Many people don’t realize that some common-looking pennies and coins could be worth a lot of money. From coins with rare errors to unique designs, these valuable coins are still circulating in the U.S., waiting to be discovered. Let’s look at nine of the most valuable coins that might just show up in your pocket change.
1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny
One of the most famous coins in U.S. history, the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny was minted by mistake. While most pennies in 1943 were made from steel due to a copper shortage, a few were accidentally struck on bronze planchets (coin blanks). This rare error has made the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny worth over $300,000!
1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
Another valuable coin is the 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent. This penny has a unique error called “doubling,” where the words on the front appear twice. This mistake makes it a favorite among collectors, and some of these pennies can fetch prices of $50,000 or more.
1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
Like the 1955 coin, the 1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Cent has a doubling effect on its front design. The letters and numbers look as though they are printed twice. This rare penny, especially those in good condition, can be worth up to $40,000!
1972 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
The 1972 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent also shows doubling on the front, particularly on the words “In God We Trust.” This error makes it highly sought after, with some examples selling for over $1,000.
9 Valuable Coins Still in Circulation
| Coin Name | Year of Mint | Estimated Value | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny | 1943 | $300,000+ | Bronze error |
| 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent | 1955 | $50,000+ | Doubled obverse |
| 1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Cent | 1969 | $40,000+ | Doubled inscription |
| 1972 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent | 1972 | $1,000+ | Doubling on obverse |
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent | 1909 | $100,000+ | Initials on coin |
| 1914-D Lincoln Cent | 1914 | $75,000+ | Minted in Denver |
| 1922 No D Lincoln Cent | 1922 | $30,000+ | Missing mintmark |
| 1877 Indian Head Penny | 1877 | $10,000+ | Limited mintage |
| 1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent | 1992 | $1,000+ | Close “AM” on the reverse |
1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is notable as the first U.S. coin featuring a president. It also has the initials “VDB” of its designer, Victor David Brenner. Only a limited number were made in 1909, making this penny worth over $100,000 today.
1914-D Lincoln Cent
Another rare penny, the 1914-D Lincoln Cent was minted in Denver and had a very low production run. Its rarity has made it popular with collectors, with some coins valued at up to $75,000.
1922 No D Lincoln Cent
The 1922 No D Lincoln Cent is special because it lacks the usual “D” mintmark for Denver, where it was struck. This missing mintmark was an error, and it has increased this penny’s value to around $30,000.
1877 Indian Head Penny
Considered one of the rarest pennies, the 1877 Indian Head Penny had a limited mintage. This scarcity, combined with its age, makes it worth a lot—sometimes upwards of $10,000.
1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent
The 1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent looks almost like a regular penny, but there’s a small difference: the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” are close together. This minor detail makes this coin rare, with values going up to $1,000.
Conclusion
Finding one of these valuable coins is like uncovering a hidden treasure. Each coin tells a unique story, from minting errors to rare designs, and their values have skyrocketed over time. Checking your change carefully could be worth it—you might be holding a piece of history worth thousands of dollars!
FAQ’s
How can I tell if I have a valuable penny?
Look for unique markings, errors like doubling, or unusual designs. You can also check a coin’s year and mintmark, as some specific combinations are rare.
Are all old pennies valuable?
Not necessarily. While some older coins are valuable, most common pennies are worth only their face value unless they have rare features or errors.
Where can I sell valuable coins?
You can sell valuable coins at coin shops, online auction sites, or through coin-collecting forums. Always get an appraisal first to ensure you know your coin’s value.