services encapsulate the coin in a sealed holder with its grade, offering protection and a recognized standard of quality.