Imagine finding a fortune hidden in your car’s glove compartment. That’s exactly what happened to one lucky man who stumbled upon a dusty old penny while cleaning out his vehicle. To his surprise, the coin turned out to be a rare collector’s item worth over $120,000! He’s not alone—other rare pennies are hiding in homes, drawers, and pockets across the country. Here are three pennies that could make you rich.
1943 Copper Lincoln Penny
The 1943 Copper Penny is one of the most famous minting errors in U.S. history. Most pennies from that year were made of steel to conserve copper for the war. However, a few copper blanks were accidentally used. These rare coins are magnetic and can sell for over $100,000 in good condition. Finding one is like winning the coin collector’s lottery.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
This penny is highly coveted because it was part of the first Lincoln cent production. The “S” denotes the San Francisco Mint, and “VDB” are the designer’s initials, Victor David Brenner. With only 484,000 ever minted, this penny is worth thousands—often $50,000 or more in top condition. Many collectors search tirelessly for this one.
1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny
If your penny’s text looks blurry or doubled, don’t toss it—check the date! The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny is one of the most dramatic and easily recognized errors. The doubling is especially visible on the year and inscriptions. These coins can sell for $10,000 to $30,000 depending on their condition.
One man’s glove compartment turned into a treasure chest, and your pocket change might be next. These rare pennies continue to turn up in unexpected places, and if you know what to look for, you might uncover a hidden fortune too. Don’t ignore that old change—it could be worth a life-changing amount of money.
FAQ’s:
1. How can I check if my old penny is valuable?
Look for rare dates, mint marks, and obvious errors like doubling. Use a magnifying glass and consult coin value guides.
2. Are 1943 Copper Pennies still found today?
Yes, though rare, some have been discovered in jars, collections, and even random locations like glove compartments.
3. Why is the 1909-S VDB Penny so rare?
It was only minted for a short time before the design changed, making it one of the lowest mintage Lincoln cents ever.
4. Can I sell my coin without getting scammed?
Stick to certified coin dealers, grading services like PCGS or NGC, and reputable auction houses to ensure a fair price.
5. Should I clean an old penny before selling it?
No. Cleaning can lower the coin’s value significantly. Leave it in its found condition and consult an expert first.