Ever tossed a penny aside, thinking it’s worthless? You might want to take a second look. Some of the most valuable coins in the U.S. are pennies, and they’ve turned up in pocket change, junk drawers, and even old piggy banks. Two in particular — the 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny and the 1943 Copper Penny — have stunned collectors and sold for jaw-dropping amounts. Here’s what to know.
1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny
This is one of the most famous error coins in U.S. history. The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny was created when the coin die was improperly aligned, resulting in a distinct doubling of the inscriptions, especially “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The error is so visible that it doesn’t require a magnifying glass to spot.
Only about 20,000–24,000 of these coins were released before the Mint noticed the mistake, making them incredibly rare. Depending on condition, this penny can fetch $1,000 to over $30,000. High-grade, uncirculated examples have sold at auctions for even more.
1943 Copper Lincoln Penny
In 1943, during World War II, the U.S. Mint produced most pennies using steel coated with zinc to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a few copper planchets mistakenly made it into the presses. These 1943 Copper Pennies are among the rarest and most sought-after U.S. coins.
Only a few dozen genuine 1943 copper pennies exist today. If authenticated, one of these coins can sell for over $100,000 — and in some cases, close to $250,000. If you find one, you could be looking at a massive windfall.
Look Before You Spend
These pennies are hiding in plain sight — and one could be sitting in your spare change. Whether it’s the doubled features of the 1955 Lincoln Penny or the unexpected metal of the 1943 Copper Penny, these coins show that everyday change can carry extraordinary value. So before you spend that penny, check it carefully — you might just cash in on a life-changing discovery.
FAQ’s:
1. How do I know if I have a 1955 Doubled Die Penny?
Look for clear doubling on the date and inscriptions like “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” It’s easy to spot without magnification.
2. How rare is the 1943 Copper Penny?
Extremely rare. Only a few genuine examples are known to exist, and they are worth over $100,000.
3. Can I still find these pennies in circulation?
It’s possible but unlikely. However, they can turn up in old collections, change jars, or inherited coin rolls.
4. What should I do if I think I’ve found one?
Don’t clean it! Store it safely and have it authenticated by a professional coin grading service like PCGS or NGC.
5. Are there other valuable pennies I should watch for?
Yes! Look for coins like the 1909-S VDB and the 1922 No D Lincoln Penny, both of which are highly sought after by collectors.