Who would have thought that a humble penny could be worth the price of a luxury car—or even a house? Coin collecting has a way of turning ordinary change into extraordinary treasures. Thanks to history, minting quirks, and sheer luck, a handful of Lincoln cents from the 20th century have become some of the most valuable coins in the United States. If you’ve got old pennies tucked away, it might be time to take a closer look.
1. 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Penny – The First-Year Icon
- Mint: San Francisco
- Why it’s valuable: Only 484,000 were minted with designer Victor David Brenner’s initials before they were removed.
- Value: $800–$2,000 (Fine), $5,000–$10,000+ (Mint State)
2. 1914-D Lincoln Wheat Penny – Denver Rarity
- Mint: Denver
- Why it’s valuable: Limited mintage of 1.1 million; high-grade coins are rare.
- Value: $200–$120,000
3. 1922 “No D” Penny – The Vanishing Mintmark
- Mint: Denver
- Why it’s valuable: Some 1922 pennies were struck without the “D” mint mark due to a worn die.
- Value: $500–$15,000+
4. 1931-S Lincoln Penny – Depression-Era Survivor
- Mint: San Francisco
- Why it’s valuable: Only 866,000 were minted during the Great Depression.
- Value: $100–$2,000+
5. 1943 Copper Wheat Penny – The One-Cent Millionaire
- Mint: All Mints
- Why it’s valuable: Most 1943 pennies were steel, but a few copper planchets survived.
- Value: $100,000–$1.7 million
6. 1944 Steel Wheat Penny – The War-Era Error
- Mint: All Mints
- Why it’s valuable: Steel blanks from 1943 accidentally struck in 1944.
- Value: $50,000–$200,000
7. 1955 Double Die Obverse – The “Drunk Text” Penny
- Mint: Philadelphia
- Why it’s valuable: Dramatic doubling on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
- Value: $1,500–$25,000+
8. 1969-S Double Die – Collector’s Modern Treasure
- Mint: San Francisco
- Why it’s valuable: Bold doubling; fewer than 100 examples exist.
- Value: $20,000–$60,000+
9. 1972 Double Die – The 1970s Gem
- Mint: Philadelphia
- Why it’s valuable: Clear doubling on date and letters; occasionally found in circulation.
- Value: $200–$1,200+
10. 1983 Double Die Reverse – Reagan-Era Rarity
- Mint: Philadelphia
- Why it’s valuable: Doubling on “ONE CENT” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
- Value: $150–$500+
11. 1992 Close AM Penny – Subtle but Profitable
- Mint: Philadelphia or Denver
- Why it’s valuable: Letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” nearly touch, a subtle but prized error.
- Value: $500–$5,000
Quick Reference Table
| Year | Variety | Mint | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1909 | S V.D.B. | San Francisco | $800–$10,000+ |
| 1914 | D | Denver | $200–$120,000 |
| 1922 | No D | Denver | $500–$15,000+ |
| 1931 | S | San Francisco | $100–$2,000+ |
| 1943 | Copper | All Mints | $100,000–$1.7M |
| 1944 | Steel | All Mints | $50,000–$200,000 |
| 1955 | Double Die | Philadelphia | $1,500–$25,000 |
| 1969 | S Double Die | San Francisco | $20,000–$60,000 |
| 1972 | Double Die | Philadelphia | $200–$1,200 |
| 1983 | Double Die Reverse | Philadelphia | $150–$500 |
| 1992 | Close AM | Philadelphia/Denver | $500–$5,000 |
How to Check Your Pennies
- Inspect: Use a magnifier or coin app to examine dates, mint marks, and letters.
- Do Not Clean: Cleaning can destroy the coin’s natural patina and significantly reduce value.
- Weigh: Example: a 1943 copper penny should weigh 3.11 grams, not 2.7 grams like steel.
- Authenticate: Submit to PCGS or NGC for professional grading.
FAQs
Are 1940s–50s wheat pennies valuable?
Most are worth a few cents, but rare dates or errors can reach thousands.
Where’s the best place to sell rare pennies?
Major auction houses like Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, or GreatCollections.
Can I find rare pennies in pocket change?
Occasionally—especially 1955 DD or 1972 DD examples.
Should I clean my old penny before selling?
Never. Cleaning can cut the value by up to 80%.
How do I verify authenticity?
Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC ensure accurate valuation.
Conclusion
These 11 Lincoln pennies show that even the smallest coins can hold incredible value. Whether you’re a collector, investor, or just curious about hidden treasures, examining your old change could reveal a fortune hiding in plain sight. Handle carefully, authenticate professionally, and you could be sitting on a valuable piece of history.