While most pennies are only worth a cent, some rare Lincoln pennies are commanding six-figure prices from eager collectors. These extraordinary coins aren’t just old—they’re rare due to minting errors, low production numbers, or historical significance. Some have sold for over $210,000 at auction. If you have a jar of spare change or inherited a coin collection, you might want to look closely. Here are five Lincoln pennies that could make you rich.
1. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny
In 1943, pennies were supposed to be made of steel to conserve copper for World War II. However, a few were accidentally struck on bronze planchets from 1942. These rare 1943 bronze cents have sold for up to $250,000, making them one of the most valuable Lincoln pennies ever.
2. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
This penny marks the first year of the Lincoln cent and features the initials “VDB” of designer Victor David Brenner. Only 484,000 were minted in San Francisco before the initials were removed, making it a key date. A high-grade 1909-S VDB penny can sell for over $100,000.
3. 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny
A striking error during production caused the date and lettering on this penny to appear doubled. This dramatic visual error is one of the most famous in U.S. coin history. Depending on condition, these can fetch $15,000 to over $50,000.
4. 1922 No D Lincoln Penny
In 1922, all Lincoln cents were minted in Denver, but a die polishing error caused some to be struck without a visible “D” mint mark. These “No D” pennies are rare, and well-preserved examples can reach $10,000 to $30,000 in value.
5. 1914-D Lincoln Penny
With only 1.2 million made, the 1914-D (Denver mint) penny is one of the lowest mintage coins in the Lincoln Wheat series. Highly sought after by collectors, it can sell for $2,000 to $50,000, depending on grade and color.
Your Pennies Might Be Priceless
If you’ve got old pennies in a drawer or inherited a coin collection, you could be holding a small fortune. These five Lincoln cents stand out in the numismatic world and can be worth well over $210,000 combined. Get them checked by a professional grader—your pocket change could turn into a life-changing payday.
FAQ’s:
1. How can I tell if my penny is valuable?
Check the mint year, mint mark, and condition. Rarity, historical context, and errors play a major role in value.
2. Where can I get my penny appraised?
You can send it to trusted grading services like PCGS or NGC, or consult a local coin dealer for an initial assessment.
3. Are error pennies really worth that much?
Yes, especially well-known errors like the 1955 double die or 1943 bronze cent. Condition and authenticity are key.
4. Should I clean my old coins?
No—cleaning can lower the coin’s value. Leave the coin in its original state.
5. Can I sell rare pennies online?
Yes, platforms like eBay, Heritage Auctions, and certified coin dealers offer ways to safely sell rare coins.