Pennies might seem like pocket change, but some are worth thousands—or even millions—of dollars!
While most one-cent coins are common, a few rare pennies have skyrocketed in value due to mistakes, low production numbers, or historical significance.
If you’re a collector or just curious, check out these 15 rare and valuable U.S. pennies that could be worth a fortune!
1943 Copper Penny
Most 1943 pennies were made of steel because copper was needed for World War II. However, a few pennies were accidentally struck in copper instead. Only about 20 of these rare coins exist, and one sold for over $1.7 million at auction!
1909-S VDB Penny
This coin features the initials “VDB” for its designer, Victor David Brenner, on the back. The San Francisco Mint produced only 484,000 of these coins before the initials were removed. A well-preserved 1909-S VDB penny can be worth over $100,000!
1914-D Penny
The 1914-D penny was minted in Denver, with only 1.19 million coins produced. It’s one of the rarest Lincoln pennies, and in great condition, it can sell for over $200,000!
1922 Plain Penny
Most 1922 pennies were struck in Denver (D Mintmark), but a rare mistake led to some missing the mintmark entirely. These “plain” 1922 pennies are highly valuable, with top-condition ones selling for $300,000 or more.
1877 Indian Head Penny
This is one of the rarest Indian Head pennies, with just 852,000 minted. Because so few were made, collectors are always searching for them. A well-preserved one can sell for $20,000 to $50,000.
1955 Double Die Penny
A minting mistake caused the text and numbers to appear doubled on some 1955 pennies. This error makes the coin highly collectible, and a top-quality one can sell for over $10,000.
1931-S Penny
Only 866,000 of these Lincoln pennies were produced at the San Francisco Mint, making them a key date for collectors. A well-preserved one can be worth over $50,000.
1924-S Penny
With a mintage of just 1.7 million, this penny is another rare find. In excellent condition, it can fetch over $10,000.
1911-S Indian Head Penny
This is one of the last Indian Head pennies ever made, with just 1.3 million struck at the San Francisco Mint. If you find one in high grade, it could be worth over $50,000.
2009 Lincoln Bicentennial Penny (Doubled Die)
A modern error coin, this penny features a doubled die effect on “Liberty” and the date. Even though it’s newer, rare versions can sell for over $5,000.
1923 Penny
This penny isn’t as rare as some others, but in mint condition, it can be worth over $1,000 because of its low mintage.
1910-S Indian Head Penny
The 1910-S penny had a low mintage of only 1.5 million, making it a key date for collectors. High-grade versions sell for $20,000 or more.
1908-S Indian Head Penny
This was the first Indian Head penny struck at the San Francisco Mint, making it a historic coin. Only 1.8 million were produced, and high-grade examples can sell for $50,000 or more.
1913-D Type 2 Indian Head Penny
This 1913 penny from the Denver Mint is highly sought after due to its Type 2 Buffalo Nickel design. Depending on its condition, it can be worth between $5,000 and $15,000.
1864 L Copper Penny
This rare penny features the initial “L” for designer James Longacre and was one of the first large cents made of copper. In excellent condition, it can be worth up to $15,000.
Table – 15 Most Valuable U.S. Pennies
| Coin Name | Mint | Estimated Value | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 Copper Penny | Philadelphia | $1.7 million+ | Mistakenly struck in copper instead of steel |
| 1909-S VDB Penny | San Francisco | $100,000+ | Features designer’s initials “VDB” |
| 1914-D Penny | Denver | $200,000+ | Low mintage; key date for collectors |
| 1922 Plain Penny | Denver | $300,000+ | Error coin missing mintmark |
| 1877 Indian Head Penny | Philadelphia | $20,000 – $50,000 | Lowest mintage of the Indian Head series |
| 1955 Double Die Penny | Philadelphia | $10,000+ | Notable doubling effect on text and date |
| 1931-S Penny | San Francisco | $50,000+ | One of the lowest mintage Lincoln cents |
| 1924-S Penny | San Francisco | $10,000+ | Key date Lincoln penny |
| 1911-S Indian Head Penny | San Francisco | $50,000+ | Low mintage and collector favorite |
| 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial (Doubled Die) | Various | $5,000+ | Modern error with doubling on text |
| 1923 Penny | Philadelphia | $1,000+ | Low mintage; rare in high grade |
| 1910-S Indian Head Penny | San Francisco | $20,000+ | One of the last Indian Head cents |
| 1908-S Indian Head Penny | San Francisco | $50,000+ | First “S” mint Indian Head penny |
| 1913-D Type 2 Indian Head Penny | Denver | $5,000 – $15,000 | Unique Type 2 Buffalo nickel design |
| 1864 L Copper Penny | Philadelphia | $15,000+ | Features “L” for designer James Longacre |
While most pennies are only worth a cent, these rare examples can be worth thousands—or even millions. Whether due to minting errors, low production, or historical significance, these pennies are some of the most valuable coins in U.S. history.
If you’re lucky enough to find one of these in your collection or pocket change, you might be holding a small fortune!
