You’d never think that an ordinary penny could hold a secret worth over $100,000, but that’s exactly what happened with a rare penny once used as a bookmark. Many of us have tossed pennies in drawers or used them for makeshift bookmarks, not realizing that such seemingly insignificant actions could lead to a hidden fortune. In the world of coin collecting, even the most humble coins can carry enormous value. Let’s explore which pennies are worth big money, and why this particular penny was worth an astounding $126,800.
1943 Copper Lincoln Penny
One of the most sought-after pennies, and the reason why this coin fetched such a high price, is the 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny. During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to steel for pennies due to the war effort, but a few copper pennies from 1942 accidentally made their way into the production process. These 1943 copper pennies are incredibly rare and can sell for over $1 million if in mint condition. The fact that this penny was used as a bookmark only adds to its backstory, making it even more intriguing to collectors.
1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny
Another rare coin that could be worth a small fortune is the 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny. This coin became famous because of a minting error, where the die was misaligned, causing the word “LIBERTY” and the date “1955” to appear twice. This doubling error makes the coin incredibly valuable, with some selling for as much as $300,000 depending on its condition. Although this coin was also used as a bookmark, its error makes it an even more coveted piece for serious collectors.
1972 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny
Similar to the 1955 Doubled Die, the 1972 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny is another rare find in circulation. The doubling error on the lettering and date makes this penny stand out to coin collectors. Although it may not be as valuable as the 1955 version, it can still fetch a pretty penny – anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000. Finding a 1972 penny with doubling on the “LIBERTY” or “IN GOD WE TRUST” could be a surprising windfall for anyone who stumbles upon it.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny is one of the most famous and valuable pennies ever minted. It is particularly sought after because of its rarity and historical significance. The VDB refers to the initials of the designer, Victor David Brenner, and because these initials were initially omitted from the first run, only a small number of these coins were released with them. This rare penny can sell for up to $100,000 depending on its condition. Even if this penny was used in a less-than-ideal setting, its value remains extraordinarily high.
The penny that was used as a bookmark may have appeared to be just another coin to its owner, but in the world of coin collecting, it turned out to be a hidden gem worth $126,800. Whether it’s a 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny, 1955 Doubled Die, 1972 Doubled Die, or 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny, there are countless pennies out there that are worth far more than their face value. Before you discard that old penny or use it for something trivial, make sure you know its potential value.
FAQ’s:
1. How can I tell if my penny is valuable?
Look for minting errors such as doubling, unusual markings, or rare years like 1943 Copper, 1955 Doubled Die, and 1909-S VDB. Also, the coin’s condition can play a significant role in its value.
2. Is the 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny the most valuable penny?
Yes, the 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny is considered the rarest and most valuable penny, with some coins selling for over $1 million at auctions.
3. Why is the 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny so valuable?
The 1955 Doubled Die is valuable due to a misalignment error during the minting process, which caused the date and lettering to appear twice, making it a rare and desirable coin for collectors.
4. Should I clean my rare pennies before selling them?
No, cleaning rare pennies is not recommended, as it can decrease their value. Keep them in original condition and seek professional grading.
5. How can I sell my rare pennies?
You can sell rare pennies by taking them to a trusted coin dealer or a professional auction house. It’s a good idea to have the coin graded by a certified grading service to ensure authenticity and accurate value.