You may not think much about pennies, but some are worth more than a luxury car—or even a house. A few rare U.S. pennies have sold for as much as $500,000, and experts believe some may still be in circulation today.
That means a coin sitting in your change jar, wallet, or pocket could make you rich. But how do you know what to look for?
This article breaks down the rarest and most valuable pennies that might still be floating around in the U.S. Learn their key features and how to spot one before someone else cashes in.
The Penny That Sold for Nearly $500,000
One of the most famous and valuable pennies is the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent. In 1943, the U.S. Mint was using steel to make pennies because copper was needed for World War II supplies. But by mistake, a few 1943 pennies were still struck using bronze (copper) blanks left over from 1942.
These bronze 1943 pennies are incredibly rare. Only a handful exist from each mint location (Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Denver). One of them sold for $504,000 at auction in 2020.
Because these pennies look almost exactly like regular copper coins, it’s possible that a few are still out there, unnoticed by the public.
What Makes These Pennies Valuable?
Here are some common reasons why certain pennies can be worth thousands—or even hundreds of thousands:
- Minting Errors: Like wrong metal, doubled images, or missing details.
- Low Mintage: Coins made in small numbers are rarer and more sought after.
- Historical Significance: First-year designs or coins from important events.
- Condition: Coins in better shape (higher grade) are worth more.
- Unique Stories: Some coins were discovered in surprising ways, increasing their fame and value.
Top Pennies Worth Big Money
Here’s a list of the most valuable U.S. pennies that might still be found:
| Year & Name | Mint Mark | Metal | What Makes It Rare | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent | D/S/None | Bronze | Minted in wrong metal | $100,000–$500,000+ |
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent | S | Bronze | First Lincoln cent, low mintage | $700–$3,000+ |
| 1955 Doubled Die Penny | None | Bronze | Strong doubling on letters/numbers | $1,000–$15,000+ |
| 1922 No D Lincoln Penny | No D | Bronze | Mint mark missing due to worn die | $500–$5,000+ |
| 1972 Doubled Die Penny | None | Bronze | Doubled features on front | $300–$1,500+ |
| 1983 Doubled Die Reverse | None | Bronze | Doubling on the back of the coin | $200–$1,500+ |
How to Check Your Pennies
Want to know if your spare change is secretly worth thousands? Here’s a simple checklist:
1. Look at the Date
Focus on these years: 1909, 1922, 1943, 1955, 1972, and 1983.
2. Check for Mint Marks
Look under the date.
- “D” = Denver
- “S” = San Francisco
- No letter = Philadelphia
Some mint marks—or lack of them—can make a huge difference in value.
3. Test with a Magnet
The 1943 bronze cent won’t stick to a magnet. A normal 1943 steel penny will.
4. Use a Digital Scale
- Steel pennies weigh about 2.7 grams
- Bronze/copper pennies weigh about 3.11 grams
If your 1943 penny weighs more than 3 grams, it could be worth checking.
5. Inspect for Doubling
Look for blurry or doubled letters and numbers, especially on 1955 or 1972 coins.
6. Send to a Grading Company
If you think you’ve found a rare penny, send it to PCGS or NGC. These professional companies will grade and certify your coin.
Where to Look for Rare Pennies
Rare pennies don’t just come from old collections. People have found valuable coins in:
- Coin rolls from the bank
- Coin star reject trays
- Parking meters
- Family change jars
- Flea markets and garage sales
- Pocket change!
Real Stories: Found in the Wild
- In 2019, a 1943 bronze cent was discovered by a teenager who had saved it for years. After grading, the coin sold for over $200,000.
- One man found a 1955 doubled die penny while sorting through a bag of loose change and sold it for $1,800.
- Another lucky collector discovered a 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent in a box of coins inherited from his grandfather.
Why Are These Pennies Still Out There?
Because these coins look very similar to regular pennies, many people simply don’t know what they’re holding. Most rare pennies are only valuable to someone who knows what to look for.
That’s why coin experts believe some of these ultra-valuable coins are still in circulation, just waiting to be discovered.
Conclusion
Your next big payday might be hiding in your loose change. Rare U.S. pennies like the 1943 bronze cent, 1909-S VDB, and 1955 doubled die can be worth thousands—or even $500,000.
By learning what to look for, using a magnet, and checking key dates and details, you could be one coin away from a fortune. So, before you toss your pennies in a jar or drop them in a tip cup, take a closer look. That one cent could be life-changing.
FAQ’s
Q: Are all old pennies valuable?
A: No, only certain years, mint marks, and errors are worth big money.
Q: How do I know if my penny is rare?
A: Check the date, mint mark, weight, and look for unusual features like doubling. You can also compare it to online guides or send it to a grading company.
Q: Can I still find rare pennies in pocket change?
A: Yes! Many people have found rare pennies in everyday circulation, bank rolls, and old family coin jars.
