Ashley Simpson
You might think your spare change is worthless—but some Lincoln pennies (rare Lincoln penny, valuable Lincoln cent) are worth hundreds of thousands, even over $350,000.
Thanks to minting errors, low-mintage issues, and historic anomalies, a single penny could transform your life. Let’s explore the rarest Lincoln cents and how to spot them.
1. 1943 Copper (Bronze) Wheat Penny
- What it is: During WWII, pennies were made from zinc-coated steel to conserve copper. A few were mistakenly struck on bronze planchets.
- Rarity: Only about 30 known examples exist
- Auction results:
- A 1943-D Bronze Cent sold for $840,000
- A Philadelphia bronze 1943 wheat penny fetched $372,000
- Another sold for $348,000—just over the $350K mark
2. 1943‑S Bronze Cent
- Minted at: San Francisco.
- Status: Also struck on bronze by mistake.
- Top sale: $504,000
3. 1944‑S Steel Cent
- What happened: After copper resumed in 1944, a few steel planchets used accidentally.
- Rarity: Possibly just one uncirculated example.
- Value: Sold for $373,750
4. 1909‑S VDB Wheat Penny
- Background: Designed by Victor David Brenner—the large initials (“VDB”) triggered controversy. Only 484,000 minted
- Why it’s valuable: Short print run and unique design.
- Values: Collected copies exceed $300,000, with some reaching $360,000+
5. 1955 Double‑Die Obverse Penny
- Error: A die misalignment doubled the date and letters.
- Mintage: Estimated 20,000–24,000 released
- Value: Well-preserved specimens can fetch tens of thousands
Quick-Reference of Rare Lincoln Pennies
| Year/Mint | Error/Reason | Estimated Known | Notable Auction |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943‑D Bronze | Bronze instead of steel | ~1 | $840,000 |
| 1943‑S Bronze | San Francisco bronze error | Few examples | $504,000 |
| 1943 Philadelphia Bronze | Bronze instead of steel | ~20 | $372,000 |
| 1943 Bronze (misc.) | Bronze wrong-planchet | ~10–15 | $348,000 |
| 1944‑S Steel | Steel after copper resumed | 1–2 | $373,750 |
| 1909‑S VDB | Low-mintage, controversial design | 484,000 | $360,000+ |
| 1955 Double‑Die | Misaligned die doubling | 20,000–24,000 | $10k+ |
How to Check Your Penny
- Weigh it: Bronze pennies are heavier than steel.
- Use a strong magnet: Steel cents stick; bronze don’t
- Inspect mintmarks: Look for “D” or “S” under the date.
- Look for doubling: On the date or words like “LIBERTY,” especially for 1955 varieties
- Professional grading: If you suspect a valuable error, submit it for grading and authentication.
It’s astonishing, but true: your everyday Lincoln penny could easily be worth more than $350,000 if it’s one of the rare error or low‑mintage varieties.
Start with 1943 bronze cents, 1909‑S VDB, or 1955 double‑die types. Carefully inspect for anomalies, validate with precision tools, and consult grading services. Hidden treasures often lie in the most ordinary places—right in your pocket.
FAQs
Could a normal penny from “my pocket” really be worth over $350K?
Yes—error pennies like the 1943 bronze varieties or 1909‑S VDB have sold for $348K–$840K, well above $350K.
How rare are 1943 bronze pennies?
Only 30 or so are known, making them extremely scarce and highly collectible
What’s the best way to identify a double‑die penny?
Examine the date and lettering under magnification. Doubling appears as overlapping or shadowed lines, particularly in “1955,” “LIBERTY,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”