Top 10 Rare Pennies That Might Be Worth Hundreds of Dollars – Check If You Have One

Have you ever thought that the humble penny jingling in your pocket could be worth a fortune? For coin lovers and collectors alike, certain rare pennies hold incredible value, transforming ordinary change into highly sought-after collectibles.

Let’s take a fun, eye-opening tour through ten of the most valuable and rare pennies that might just be hiding in plain sight.

Bronze

The legendary 1943 bronze penny is one of the rarest and most valuable U.S. coins. During World War II, the U.S. Mint used steel instead of copper to save materials for the war effort. But a few bronze blanks accidentally made their way through.

The result? A highly rare and valuable coin. Some of these have sold for over $300,000. So, if you find a brown-colored 1943 penny, it could change your life.

This Lincoln Cent Could Be Worth $40,000 – And It Might Still Be in Your Pocket

Double

One of the most famous minting mistakes is the 1955 double die penny. A misaligned die caused the date and lettering to appear doubled—super visible to the naked eye.

Because of this bold error, collectors are always hunting for it. Depending on its condition, it can go for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

VDB

The 1909-S VDB penny is the first Lincoln cent ever made, and it has a story to tell. The “VDB” initials on the back stand for Victor David Brenner, the designer. Because only a small number were minted in San Francisco with the VDB initials, this coin is extremely valuable. Top-condition pieces can sell for several thousand dollars.

Copper

The 1943 copper penny is often confused with the bronze one but is just as rare. Most 1943 pennies were steel, but a few were accidentally minted on leftover copper blanks. These are so rare that they can fetch more than $200,000 in auctions. If your 1943 penny doesn’t stick to a magnet, you might have something special.

Rare Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $282,000 – Still Circulating Today

Close

The 1992 close AM penny is a modern rarity. On the reverse, the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” are spaced unusually close together. It’s a tiny detail but a big deal to collectors. These coins can bring in hundreds of dollars, proving that even newer pennies deserve a second look.

1972

Another famous minting error, the 1972 double die penny shows strong doubling on the date and lettering. High-grade versions of this error can be worth several hundred dollars or more. It’s one of those coins that’s fairly easy to spot and always in demand.

Wisconsin

Though technically a state quarter error, the 2004-D Wisconsin extra leaf coin is often lumped into the penny conversation due to its popularity. This oddity features an extra leaf on the corn husk and comes in two versions: low leaf and high leaf. Depending on which you find, it could be worth $300 or more.

1983

The 1983 double die penny features visible doubling on the lettering on the obverse side. Like other error coins, collectors love these anomalies. In top condition, they can fetch hundreds of dollars and make a quirky addition to any modern coin collection.

This Lincoln Wheat Penny Could Be Worth $55,000 – Check Your Change

1958 double die penny

The 1958 double die penny is extremely rare—fewer than three confirmed examples exist. That kind of scarcity makes it one of the holy grails of U.S. coins. If one ever pops up, it could be worth tens of thousands of dollars, if not more.

1914-D Lincoln penny

The 1914-D Lincoln penny is a classic rarity with a low mintage from the Denver Mint. Because of its age and limited production, it’s a favorite among Lincoln cent collectors. Depending on its condition, it can be worth anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

Here’s a quick table to recap:

So, the next time you’re sorting through your pocket change or that old coffee can of coins in your attic, take a closer look. That unassuming penny might just be your ticket to a small fortune—or at the very least, a pretty cool story.

FAQs