Which Pennies Are Worth More Than One Cent?

Some ordinary pennies can hold a value far exceeding their one-cent face value. These seemingly common coins can be numismatic treasures, sought after by collectors for various reasons. Uncovering a valuable penny often requires a keen eye and an understanding of what distinguishes a rare find from everyday change. This article will explore the characteristics that contribute to a penny’s increased worth and guide you on how to identify and care for a potentially valuable coin.

Factors That Create Value

A penny’s value is often determined by a combination of factors, including its scarcity, the mint where it was produced, and any unique anomalies from the manufacturing process. Coins struck in limited quantities due to low mintage numbers or specific historical circumstances are inherently more desirable. These “key date” coins represent a smaller portion of the overall production, making them harder to find.

Mint marks also play a significant role in a coin’s rarity. These small letters, such as “S” for San Francisco or “D” for Denver, indicate the facility where the coin was struck. Philadelphia-minted coins typically have no mint mark. For some years, a specific mint mark might signify a lower mintage, thus increasing a coin’s value.

Minting errors, deviations from the intended design during production, can also increase a penny’s worth. Examples include “doubled dies,” where the coin’s design appears blurred or doubled due to a misaligned second impression. Other errors might involve off-center strikes, re-punched mint marks, or coins struck on the wrong metal.

A coin’s physical condition is key to its market value. Coins are graded based on wear, luster, and preservation. An “uncirculated” coin, showing no wear, commands a higher price than a heavily circulated one. Avoid cleaning coins, as this can severely damage their surface and reduce their numismatic appeal.

Identifying Specific Valuables

Several specific penny issues are valuable due to their rarity or minting errors. The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is one example, prized for its low mintage of 484,000 pieces and designer Victor David Brenner’s initials (VDB) on the reverse. To identify a genuine 1909-S VDB, look for the “S” mint mark below the date and the VDB initials between the wheat stalks; counterfeit versions often have an added “S” or altered initials.

The 1943 Copper Penny is rare because most pennies that year were zinc-coated steel to conserve copper for World War II. Only a small number were accidentally struck on bronze planchets from 1942. Test this coin with a magnet; genuine 1943 copper pennies are not magnetic, unlike the common steel ones. Authentic copper examples weigh around 3.11 grams, contrasting with 2.7 grams for steel.

The 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent is a prominent error coin with clear doubling on the date, “LIBERTY,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” This error occurred when the working die was misaligned during a second impression. The doubling is strong enough to be seen without magnification.

The 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent also shows noticeable doubling on the date and the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Distinguish this from “machine doubling,” which is less pronounced and adds no significant value. For the 1969-S Doubled Die, doubling on the “S” mint mark itself will not be present.

Another valuable variety is the 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent, distinguishable from its common “large date” counterpart by the size and alignment of the date numerals. On the small date, the “7” is relatively level with other digits, and the “9” often has a tail that tapers to a point and curves slightly higher.

Finally, the 1982 Small Date Copper Penny is a notable transitional error. In 1982, the U.S. Mint changed the penny’s composition from copper (3.11 grams) to copper-plated zinc (2.5 grams). The rare 1982 Small Date Copper variant combines the “small date” style, with a smaller upper loop on the “8” and a curved diagonal on the “2,” with the heavier copper composition. Verifying its weight with a precise scale is essential for identification.

Assessing and Preserving Value

After identifying a potentially valuable penny, careful assessment and preservation are key. Conduct initial research using reputable online coin resources or numismatic catalogs for estimated values, understanding these are preliminary. Never clean the coin, even if it appears dirty. Cleaning can cause microscopic scratches, remove natural toning, and permanently diminish its numismatic value, often by 20-50% or more. Professional grading services assign a “details” grade to cleaned coins, significantly impacting market acceptance.

For accurate valuation, especially for highly valuable coins, professional appraisal by a recognized numismatic grading service is recommended. Organizations like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) offer authentication, grading, and encapsulation services. These services provide an independent assessment of the coin’s authenticity and condition, which builds buyer confidence.

Proper handling and storage are vital for preserving a penny’s condition and value. Always hold coins by their edges to avoid transferring oils and dirt from your skin. Store valuable pennies in archival-safe holders, such as non-PVC (polyvinyl chloride) flips, capsules, or slabs, to protect them from moisture, air, and harmful chemicals. PVC materials can degrade and leach chemicals that damage a coin’s surface. Store coins in a cool, dry environment, away from extreme temperature fluctuations or direct sunlight.